I was quoted $140 to change just the front differential fluid. Is this too much? Car is 04 grand cherokee overland.
Diff fluid change cost
grand1232
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Yup. You can do it yourself for $20.grand1232 said:
Not sure of the going rate at most shops.
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It's going to cost more than that on an Overland. However it will still be a lot cheaper than $140.
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I went to the stealership, last year, and, as a side item, asked for a quote to change fluid in front and rear diffs, tranny, TC. The quote? Over $1000! I could not believe it. They, either, really don't want any business, or they don't want to work on WJ's.
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I would highly recommend a lube locker gasket for the front diff. It will run you $20ish on eBay but makes the installation process a lot easier and no mess. DIY and save some cash for other things.
I just really wish there was a drain plug lol. I may just do the transfer case myself (easy) and shop around for the front diff. I am hoping to make it to the 200k club on all original drivetrain (right now 154k). I am extremely picky about maintenance.
As others have stated. DIY. It can be a little messy but it is easy. First time doing it..yes it will take you a little longer. Next time doing it you'll be a PRO. Buy the scraper, buy the $8 pump (it's like a liquid soap dispenser pump only bigger), buy the correct fluids and amount of and depending on your jeep if it requires friction modifier buy that. Also buy some brake cleaner to clean out the old diff fluid. Some don't recommend brake cleaner but it dries quickly and cleans all the crap out. I have had no issues using it.
All the info is searched easily on this forum or WJJEEPS.com. Do it on the weekend and be done with it. If I can do it with my limited tool supply then anyone should be able to do it. Lube locker is a gasket you can order in lieu of using the black RTV sealant. As stated before it makes it even more easier and a little less messy.
If you got the $$ to throw away to pay a mechanic then that's a way to go too...but you'll kick yourself once you do it for ever paying someone else to do something sooo easy.
Sorry for the long post but I just hate seeing $$ wasted.
All the info is searched easily on this forum or WJJEEPS.com. Do it on the weekend and be done with it. If I can do it with my limited tool supply then anyone should be able to do it. Lube locker is a gasket you can order in lieu of using the black RTV sealant. As stated before it makes it even more easier and a little less messy.
If you got the $$ to throw away to pay a mechanic then that's a way to go too...but you'll kick yourself once you do it for ever paying someone else to do something sooo easy.
Sorry for the long post but I just hate seeing $$ wasted.
You don't even need a pump. Use an oil drain pan used for oil changes and such. It should catch almost if not all the fluid in one go. Another plus is it is also dual purpose because now you can use it for oil changes and transfer case fluid changes. You need the pan anyway if you spray with cleaner.
Take all but the top bolt off (loosen it of course), put the pan under it, and tap the cover with a hammer or mallet. It will pop and the fluid will drain into the pan. Pull the bolt out, cover comes out, then spray with brake cleaner. Scrape off the old crap, line with RTV or save a ton of time and effort and get a reusable lube locker gasket.
Don't forget to clean off the magnet in there at the bottom. It will have metal shavings on it.
Take all but the top bolt off (loosen it of course), put the pan under it, and tap the cover with a hammer or mallet. It will pop and the fluid will drain into the pan. Pull the bolt out, cover comes out, then spray with brake cleaner. Scrape off the old crap, line with RTV or save a ton of time and effort and get a reusable lube locker gasket.
Don't forget to clean off the magnet in there at the bottom. It will have metal shavings on it.
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A little advice - remove the fill plug first. If you drain the transfer case then realize you can't get the fill plug out, you'll be up a creek.
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If it's so easy, why the high price? I just don't understand it. Draining and refilling the TC is probably the hardest task, because of the skid plate. Everything else is straight-forward. I just wanted to get a quote, because I am partially disabled, and, now, I was just diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel's Syndrome in both arms. Constant pain, in various degrees, all over.
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It's the dealership, that's why the price is high. That being said, the price at a very good mechanic won't be a lot lower. When I had my TJ, my mechanic charged me $110 to do the trans and both diffs. I thought that was fair and I was in a time crunch so I had him do it.
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I am disabled to "cancer" and I am very weak from it and fatigued so its really hard to do things.
What I try to do is just do a little at a time until its done it may take me a week to do a diff fluid change but it does get done.
Buy a dewalt cordless impact wrench it will help immensely with your carpal tunnel not having to wrench thing so much.
Ultimately it comes down to do you have the money to pay to get it done or don't you, I don't since I am on SSDI so I need to figure things out the best way I can it just takes longer.
Jeeps tend to need TLC well at least the WJ's do and its so much better if you can do it and know its done right there touchy on parts and torque values and I don't trust a mechanic with mine even if I could pay him.
I did buy diff covers with drain plugs to make the job easier next time they were not cheap and some people don't like them but its worth it to me I hate messy jobs with lots of bolts to undo lol.
Anyways I feel your pain I would do it yourself if at all possible just try to get the right tools to ease the work your body has to do.
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