Diffferential routine service...

[Bluebird]

What is the routine service interval for changing the differential oil? In my D/C manual on page 0-25 it reads: "Peridic axle lubricant change for normal vehicle operation is not nessary. " Does any one know what is a good time to change the diff oil? When I changed my rear axle seals (some months ago, left then right) I noticed some metal specks in the oil that ran out the axles. Thanks in advance for any experience and recommedations



Patrick

 

[Flexiheep]

For better or worse I have always done a one year interval on my axles, tcase and transmission. That is about 20K give or take for me, but I figure its cheap, what the hey. Everything still looks new inside my parts and I use good old dino oil I think recomeded is usually around 30-36K maybe.....

 

[Case500D]

Patrick,



I would say that every 15-20K is a good service interval. If the oil isn't changed, it seems as though the average Dana 70 life is 150-175K. Been through both of my trucks now (with Philip's help) and it is much easier to change oil than it is bearings.



Jeremy

 

[dpuckett]

Bluebird-

Sounds like you were a little too late- metal specs are either a clutch from the LSD, or you haev thrown a carrier shim. No fun, either way, and it is the only thing I wont do myself- I have a shop in ColoSpgs I take them to.



I change my diff fluid every 20-25K. Oil is cheap. Right now, I am running Mobil 1 75-90; and Rotella 5-40 in the transmission, with a qt of Lucas oil stablizer. I skipped the Lucas last change, and it was noisier than with it. No difference in shifting, just more gear noise. I do the transmission every 3rd oil change or ~15K.



Daniel

 

[dan brooks]

I change the diff fluid at least once a year, usually before a long trip. Doing this caught a problem early: I spun a bearing on the carrier, destroying a couple shims. Catching it early prevented damage to the ring and pinion, and I was able to save the diff by installing new bearings using Catipillar "bearing mount" (like a strong Loctite) and resetting the backlash.



On the Jeep, I may do it a few times a year, depending on the trails I run. I always check the fluids carefully after any deep water crossings and change it if it looks like even the slightest amount of water made it inside.

 

[Bluebird]

Thanks for the great replys, I'll be crawling under the truck this weekend. Oh, I hope it's not too late!

Patrick.

 

[EZGZ]

Replace with 75-90w full synthetic.



Less heat build up which makes seals last longer. The additives can sometimes soften up damaged seals. If it does leak it is not from changing to synthetic it is because the damage has already gone to far.



Limited slip clutches do break down and you need to get that junk out of there.



As far as changing goes. Do what feels right to you.