Diff service question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 86
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Diff service question
I am planning on changing the lube in my limited slip diff. I am going to go with the suction method through the filler hole. Since this method is not likely to remove all the fluid I was wondering what the downside would be if I happen to end up with more friction modifier in the diff than is neccessary when I put the new lube in? What is the result of having too much friction modifiers? I am planning on putting in the proper amount but like I said I expect that there will be a certain amount of original lube left in the diff.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: Denver
The little bit of oil and friction modifier left behind won't be a problem as long as you do a reasonably good job of getting the old oil out. BTW, Ford recommends synthetic fluid for l/s diffs, and I think that's a great idea since you don't have to change it as often.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I also agree with pulling the cover. Gives you a great chance to peak inside and see what's going on, PLUS, you get to clean off the magnet on the cover (and you'll be suprised how much crap builds up on it).
Sucking the fluid out is a PITA, I "helped" a friend of mine with a '96 do his (ok ok...I watched...), it seemed to take him forever. Pulling the cover on mine was so much easier...8 bolts out, loosen the top two, crack it open, let it drain, let it drip, remove top two, remove cover, clean cover and magnet, suck the trapped fluid in bottom out, seal cover, replace cover, torque to spec. Wait overnight, fill with fluid.
GET A HOSE to fill!!! I tried jamming the little bottles in, they get stuck between the driveshaft and gas tank. You need a hose to do it properly.
A little too much friction modifier won't hurt badly...get the proportions correct and you'll be alright. Remember to add the friction modifier first and then the fluid. Hard to add modifier if you fill the fluid until it spills out...
Sucking the fluid out is a PITA, I "helped" a friend of mine with a '96 do his (ok ok...I watched...), it seemed to take him forever. Pulling the cover on mine was so much easier...8 bolts out, loosen the top two, crack it open, let it drain, let it drip, remove top two, remove cover, clean cover and magnet, suck the trapped fluid in bottom out, seal cover, replace cover, torque to spec. Wait overnight, fill with fluid.
GET A HOSE to fill!!! I tried jamming the little bottles in, they get stuck between the driveshaft and gas tank. You need a hose to do it properly.
A little too much friction modifier won't hurt badly...get the proportions correct and you'll be alright. Remember to add the friction modifier first and then the fluid. Hard to add modifier if you fill the fluid until it spills out...
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: northern Illinois
I agree that pulling the cover is a much better way to go about this process. You will get all of the fluid out, which will eliminate the problem you are asking about. Also you will be able to clean a lot more of the nasyness out. It's realy simple too. Just unbolt the cover. Leave one or two bolts in but loose at the top. pull the bottom of the cover out a little with a drain pan under it. let the fluid flow out then remove the last bolts and pull the cover off. Wipe out the last bits of sludge from the bottom of the case and off of the cover. Scrape the old silicone off. Clean the mating surfaces with brakleen or alcohol. Apply a bead of silicone around the cover and bolt it back on. Refill, and you are off and running again. It should take less than an hour, and you know it's all clean and nice inside.
