Front/Rear Axle Fluid Change Intervals???

[Buffalo]

Have any of you guys noticed that the Schedule B recommends changing the gear oil every 15,000 miles? Schedule A doesn't recommend any changes, at all.



I called AA and was told that they thought the first change was somewhat critical but, after that you could probably go 50,000 miles, considering the recommended gear oil is a synthetic. They suggested DC was just trying to sell lots of expensive gear oil!!!



I have a friend with a Duramax with AA axles and they don't recommend 15,000 mile changes.



Do you guys have any thoughts about the 15,000 mile intervals?



Thanks.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Bob4x4]

Joe,

From all the aa's I have looked at I would not go beyond 15k for the rear. I would add the Mag Hytec cover Haven't seen ya in a while.



Bob

 

[rbattelle]

Well, here's my thoughts. I changed at 15k, 30k, and will again at 45k and probably 60k. Fluid looked excellent on the previous 2 changes. I figure I will continue to follow the 15k interval just in case an axle grenades and I need the 7/70 powertrain warranty (assuming my aftermarket headache rack doesn't void the axle warranty).



After 60k, assuming the fluid looks good, I'll probably go to a 30k change interval. I was interested in what AA had to say about it.



-Ryan

 

[BSkinner]

I'm ashamed to admit I waited until 26,000 miles to change my axle fluid. I don't tow and my truck has a pretty easy life so I didn't think I needed to change at 15,000 miles. The rear axle lube was filthy and I was pretty mad at myself when I drained it. The front axle fluid looked new. So, I recommend to change at 15,000 the first time just to establish a base line. I'll change my rear diff fluid twice for every time I change the front.



Bob

 

[Big_H316]

I religiously weigh in the area of 20-25,000 lbs going down the highway. I finally sprung for a 5-gal pail of Chevron 75-90 synthetic gear oil at 100,000 miles. When I pulled both diff covers the fluid was as clear as the day is long. I mixed the new (50-50) with Lucas synthetic gear lube and 66,000 miles later it is still just like new. In my line of work it would cost both arms and both legs to change the fluid every 15k. When i'm busy I'm running 10,000-12,000 miles a month. Unless something is wrong with the diff setups from the factory I'd say a change every 75k would be fine.

 

[rholcom2]

Well, I am at 150K, suppose I should change mine now, LOL.

 

[DWMeyer]

Mine is new but as with all of my trucks I will be putting the Royal Purple in both the front and the rear very soon---I sleep better at night with it in!

 

[opiefire]

My Dealer quoted me $125. 00 per axle to change the fluid. That seems like alot of money to me. How much is the fluid, and gasket if I were to change it myself? What does it take to change the fluid in the front and rear axle?

 

[cyborg]

My Dealer quoted me $125. 00 per axle to change the fluid.

And they wonder why dealers get a bad rep.



I would say if you have a LSD change it more often, but 15k?

 

[Bob4x4]

That $125 for the diff service is not that bad for synthetic fluid and labor. The gaskets on the American axle is reuseable. We are pretty close to $100/hour here in California. The front axle can run 2-3 times farther than the rear with no worrys.



Bob

 

[Big_H316]

I bought a 5-gal pail of 75-90 synthetic for about $150. That will last the life of your truck... trust me. A hundred bucks per axle is outrageous to me but then again I like to do the work myself. The gasket is a rubber o-ring type so yes it is reusable. I mixed my fluid with half Lucas synthetic gear oil and have had no trouble with only one change and 167,000 on the ticker.