Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Drain Pan
Ratchet/Sockets
Rear Differential Fluid
Hand Pump
Crush Washers (if needed)
Differential Cover Plate Gasket
Flathead Screwdriver (if needed)
Procedures will vary slightly from one vehicle to the next, so be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. You’ll need to know the specific type of differential fluid recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, as well as the amount. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Two Plug Differential Draining
First, park on a level surface to ensure you’re able to drain the differential completely. In some cases you may need to raise the back end of your vehicle and support it with jack stands.
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Do It Right: Drive your vehicle for a few minutes, so the fluid will warm up and drain more easily. |
If your differential has both a drain plug and a fill plug your first step is to remove the two plugs with your ratchet and socket. In some models, there’s only one plug, and the old fluid must be drawn out with a hand pump. Our Toyota has two plugs, and the top plug is the fill plug. Remove this plug first.
Use penetrating oil to get through any rust or grime that’s keeping the plug from loosening. You may need a breaker bar if the plug is difficult to remove.
Next, put a drain pan in place and remove the drain plug at the bottom, letting the fluid run into the pan. The drain plug is magnetic, so wipe off any small metal fragments.
Let the fluid drain into the pan.
Step 2: One Plug (with plate) Differential Draining
Once the fluid is drained, if your drain plug has a crush washer, replace it with a new one. Now, tighten the drain plug back into place according to the torque specifications provided in your vehicle’s manual.
Step 2: One Plug (with plate) Differential Draining
If your differential only has a fill plug you’ll have to either draw the old fluid out with your pump or remove the differential cover plate to make sure the differential is completely drained.
If you need to remove the differential cover plate, put your drain pan in place and remove the fill plug.
Remove all the bolts holding the cover in place and detach the cover. You may need a flat head screwdriver to pry the cover off.
Drain all the old fluid from the differential.
Step 3: Replace Old Gaskets and Differential Cover
Thoroughly clean the surface where the gasket will sit.
Thoroughly clean the rear differential cover before placing it back on the vehicle.
Install a new differential cover gasket. Use sealant when you install the gasket for the best possible seal.
Now you can bolt the cover back on. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern, being sure to torque them to manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 4: Fill Differential With New Fluid
Use your hand pump to fill the differential. Stop filling when the fluid is just shy of the fill plug.
Replace the crush washer with a new one if your fill plug has one, and tighten it back into place.
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Do It Right: Since differential fluid can stain easily, be sure to quickly clean up any fluid that you spilled during the process. |
