Differential Fluid Change Cost Guide
How often does the differential fluid need to be changed?
Generally speaking, differential fluid should be changed anywhere from every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles. Your Chevrolet Owner's manual should outline differential fluid changes in the recommended maintenance schedule.
Is it worth changing differential fluid?
Most car manufacturers recommend that you perform a differential fluid change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Like many of the car's oil, fluid, and parts, the differential fluid also gets contaminated over time and breaks down because of heat. If it is left too long and neglected, the fluid may start to run low.
What happens if you don't change your differential fluid?
Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.
Related Question how much does it cost to change differential fluid
How do I know if my differential is bad?
Is differential fluid same as transmission fluid?
Differential oil contained in its own housing is sometimes referred to as gear oil. It is thicker than engine and transmission oil and designed to perform under the high pressure of gears mashing together. The purpose of differential oil is to cool and lubricate the differential.
Are fluid flushes necessary?
Unless your vehicle's maintenance schedule specifically calls for a fluid flush, you should never need one. Some manufacturers do require a flush as part of regular maintenance, but it's not too common. A system suffers a catastrophic failure that contaminates the fluid with debris.
Do front wheel drive cars have differential fluid?
Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a rear differential but no front differential. A front-wheel drive vehicle will use a transaxle, which is part of the transmission. Rear differential fluid is used for rear-wheel drive cars. Trucks use the same fluid in both the inter-axle differential and the rear differential.
Why is differential fluid so expensive?
Getting the old fluid out of your car can ensure it runs smoother and prevents any damage to the gears, which would make the differential fluid change cost much higher than just changing the oil itself.
How long does it take to replace a rear differential?
A complete rear differential replacement includes replacing the housing, gears, bearings, and seals. The average time it takes a certified mechanic to perform a differential rebuild at a shop is usually three to five hours. A rebuild on a commercial vehicle by someone without prior experience could take much longer.
Is it bad to drive with a bad differential?
Technically, you can drive with a bad differential, but it is not wise. The problem may get worse, to the point where it leaves you stranded somewhere. It can also cause damage to other surrounding components. It is smartest and safest not to drive with a bad differential.
What kind of noise does a bad differential make?
The most common sound of a failed differential is a whining noise. This is often due to poor lubrication within the differential, meaning there is a good chance that the differential fluid is leaking. If you spot a reddish fluid under the differential, there is certainly a leak.
How do you check differential fluid?
Can you change your own differential fluid?
Changing the fluid in a differential is almost as easy as changing the oil in the engine. However, the process can differ between vehicles since some differentials only have two plugs — one for filling the fluid and another for draining it – while other vehicles require you to remove the housing cover.
How much is a rear differential?
You can expect a rear differential replacement to cost up to $4,000. Now that you know what to expect for a rear differential repair you have the information to decide whether or not a replacement is worth the cost and if a new car might make the most sense for you.
How much does fluid flush cost?
It is recommended that you replace your engine coolant every 3 to 5 years. Typically, the cost of an engine coolant flush is between $100-$150.
How much does it cost to get fluids flushed?
Expect to pay between $70 to $120. Before you attempt any DIY fluid flush, it's vital to check the owner's manual and buy the correct fluids for your vehicle's make, model and year.
How much does coolant flush cost?
The average cost for a coolant flush is between $71 and $115 for the parts and labor on this relatively short job. The parts will only be a fraction of that cost, running somewhere between $15 and $30 for a coolant flush.
What color should differential fluid be?
Well-Known Member
If you have water in your oil or differential fluid, it will be a brown color like a chocolate milkshake.
How much does it cost to have a rear diff rebuilt?
Depending on the make and model of your car, as well as its condition, expect to spend between $1,500 to $4,000. The other factor is if you buy a new rear-diff or a used/rebuilt one.