Replace the rear differential fluid in a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD to maintain proper lubrication and extend component life.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (if cover removal required) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-30 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If vehicle was recently driven, allow differential to cool for 30 minutes
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and clean drain plug
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the rear differential housing (driver side, rear-facing). Use a wire brush to clean around the drain plug area to prevent contamination when opened.
2. 2

   Drain differential fluid
   Position drain pan directly under drain plug. Using appropriate socket, slowly loosen drain plug. Once loose, quickly remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely. This may take 5-10 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal shavings or abnormal debris.
   ⚠Fluid may be warm and will flow quickly once plug is removed. Keep hands clear of stream.
3. 3

   Clean and inspect drain plug
   Wipe drain plug clean with shop rag. Inspect plug threads and magnetic tip (if equipped) for damage or excessive metal debris. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug. Install new crush washer onto drain plug.
4. 4

   Reinstall drain plug
   Thread drain plug by hand into differential housing to ensure threads engage properly. Once seated, tighten drain plug to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Locate fill plug
   Locate the fill plug on the rear cover of the differential housing (typically on passenger side of cover, mid-height). Clean area around fill plug with wire brush and shop rag.
6. 6

   Remove fill plug and add fluid
   Remove fill plug using appropriate socket. Insert fluid transfer pump or squeeze bottle nozzle into fill hole. Slowly add Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil until fluid begins to drip from fill hole. The differential is full when fluid reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole (approximately 2.0 quarts).
   ℹ️Use only Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil. Do not substitute with front differential fluid (75W-90) or other specifications.
7. 7

   Reinstall fill plug
   Wipe fill plug threads clean. Thread fill plug by hand into housing, then tighten to specification using torque wrench. Wipe away any spilled fluid from differential housing.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect for leaks
   Visually inspect both drain plug and fill plug for signs of leakage. Wipe area clean and observe for several minutes. Check that both plugs are properly torqued.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands. Slowly lower vehicle to ground. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Dispose of used differential fluid properly at recycling center or auto parts store
2. Record mileage and date of service for maintenance records

Verification

• Start engine and let idle for 1-2 minutes, then shut off
• Re-inspect drain and fill plugs for any signs of seepage or leakage
• Test drive vehicle briefly and listen for abnormal noises from rear differential
• After test drive, perform final inspection underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks

More procedures for this vehicle