Differential Service

Drain and refill the rear differential with new synthetic gear oil, replacing the drain plug washer and inspecting for metal contamination or leaks.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug washer/crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shop rags × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow differential to cool if vehicle was recently driven (minimum 30 minutes)
3. Lift vehicle using approved lift points and support securely on jack stands
4. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
5. Locate rear differential beneath center of vehicle, between rear wheels
6. Clean exterior of differential housing around fill and drain plugs to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate fill and drain plugs
   Identify the fill plug on the side of the differential housing and the drain plug on the bottom of the housing. The fill plug is typically on the driver side or rear face of the housing. Clean both plug areas thoroughly with a wire brush to remove dirt and debris.
2. 2

   Break loose fill plug first
   Using an 8mm hex socket, carefully break loose the fill plug but do NOT remove it yet. This critical step ensures you can refill the differential after draining. If the fill plug is seized or damaged, stop and address this before draining fluid.
   ⚠️If fill plug cannot be removed, DO NOT drain differential. You will be unable to refill it.
3. 3

   Position drain pan and remove drain plug
   Position drain pan directly beneath drain plug with adequate capacity for 2 quarts. Using 8mm hex socket, fully remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. This may take 10-15 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles, contamination, or burnt smell which may indicate differential problems.
   ⚠Fluid may drain with force initially. Keep hands clear of stream.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean drain plug
   Once fluid has fully drained, inspect drain plug threads and magnetic tip (if equipped) for metal particles. Small fine particles are normal; large chunks or excessive metal indicate wear. Clean drain plug threads with shop rag. Discard old crush washer and install new washer onto drain plug.
5. 5

   Reinstall drain plug
   Thread drain plug with new washer into differential housing by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque drain plug to specification using torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this may strip aluminum housing threads.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug43 Nm (32 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fill plug completely
   Fully remove the fill plug from differential housing. Wipe away any old fluid residue from fill hole area with clean shop rag.
7. 7

   Fill differential with new gear oil
   Using fluid transfer pump or bottle with flexible tube, slowly pump 75W-140 synthetic gear oil into fill hole. Fill until oil begins to drip or run out of fill hole opening. The differential is full when fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole threads. Total capacity is approximately 2.0 quarts but fill to level, not to total capacity measure.
   ℹ️Fill slowly to allow air to escape and prevent overfilling. Oil level should be at bottom edge of fill hole.
8. 8

   Reinstall fill plug
   Clean fill plug threads with shop rag. Thread fill plug into housing by hand until seated. Torque fill plug to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug43 Nm (32 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean and inspect for leaks
   Wipe down differential housing exterior with shop rag to remove any spilled gear oil. Inspect around both drain and fill plugs for signs of leakage. Check differential housing seams and axle seals for any seepage.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands using proper lifting procedures
2. Dispose of used gear oil properly at authorized recycling facility
3. Record mileage and date of service for maintenance tracking

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle briefly, then drive vehicle forward and reverse a short distance to circulate new fluid
• After test drive, re-inspect differential housing for any leaks around drain plug, fill plug, and housing seams
• Check that no fluid is dripping or seeping from any differential component
• Monitor for any new differential noises during normal driving over next 50-100 miles

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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