Front Differential Fluid Change - Really Necessary and How Often?

[swataz]

I was curious as to how essential changing your diff fluid really is, and if so, how often should this service be performed?

I have had my Jeep for a year now; it has about 104,000 miles and I have put about 8K on it since I 'inherited' it.

The diff fluid actually leaks a tad from the pinion seal, so I am wondering if maybe I need some extra fluid and if the original stuff has lost viscosity. No idea when or even if this service was ever performed.

Thanks guys and gals.

[QuadraTokn]

every 30k miles.

I have to change mine every oil change though. even after i rebuilt them, they look really dirty after a short amount of time.

[ratmonkey]

i'd do it once a year if you're up to the service yourself. otherwise i believe it's recommended at somewhere around 20k for jeeps.

i seem to change mine out about every motor oil change on average because of some other service i happend to need to perform.

[DavidMoses]

Its it easy to do it yourself?

[GCDenver]

I just did my front last Friday night for the first time. Here are a couple useful write-ups
http://www.4x4xplor.com/diff-service.html
http://www.stu-offroad.com/misc/diff-1.htm

I ended up using a wire wheel on the end of a drill to get the old RTV off, not sure if that is recommended ?, it did leave some scratch marks but no gouges, I also used a plastic putty knife and a razor blade, but the wire wheel worked well. I got a LubeLocker dana 30 gasket so I didn't have to mess with RTV. when I do the rear I will have to use RTV since there is no LubeLocker for a Dana 44A. I would also definitely recommend a $5 transfer pump from an auto parts store to fit on the gear lube quart bottle, I got mine at Checker, makes it much easier to re-fill the Diff.

[swataz]

Thanks guys....here is a follow-up question...is there any audible signal of a 'sub-lubed' diff when your foot is on the accelerator?

[GCDenver]

Not sure about an audible sound, except for axle chatter if you have Limited slip axles which require Friction Modifier and you don't have enough in the Diff or have a gear lube which doesn't have FM already in it. I have no idea what axle chatter sounds like and I hope I never hear it
Do a search on Friction Modifier or FM and there will be some threads about Differential noise.

[ratmonkey]

Originally Posted by swataz

Thanks guys....here is a follow-up question...is there any audible signal of a 'sub-lubed' diff when your foot is on the accelerator?

noises generally appear in the diffs after damage has already occured.. on acceleration is usually a pinion bearing or excessive wear on the powered side of the gears.

[ephjeep]

I have a WJ with Quadradrive and 76K miles. I studied the forum for a while to help address weird noises coming from my axle(s). I went with synthetic fluid with friction modifier from Chrysler. Noises went away. Also changed engine oil and TC fluid (with Chrysler product at $13 per qt.). There was less than a qt. in there when I drained it. I don't think it was touched by the PO in 75K miles. Good logic for buying a car new!!

[Kruzin]

Originally Posted by swataz

I was curious as to how essential changing your diff fluid really is, and if so, how often should this service be performed?

ANY component that uses lubricant is essential to change at some point. Viscosity in lubricants breaks down over time.
Axle lube should be done about every 20-30k.

[xJoshxx]

i believe if you get amsoil gear lube it has Modifiers i think?

amma right Gabe?

[xJoshxx]

double post.

[the88thpianoman]

Originally Posted by xJoshxx

i believe if you get amsoil gear lube it has Modifiers i think?

amma right Gabe?

Yep, amsoil severe gear includes the friction modifier.

[GrimJeeper91]

A good indicator is to pull your front plug and take a look at the oil that's in there and the end of the plug since it's magnetized. One look at mine and it was clear that it was time for a change.

[swataz]

When I pulled my plug, the goop on the end of it looked like grease. The fluid itself when I poked a finger in there didn't look TOO bad, and the level was pretty good, maybe a tad low. I topped it off.

I have a high pitched buzzing sound occurring for a week now and I cannot seem to ascertain where it emanates. Seems to disappear at about 15-20 MPH when decelerating and doesn't happen all the time. I am getting the feeling that is it is my axle though. Wish I could record the sound and post it!!!