differential oil
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
differential oil
Wouldn't hurt to change. You might be able to suck out the fluid through the fill hole, but it might not be the best solution for three reasons...
1) It might be hard to get a hose snaked down in there to get all the fluid.
2) Removing the cover allows you to take a look at the magnet to see if you are getting any metal chunks.
3) You can totally empty the diff when teh cover is open and you can inspect the gears for normal wear. I use my finger to check the color and quality of fluid right at the bottom of the diff and then I use my finger to "flip" the last few drops of oil out over the lip at the edge of the case.
The lazy man's way is to pump the fluid out, and it is OK, ASSUMING that there is nothing wrong inside. The proper way is to open the cover and inspect and clean a bit while you are in there.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
1) It might be hard to get a hose snaked down in there to get all the fluid.
2) Removing the cover allows you to take a look at the magnet to see if you are getting any metal chunks.
3) You can totally empty the diff when teh cover is open and you can inspect the gears for normal wear. I use my finger to check the color and quality of fluid right at the bottom of the diff and then I use my finger to "flip" the last few drops of oil out over the lip at the edge of the case.
The lazy man's way is to pump the fluid out, and it is OK, ASSUMING that there is nothing wrong inside. The proper way is to open the cover and inspect and clean a bit while you are in there.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: -
differential oil
I agree with Jim on this one, for the rear. The front TTB (if yours is so equipped and 4x4) makes this a TERRIBLE chore. You have to remove the tires, brakes, spindle and axleshafts. Then you have to remove the driveshaft and unbolt the carrier and risk dropping a 100+ lb carrier assem on your chest. The TTB is best done with a suction hose, unless you know something is funky inside.
