Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Removal and Replacement




Differential Oil Replacement

Draining Procedure

Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.


Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning (Safety Glasses Warning).

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Place a large suitable container under the differential in order to collect draining differential fluid.





Note: Clean the area around the differential plug (1) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the differential (2).

Note: The differential fill plug (1) and O-ring (3) come as an assembly, the O-ring (3) cannot be replaced separately.

3. Remove the differential fill plug (1) from the differential (2).
4. Inspect the differential fill plug (1) and O-ring (3) for excessive wear and/or damage. Replace as necessary.





Note: Clean the area around the differential plug (1) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the differential (2).

Note: The differential drain plug (1) and O-ring (3) come as an assembly. The O-ring (3) cannot be replaced separately.

5. Remove the differential drain plug (1) from the differential (2).
6. Inspect the differential drain plug (1) and O-ring (3) for excessive wear and/or damage. Replace as necessary.
7. Allow the differential fluid to drain completely.

Filling Procedure





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

1. Install the differential drain plug (1) and O-ring (3) to the differential (2) and tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb ft).

Note: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the correct differential fluid. Failure to use the correct fluid may cause gear damage and/or fluid leaks. For fluid specifications refer to Lubrication Specifications (Lubrication Specifications).

Note: The differential fluid level must be level with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.

2. Fill the differential to the correct level.




3. Install the differential fill plug (1) and O-ring (3) to the differential (2) and tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb ft).
4. Remove safety stands.
5. Lower the vehicle to the ground.