How often should I have the rear differential serviced?
- Thread starter Satter
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Do it soon! Most owners of these trucks are ordinary families and are used to FWD vehicles. When I bought mine at 170K miles (10 years ago), if I remember right the diff oil came out like water! I use Valvoline $20 a gallon and see a significant improvement soon after the service.
If you have a 4WD, get the transfercase and front diff fluids changed at the same time.
If you have a 4WD, get the transfercase and front diff fluids changed at the same time.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Not only should you change the oil, be sure to also engage your 4WD and drive a mile or two every few months.
But before you start, LOOSEN THE FILLER PLUGS BEFORE THE DRAIN PLUGS. These filler plugs have a tendency to seize up and you'll have drained your diff fluid out and have no way to get it back in! This goes for your front diff, rear diff, and transfer case. Also a good time to replace the breather valve on the top of the rear diff. It just screws right out, a quick inspection will tell you if it needs to be replaced or not. If it's clogged up, you're on borrowed time and your inner axle seals are going to blow if you don't change it out.
But before you start, LOOSEN THE FILLER PLUGS BEFORE THE DRAIN PLUGS. These filler plugs have a tendency to seize up and you'll have drained your diff fluid out and have no way to get it back in! This goes for your front diff, rear diff, and transfer case. Also a good time to replace the breather valve on the top of the rear diff. It just screws right out, a quick inspection will tell you if it needs to be replaced or not. If it's clogged up, you're on borrowed time and your inner axle seals are going to blow if you don't change it out.
Satter
New member
I would absolutely love to do that. Unfortunately there is no where to run the 4WD off-road around where I live. I recently learned the hard way not to run the 4WD on asphalt. I did that and ended up destroying my transfer case. Both my front axel and transfer case have recently been replaced.
I spoke to the stealership. They told me vehicles with 4WD will have the front axel, back axel, and transfer case serviced. Cost $375.
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phattyduck
Elite Member
You can drive in 4WD on hard surfaces (regular roads) as long as you aren't turning. It is required in the manual to drive for ~5 miles minimum each month in 4WD to keep components lubed. Your transfer case probably was destroyed because it wasn't serviced!
I personally shift into 4WD anytime I think its been about a month and I'm at a stop light on a straight road - then drive in 4WD until I need to make a turn, back to 2WD then I'm good for another month. It is even more important with a Limited, as the electronic actuator can seize if not used regularly.
-Charlie
edit: That's a reasonable cost for the dealer fluid change - but also should be motivation to do it yourself... And save ~$300.
mtbtim
Elite Member
I never understood oil changes based off time. What if you only drove your rig 10,000 miles in 2 years. Would you change it or wait until a normal suggested mileage interval which is 30,000 miles. I always base oil changes on mileage only.
I know it's suggested to drive some in 4wd every month but how many actually do this? Both my rigs were driven by people who did not go 4wheeling because it was clear by the condition of the vehicles and from the people I bought them from. One was a total grocery getter that a woman drove and the other was driven by a 70 yr old woman who sold it because she bought a Prius. Both rigs shift in and out of 4wd without issue and the transfer cases are fine - no weird noises or grinding. So, while I think it's probably smart to exercise the 4wd system from time to time, I don't buy into the need to drive it 5 miles in 4wd every month. I go months every year without shifting into 4wd in both my rigs and I haven't had any issues. Now, would you want to go years, probably not, but I know without a doubt both my rigs probably went for years without being put into 4wd and they're fine. My 98 has a locker and even that engaged with a little persuasion of driving a weaving pattern for a bit and I bet that thing might have never been engaged by the previous owner.
OP, take up the challenge of turning wrenches if you have the space to do it. It's not hard.
This video will help you out.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a81i1Cayf_I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I know it's suggested to drive some in 4wd every month but how many actually do this? Both my rigs were driven by people who did not go 4wheeling because it was clear by the condition of the vehicles and from the people I bought them from. One was a total grocery getter that a woman drove and the other was driven by a 70 yr old woman who sold it because she bought a Prius. Both rigs shift in and out of 4wd without issue and the transfer cases are fine - no weird noises or grinding. So, while I think it's probably smart to exercise the 4wd system from time to time, I don't buy into the need to drive it 5 miles in 4wd every month. I go months every year without shifting into 4wd in both my rigs and I haven't had any issues. Now, would you want to go years, probably not, but I know without a doubt both my rigs probably went for years without being put into 4wd and they're fine. My 98 has a locker and even that engaged with a little persuasion of driving a weaving pattern for a bit and I bet that thing might have never been engaged by the previous owner.
