hey guys so i just got back from a trip to the dealer in annapolis. ive been hearing a whining noise from the rear. they seem to think i need a whole new rear assembly. i possibly think they just wanna make money off this. they never told me how much fluid, if they even checked was in there of if my bearings looked to be in good or bad shape. is there a simple way to check my fluid? i know where the plug is, however it is in a awkward position to get loosened. any suggestions on the whole situation would be great!

 

you need a std 1/2" socket 3
" extension...it's a real bitch to loosen and undo...then you need to syphon out the old and replace with new...I used mobil 1 synthtic gear lube...75-90W. If your diff is full but the fluid is dirty, I would maybe even try using 75-140W which may quieten things doen some...they do whine when old and worn...how many miles?
These are NOT sealed for life....just like the tranny...unless you want to renew every 100K

 

96,345. when i jacked her up the other day it looked as if a bar was in way of the plug but maybe i gotta look closer and actually try haha

 

MB, what I would tell you to do it to use the socket trick to remove the plug. From there, you can use something like a pipe cleaner bent into a U (with sharply bent corners). The one side will only need say a 1" long piece. From there, you will need to place the end of the pipe cleaner into the differential and rest the bottom of the U against the bottom of the fill hole. From there, remove the pipe cleaner and the fluid should be up to the sharp bend that went into the differential. You can also use a piece of wire or any other item that can be bent and made to hold its shape.

Worst case, add some fluid and if the fluid starts pouring out right away, then you know your differential is full. other wise, you needed to add fluid. As long as you only have to add a few ounces (ie, less than 8), then your differential was pretty full.

 

Yes, there is part of the diff. support (wishbone tie assembly) in the way. A long reach socket or extension should allow you to get at the plug. I used a hand pump (from auto store) to take out the old, brown fluid. Filled it up with 50:50 synthetic 75w-90 and semi synthetic 90W-140.

 

What is the "socket trick"?