How Much Is It To Service Rear Differential In My Area

The Average Cost to Change Differential Fluid Is $79-$93.

This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not cistron in taxes, fees, or your item brand and model. Related repairs or maintenance may too exist needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Off-white Price Estimator .

Get a more accurate estimate for your differential fluid change using RepairPal's Fair Price Estimator:

Cost at the Mechanic: $79 to $93

Parts: $20 – $24
Labor: $59 – $69

Regularly changing the differential fluid as part of a preventative maintenance volition maximize the lifespan of your gears and limit the chances of an beam fluid leak.

Toll to DIY: $20 to $24

DIY Difficulty Level: Beginner
Parts Needed:

You can reduce the cost of changing differential fluid by doing this job yourself. It's a messy job, merely it is usually an easier job than changing the engine oil or coolant.

Proceed in mind: There are many dissimilar types of differential fluid, so be sure to choose fluid that is designed for your vehicle. When in doubt, always refer to your owner's manual.

What Is Differential Fluid?

Nigh mod cars use front-wheel drive, but trucks and large SUVs even so employ rear- and four-bicycle bulldoze. On these vehicles, the manual is connected to the bulldoze axles with a driveshaft, and the engine's torque is distributed across the axle (to both wheels) through a set of gears called the differential. The axle differential is filled with a high-viscosity oil to ensure the gears are properly lubricated.

After time, this fluid breaks down and loses its viscosity, which can lead to the axle's internal gears being damaged. For this reason, the differential fluid must be changed regularly and at specific mileage intervals for proper maintenance.

Changing the differential fluid is an like shooting fish in a barrel chore that usually consists of removing the differential comprehend to drain the fluid, reinstalling the encompass, and and then refilling the differential. This service tin besides be referred to as the drive axle assembly drain and refill.

What Is a Differential Fluid Change?

In its simplest breakdown, servicing the differential fluid consists of removing and reinstalling the differential cover (in gild to bleed the fluid) and and then topping off the differential with new fluid. Some vehicles have a drain plug on the axle to drain the differential fluid without removing the cover, but near volition require removal of the cover and a new sealant gasket installed.

What Happens If You Don't Modify The Differential Fluid?

Waiting too long to perform a differential fluid change can effect in damage to the beam'south gears and/or seals. If excessive metal is plant in the fluid, information technology'south likely that the gears have been damaged and need to be replaced.

How Often Should You Change The Differential Fluid?

remove cover to drain differential fluid

Near automakers recommend changing the differential fluid every xxx,000 to 60,000 miles, but be certain to cheque your owner's manual or use the free FIXD app for accurate maintenance schedules. This is definitely a beginner-level repair, but it didn't make our list of the ten easiest DIY car repair jobs since it might be a trickier task on vehicles that sit down lower to the ground or have the differential cover blocked by intermission components. .

Common Symptoms You lot Need to Modify Your Differential Fluid

Visual inspection shows discolored or contaminated fluid
Whining noise coming from the differential
Fluid leaking from the differential

The post-obit services are commonly performed when you modify the differential fluid:

Audit gears and axle shafts for damage
Replace pinion seal
Replace axle shaft seals
Transfer case service

Merits Your Custom Maintenance Schedule

Go the FIXD Sensor and free app today for a custom maintenance schedule based on your make, model, and mileage. Never miss of import maintenance over again with automated maintenance alerts!

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