OP, take up the challenge of turning wrenches if you have the space to do it. It's not hard.
This video will help you out.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a81i1Cayf_I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Black798
New member
The whole oil change based off time is because the oils and detergents still degrade over time. The oils will also take on water through condensation when sitting for a long time so it recomended to change if it's past that time interval. I change all my tcase and diff fluid at least once a year but my truck also is a bit of a unique case since I beat the piss out of it regularly.
Kanoe
New member
Well, the time recommendation has it's merits too. You guys live in a pretty nice part of the world, decent climate. Consider this scenario.
A person lives in a place that sees cold winter conditions. That person drives a very short distance to work daily in a urban environment and rarely hits the highway. You can see where I am going with this. Long periods of idling and fluids never warming up properly. Going strictly on mileage you might need an oil change once every 2 years. See the problem? Technically, this constitutes 'severe service' if you read the owners manual and calls for shorter service intervals not longer.
You can see where the time recommendation is a useful way for Toyota to ensure things are done properly in the majority of cases, to catch as many as they can.
I see your point though. Someone who only takes their vehicle out once every week or two for a 50 mile highway blast would not be concerned as much about the time interval. It's more of a case by case thing and not a blanket statement.
The vehicle I have in mind above has some nasty looking oil and should certainly be getting more frequent oil chances. It is also very hard on batteries as they never properly charge up. Rest assured, it is not a 4runner and the owner gets a new one every 3-4 years so they don't really care.
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I drive STRAIGHT with 4WD on paved roads. I even drove between San Antonio and Corpus Christi with 4WD on a pouring rain! This prevents hydroplaning. A suburban slid off the road and I had no problem. We both went at the same speed 75 MPH!
NEVER make a Sharp turn with 4WD on!
NEVER make a Sharp turn with 4WD on!
This thread has gotten way off-topic.
I hate to rain on your parade, but your tires evacuated the rain water better than the tires on the Subarban did, for some reason. Maybe tire design, maybe tread depth, or maybe your tires were narrower and did not break contact with the pavement and skim up on the surface of the water. That is what hydroplaning is (skimming), and 4WD had nothing at all to do with that. Adding power to front wheels does not keep them from riding up on the surface of water.
My previous Michelins were extremely good about not hydroplaning, when they had good tread on them. Because of the tread design. When they got fairly worn, it started hydroplaning frequently. Because the shallower tire tread could no longer evacuate the water fast enough anymore.
Back on topic, this thread is a good reminder that I really need to change my differential fluid again. I bought mine with 106k on it, changed the diff. fluid not long after that, and one other time since then. With 200k on it, I am long past due. I had no idea it was supposed to be replaced every 30k.
eddielasvegas
Member
So this thread reminded me me that I need to change my TC and diffs fluids. Thanks OP.
I need about 5.5 qts. if I read my owner's manual correctly. Here's a tip to save a few bucks when you purchase the fluid.
Advance Auto has a 25% off code (AAPSAVES25). Buy 6 qts (M1 Synthetic Gear Lube 75W-90) and you get free shipping. After tax, this is a little under $11/qt. Not bad, but it gets better.
American Express has an AAP promo (you must add it to your card) of $15 off $50. YMMV as I'm sure not all AXP cards are eligible.
My final cost, delivered to my door, is $53.
Eddie
I need about 5.5 qts. if I read my owner's manual correctly. Here's a tip to save a few bucks when you purchase the fluid.
Advance Auto has a 25% off code (AAPSAVES25). Buy 6 qts (M1 Synthetic Gear Lube 75W-90) and you get free shipping. After tax, this is a little under $11/qt. Not bad, but it gets better.
American Express has an AAP promo (you must add it to your card) of $15 off $50. YMMV as I'm sure not all AXP cards are eligible.
My final cost, delivered to my door, is $53.
Eddie
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Agreed, up to a certain point. Brake fluid and coolant I do like to set a max time interval for changes because they degrade with time.
Engine oil I would leave in there max 2-3 years for an infrequently driven engine just due to condensation.
For the differential fluid, most of the wear happens when the vehicle is new. After the first change, I would be comfortable leaving it in there for 50-100k kms. I've done 50k changes on the diff/t-case/transmission and the fluid still looks new coming out.
Fiffa
Member
Blue Cash Everyday is a no-go for this deal. Womp womp
