Changing the Differential Fluid

[IMPRMNS]

I've never done changed diff fluid before so I am going to put my pride in the backseat and just ask. Are these these the drain/fill ports?

From a process standpoint, my understanding is that this is pretty simple.

1) Start with a warm axle
2) Remove fill plug
3) Remove drain plug & drain
4) Replace drain plug; torque to 31Nm
5) Fill with SAE 80w90; 2.1L for both front and back
6) Replace fill plug; toque to 31Nm

Am I missing anything?

 

[Clark Kent]

I've never done changed diff fluid before so I am going to put my pride in the backseat and just ask. Are these these the drain/fill ports?

From a process standpoint, my understanding is that this is pretty simple.

1) Start with a warm axle
2) Remove fill plug
3) Remove drain plug & drain
4) Replace drain plug; torque to 31Nm
5) Fill with SAE 80w90; 2.1L for both front and back
6) Replace fill plug; toque to 31Nm

Am I missing anything?

Yes they are the drain and fill ports.

7) Check all plugs for leaks after the first drive.

 

[ECrider]

I've never done changed diff fluid before so I am going to put my pride in the backseat and just ask. Are these these the drain/fill ports?

From a process standpoint, my understanding is that this is pretty simple.

1) Start with a warm axle
2) Remove fill plug
3) Remove drain plug & drain
4) Replace drain plug; torque to 31Nm
5) Fill with SAE 80w90; 2.1L for both front and back
6) Replace fill plug; toque to 31Nm

Am I missing anything?

Your front diff fillet has much better access than mine - right hand drive here

Thinking that next time I need fill mine then will jack the body up as best I can which gives a much better angle of attack with a ratchet

 

[IMPRMNS]

Another newbie question…can one overfill an axle? My differentials took more than the cited 2.1L of 80w-90 when filling to the level of the fill hole.

 

[255/85]

You'll know if it starts burping out of the breather tube.

In all seriousness, overfilling can lead to air entrainment in the fluid - otherwise known as frothing. Reduced lubrication is the result. You should be fine at the top of the fill hole.

 

[ECrider]

If you still have the one way valve OEM breather and it is clear of crap and working properly then should expel any over fill.

I reckon the diff takes a good 2.5l upto the filler.

I don't think this is a bad amount.

I do however think the OWM breather is flawed and best replaced with a neutral pipe arrangement.