bob123

I am not a professional and will not be held responsible for any damage or injury caused by these instructions.
For 60K service, rear differential fluid change is needed.
For those who don't have access to a lift, it is possible to change the rear differential fluid, but hopefully below will reduce time and struggle.
If you have the 2.5L engine, your rear differential capacity reduces by 0.2 liters from the amount I listed below for my 3.5L.

Tools used:
2 Liters (1.5 L actual used) of 75W-85 GL-5 rated gear oil. I used OE LT Gear oil P/N: 08885-02506
10mm hex socket
2 crush gaskets, Toyota P/N: 12157-10010.
1/2 inch drive ratchet to break loose fill and drain plug
1/2 inch to 3/8 inch adapter
3/8 inch ratchet
3/8 inch torque wrench (1/2 inch would not fit without a lift).
Several ratchet extensions of varying lengths to clear exhaust and frame
Low profile oil catch pan. Used readily available disposable paint roller tray.
Transfer pump
Measuring cup to confirm oil fluid amount and to inspect for abnormalities in fluid.
Many gloves




1). Remove fill plug first before removing drain plug just to ensure no issues if cannot remove fill plug for some reason.
Plug is tight, for the small space, at 36 ft-lbs so used a 1/2 in. drive to assist.


2). With oil catch pan ready, remove drain plug.

3). Clean metal shavings from drain plug magnet and replace gasket with new one.



4). Reinstall drain plug and tighten to 36 ft-lbs as stated in the service manual.
Since space is tight, I could only fit my 3/8 inch torque wrench which only reaches up to 21 ft-lbs. Then estimated the remainder with the same 1/2 inch drive ratchet I used to remove the plug.


5). Pour oil into a measuring container to confirm amount.


Continue below

bob123

6). Fill the differential with appropriate fluid. Service manual states level to be 0mm to 5mm below fill plug hole. For me, I like to have the level around the center of specification at around 2.5mm, of course just estimated actual level by inserting finger into fill plug hole.


I admit my filling method was very messy and time consuming so will investigate a different style transfer pump at the next service.
7). Clean fill plug and replace gasket with new one before tightening to same torque requirement as drain plug, 36 ft-lbs.
I checked for leaks after a 20 minute drive.

E46CT

Good. How much was the fluid? If expensive, one could save a bit by getting M1 75-90. But both are great i'm sure.

bob123

Around $30 per Liter on Amazon. If in stock, a dented can is half the price under "Used Like New" condition.
An alternative fluid that meets GL-5 and 75W-85 is Redline 50104 at around $19 per quart.

CLUM

nice DIY, thx