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How to Check Differential Oil Leaks and Replace Oil

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed: Suggest Parts
Differential Gasket Gear Oil
Tools needed: Suggest Tools
Drain Pan Mallet Hammer
(Show)
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $126.82 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $285.81 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

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1
 
Secure your vehicle on a level surface, making sure your car will not roll or lean when jacked up. edit step - submit photo
2
 
Using a floor jack, lift up the rear of your vehicle. edit step - submit photo
Jack lifting vehicle up by pinch weld
3
 
Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safety before starting any work. The pinch welds or the frame rails are the two best locations. Do not rely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while working. edit step - submit photo
4
 
Inspect the rear differential housing for leaks. edit step - submit photo
5
 
Remove the gear oil fill plug. edit step - submit photo
Gear oil fill plug
6
 
Clean the bottom of the differential cover to remove debris if not already done. edit step - submit photo
Rear differential cover installed
7
 
Place a drain pan under the rear differential. Loosen and remove all of the differential cover bolts, except for the top 2 or 3, and carefully pry the cover away from the housing to drain the oil. edit step - submit photo
8
 
Remove the top bolts and pull the cover off. edit step - submit photo
Rear differential cover removed
9
 
Thoroughly clean the mounting surfaces of the differential cover and housing edit step - submit photo
10
 
Apply sealant to the differential cover mounting surface. Place the new gasket on the cover. edit step - submit photo
11
 
Apply sealant to the differential housing mounting surface. Install the cover assembly and torque the bolts evenly to 25-35 ft. lbs. edit step - submit photo
Differential cover installed and tightened into place
12
 
Fill the housing with the manufacturer’s recommended gear oil until the oil has reached the bottom of the fill plug hole. edit step - submit photo
13
 
Tighten the fill plug to 20-30 ft. lbs. edit step - submit photo
14
 
Lower the vehicle to the ground and road test. Check the rear differential for leaks. edit step - submit photo
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