Rear Differential service

[Playa]

How necessary is this service? Fluid level is full, service center says it's dark in color. I think that they are just trying to sell me $90 item. 129k mileage on an 08 silverado for reference

[BrandonH]

It is important, but I wouldn't pay anyone to do it.

[scott.str]

Very easy to do yourself

[rossivey]

I did mine a couple of weeks ago on my Tacoma. Took about an hour. Very easy!

[Bill]

It can't hurt and may help is how I view it.

Easy to do, a real mess if you're not familiar with how to do a rear differential. I did my 98 Suburban's, you loosen the bolts, pry it open and let it drain into a pan. The used diff oil smells really nasty and if you get it on your hands, they smell too. Wear nitrile gloves.

The oil should cost you $25-$30 if you do it yourself. Unless you're ready and willing to do a messy job, paying somebody may be easier.

[rascal71]

It's recommended at 100K

[AJMag]

Really necessary if you ever go through mud or water and some gets in through the vent tube. If your diff has the clutches in it you'll need an additive for that. Otherwise just good preventative maintenance for the bearing. It's not a fun job replacing pinion bearing if they go bad.

[Brett A]

My mechanic doesn't charge anything near $90....

[billfromtx]

At 145,000 my 03 dodge 1500 4x4 started whining in the read end ( I had never checked it) ...I checked it and it was about empty...Checked the front and it was the same. Filled them both and ran it another 50,000. I should have checked it sooner!

[smokin6.7]

I did the front and rear on my 2500 dodge at 75000 miles. My truck had reusable gaskets so I didn't have to mess with the RTV. I replaced mine with Royal Purple. An air ratchet is your freind and put a drop of blue locktite on the bolt threads.

[30-30]

Do it, you're due.

[DJM]

There's probably Youtube videos showing how to do it.It's pretty easy.

DJ

[kingranch]

don't let em put just any gear oil in.. some have the friction modifier and some don't...

if in doubt go to the gm parts house and buy a few quarts of the rear diff oil and put that in... u can t go wrong

[Bill]

At an auto parts store they can tell you what the manufacturers recommendation is for new fluid. It's not hard DIY, just messy. YouTube.