Axle seals strike again...

[JEL]

So my axle seals failed, and of course failed rather quickly, so long story short, it needed a new differential (ran too dry burned it up). All is well now, the new diff is in and working great, but I was wondering how long you fellows recommend leaving the gear oil installed with the new diff before changing it out? I have about 500 miles on the new diff now, just some conventional 80w90 IIRC in there, I'd like to make the switch to synthetic eventually, but wanted to get some recommendations as to how to proceed for maximum new differential life?

Thanks

 

[ConstantFix]

Personally I'd just drain it and re useit. It's easy to drain and if you've only got 500 miles on the gear oil, re use it. It's thickness gives the viscosity a longer life span. Hence the 80 weight

 

[nevada]

I think 500 miles is about right for breaking in a new diff. change the oil now.

im not sure what hes talking about above, you don't want to reuse the oil.

 

[slowpoke99]

I think 500 miles is about right for breaking in a new diff. change the oil now.

im not sure what hes talking about above, you don't want to reuse the oil.

I agree. 500 miles is about good for break in. As far as reusing the oil? Why drain it to begin with if you're gonna reuse it?

 

[JEL]

Cool thanks guys, I was also thinking between 500-1000 miles would be good. Would you suggest I go with a 75w90 synthetic like I have everywhere else, or keep an 80w90 conventional in there for a few thousand miles more (say 10k and then switch) after its good and worn in?

Thanks

 

[nevada]

Cool thanks guys, I was also thinking between 500-1000 miles would be good. Would you suggest I go with a 75w90 synthetic like I have everywhere else, or keep an 80w90 conventional in there for a few thousand miles more (say 10k and then switch) after its good and worn in?

Thanks

you should be able to switch now.
did they replace the gears as well?

a lot of vehicles are coming from the factory with synthetic oil. the only reason I wouldn't want to run it for the break-in is because its expensive, and its going to get drained at 500 miles anyway.

 

[JEL]

you should be able to switch now.
did they replace the gears as well?

a lot of vehicles are coming from the factory with synthetic oil. the only reason I wouldn't want to run it for the break-in is because its expensive, and its going to get drained at 500 miles anyway.

Yep, everything is shiny and new OEM in there. I think I'll go with an 80w90 synthetic if I can find it, as it's not cold here, otherwise I'll just stick a 75w90 in there like Mobil 1 or Valvoline Syn.