Differential Fluid Question

[johnsonsteve]

Hi guys! I am getting my timing belt done at the dealership soon and they also have the differential fluid on the list of things to do. I can't remember the last time this was done. I'm not sure if it was ever done. My truck has 208K. What does the differential fluid do? Is it important to be replaced? How often should it be replaced? Are there any signs that show you it needs to be replaced? Thank you for any help!

Also the water pump and all belts and other hoses get done when they do the timing belt right?

 

[Gatafly]

If it was never done. . . . Ouch!!. It really depends on the use of your T4R and the fluid used. If you use a good synthetic then up to 100k miles for normal to easy use. Up to 60k if you do a lot of trailer towing or off road. Not sure what Toyota recommends exactly. Take care of your ride and it will take care of you. If not, good luck.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I would have them do it. It can't really hurt anything. I would say do it yourself (cheaper and you know it's done right) mine exploded one day at 112k (no warning, nothing. Just a lot of banging and cursing from me) and $1,200 and a broken toe later I was back on the road.

 

[fdbyrne]

I just did mine yesterday. I'd really suggest doing it yourself. It's one of the easier maintenance items and the dealer upcharge is usually crazy.

How much are they charging to do it? You could do it yourself for about $40.

 

[johnsonsteve]

Well the timing belt has been done before at 90K. To get the timing belt done again is $880. I would do the timing belt myself but I have never worked on a car before and would hate to screw it up. My main question I guess is about the differential fluid. That's the thing I am not sure has ever been done before. I don't tow or go off road or anything besides daily driving. Should I get the differential fluid replaced. Is it something important?

 

[fdbyrne]

Yes. Absolutely. It needs to be done on a regular basis and avoiding it will lead to costly repairs. Just look at the picture a few posts back. You really don't want that to be you.

 

[verman84]

Differential fluid is very important and easier to change than your oil. It's a simple drain and refill. There's a front and rear. The only thing is that you need a socket and hex wrench big enough. I think it's a 24mm socket and a 10mm hex? It shouldn't cost you much to have done especially if you're already there. Maybe $50? The oil itself would run you $50ish for synthetic

 

[28.]

Definitely an easy do it yourself item.. Only thing is having a place to do it in if it's cold there.. your going to be on the ground the whole time. I do all 3 on my Land Cruiser and 4runner.. Front, back, and center diff.. I use Lucas Synthetic. Wanna say 75w90.

 

[black4vcobra]

Here's a link with pictures and all the tools/parts you need -http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance-detailing/48527-changing-differential-transfer-case-fluids-pics-included.html

Do the differential fluid yourself and use a synthetic (Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol) 80W-90 gear lube for the front and rear differentials (and transfer case if your truck is 4WD)

As others have said, it is not hard to do

 

[parboy]

easy as pie. I used a good high quality synthetic and should be good for 100K unless you tow as they said above. Lucas oil if you can. if not Mobile 1. Dealership will want 300 to do all 3 or at least that is what the wanted from me. Worst part about this change is the smell. It is awful and that oil will shoot out like a rocket so be ready..

 

[Quantum1]

*TIP* loosen the fill plug before you loosen the drain and empty the fluid. Sometimes these boots can seize and cause a huge problem, even more so if you have drained the fluid but cannot manage to remove the fill plug to refill with fresh fluid.

If you cant get the fill plug off, try soaking in WD40 or any other penetrating spray for a few minutes.

 

[Jerm]

Here's a link with pictures and all the tools/parts you need -http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance-detailing/48527-changing-differential-transfer-case-fluids-pics-included.html

Do the differential fluid yourself and use a synthetic (Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol) 80W-90 gear lube for the front and rear differentials (and transfer case if your truck is 4WD)

As others have said, it is not hard to do

Possibly a silly question but no friction modifier? Sorry I am new here and normally a GM guy.

To save face I love this 4Runner!!! :thumb:

 

[black4vcobra]

Possibly a silly question but no friction modifier? Sorry I am new here and normally a GM guy.

To save face I love this 4Runner!!! :thumb:

Not a silly question at all. Easy answer though, the 4Runners do not have limited slip differentials, rather the ATRAC system uses the brakes to slow a spinning tire and reroute power to tires that have traction. The system works just as well as a limited slip, though of course not as good as a locker

 

[Jerm]

Ahh ok thanks! Much easier to put the wrong fluid in my other car as the wrong modifier will kill a rear-end.....

 

[black4vcobra]

Ahh ok thanks! Much easier to put the wrong fluid in my other car as the wrong modifier will kill a rear-end.....

The ironic part is that if you buy good quality synthetic gear lube it will probably have friction modifier in it already and that doesn't hurt an open differential at all.

 

[andreylights]

Sorry for hijacking the old tread, but cant find the answer anywhere. I am doing all type of the maintenance for my truck because I am assuming that previous owner has never did anything like that and based on the color of the oil in the front diff I am right... But what about the center diff? I have changed the oil in the rear and going to do the front today and thought I might as well do the central but cant seem to find any info about that. The truck does have the central locking diff so will I be right to assume that needs to be serviced too?

 

[Billynath1988]

Sorry for hijacking the old tread, but cant find the answer anywhere. I am doing all type of the maintenance for my truck because I am assuming that previous owner has never did anything like that and based on the color of the oil in the front diff I am right... But what about the center diff? I have changed the oil in the rear and going to do the front today and thought I might as well do the central but cant seem to find any info about that. The truck does have the central locking diff so will I be right to assume that needs to be serviced too?

Same as the front and rear diff, open fill port first, drain plug second.. close the drain and fill it up.

Driveline service

 

[4RunnerIdiot]

Sorry for hijacking the old tread, but cant find the answer anywhere. I am doing all type of the maintenance for my truck because I am assuming that previous owner has never did anything like that and based on the color of the oil in the front diff I am right... But what about the center diff? I have changed the oil in the rear and going to do the front today and thought I might as well do the central but cant seem to find any info about that. The truck does have the central locking diff so will I be right to assume that needs to be serviced too?

Check out this video too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZmTCxFgMNQ

 

[rwh963]

*TIP* loosen the fill plug before you loosen the drain and empty the fluid. Sometimes these boots can seize and cause a huge problem, even more so if you have drained the fluid but cannot manage to remove the fill plug to refill with fresh fluid.

If you cant get the fill plug off, try soaking in WD40 or any other penetrating spray for a few minutes.

also, i find for seized bolts, it is useful to go back and forth, tightening and untightening. seems to loosen better that way. just untightening can break the bolt or strip the head.

 

[Mrtranxd]

*TIP* loosen the fill plug before you loosen the drain and empty the fluid. Sometimes these boots can seize and cause a huge problem, even more so if you have drained the fluid but cannot manage to remove the fill plug to refill with fresh fluid.

If you cant get the fill plug off, try soaking in WD40 or any other penetrating spray for a few minutes.

I ran into this issue. Had to use a torch and an air hammer to get the front filler plug off. That was not fun. Almost called it quits.