How Often Should You have the Differential Fluid Changed in Your Chevrolet? Generally speaking, differential fluid should be changed anywhere from every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles .
When should I change my differential fluid?
Usually, differential fluid is changed after every 30k to 60k miles driven . This is a tough job, so must be handled by an expert technician. Only an experienced mechanic can properly wipe out the old different fluid from your vehicle’s drive-train.
What happens if you don’t change your differential fluid?
Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize , locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.
Do you ever need to change rear differential fluid?
Every once in a while your rear end needs a little help. Whether you drive a rear-, front-, or all-wheel-drive vehicle, the wheels spin by way of a differential. ... Just like engine oil, the differential fluid must be changed at regular intervals . Not quite as often, but at regular intervals nonetheless.
Does changing differential fluid make a difference?
Just like an engine oil change, a differential fluid change is vital too to keep your car in good working condition. Differentials deal with moving parts that involve metal to metal contact that produces heat from friction.
How much does differential fluid change cost?
When changing the differential fluid, the overall differential fluid change cost averages between $80-$150 for the rear and $70 to $130 for the front change , coming in at a total price of between $150-$280 for the differential fluid change cost.
What are the symptoms of low differential fluid?
- Burning Smell from the Differential. When you notice a bad smell coming from your gearbox, you should take it as a sign of bad differential oil which can be contaminated hence not operating as it should be. ...
- Weird Noises. ...
- Vibrations.
How often should front and rear differential fluid be changed?
Most manufacturers recommend that the differential fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles . It is a messy job, and should be done by a licensed mechanic.
What happens when a differential fails?
Typically, when the gears wear out — or the bearings fail — the differential will start to howl . You’ll hear something that sounds like a deep whistling sound that goes up and down in pitch as you go faster and slower. Sometimes it’ll go away when you step on the gas.
Is differential fluid and gear oil the same?
Differential fluid ensures the differential stays working in peak condition for a long time. Differential oil is sometimes referred to as gear oil and is found in the axle housing. It’s designed to perform under high-pressure situations, rather than high temperatures like engine oil.
How much does it cost to fix a rear differential?
A typical rear differential repair costs anywhere between $200 and $400 . These typical repairs would include your bearing, seals, and fluid changes. Of course, when a gear change is required, that’s when things get pricey. $1,500 is just the minimum you can expect to pay for new gears.
What color should rear differential fluid be?
If you have water in your oil or differential fluid, it will be a brown color like a chocolate milkshake.
How important is rear differential fluid?
Every front or rear axle is filled with a special oil (also called differential fluid, or gear oil) that takes care of this. The differential fluid lubricates the gears, bearings and other internal parts , and provides cooling to these components as well.
What is the benefit of changing differential fluid?
If your car is fitted with a limited-slip differential, it also keeps all the moving parts in that assembly healthy. The purpose of the differential fluid is to cool and lubricate your differential . Without the oil your differential would overheat due to the metal-to-metal contact and burn itself out.
Does differential fluid go bad?
Over time, if the oil goes bad or you have a leak in your differential, metal will grind on metal and will wear down the surfaces. ... Since your differential/gear oil can go bad over time and needs to be replaced, you should be aware of the symptoms that indicate the oil needs to be changed.
