Change Rear Differential Fluid
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 26
From: Poquoson, VA
Change Rear Differential Fluid
Dealer wants $120 to change the differential fluid. Is there something more to this than I think?
Is it as simple as pulling a plug and either draining or sucking out the fluid? Is a flush required? Would you use OEM fluid or go to a synthetic? My RX330 has 47k miles. Thanks.
Is it as simple as pulling a plug and either draining or sucking out the fluid? Is a flush required? Would you use OEM fluid or go to a synthetic? My RX330 has 47k miles. Thanks.
I heard it's just drain and fill. But I looked at the differential and you need a hex key to unscrew the bolts. I think you also have to replace the gaskets like with an oil change. I've never done it though.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: IL
I have done this twice on my '04 RX 330. I bought the gaskets at the dealer and had the hex socket driver needed. I used Mobil 1 Synthetic and also did the transfer case fluid at the same time. The transfer case check and drain plugs are much harder to reach than the diff. You can buy the fluid and the tools and have $90 + left for your trouble...plus you'll then know how to do it. If you change your own oil, this is much easier. Good luck!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,531
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
There is a thread in First gen with photo. Check that out.
The reservoir contains the fluid. After draining you get almost all of the fluid out [unlike transmission where a good portion is left in the system]. If you want to clean it a bit more, pour about 1/2 qt through the inlet, while the drain plug is removed.
Sticking with OEM is safe but you can always switch to better fluid, but you must do the research. What the other lube shops have in their vats may be of lesser specs than OEM.
As a DIYer, make sure you can open the fill plug before you attempt the drain. You may need special tools and the plugs may be tight. For he first gen, the size of the head is standard, but the clearance requires specail tool. Let me caution you that the stuff smells nasty.
One does not need special training to do the job, so you can certainly go to other places. Just make sure you supply them the right fluid, and crush washers.
Salim
The reservoir contains the fluid. After draining you get almost all of the fluid out [unlike transmission where a good portion is left in the system]. If you want to clean it a bit more, pour about 1/2 qt through the inlet, while the drain plug is removed.
Sticking with OEM is safe but you can always switch to better fluid, but you must do the research. What the other lube shops have in their vats may be of lesser specs than OEM.
As a DIYer, make sure you can open the fill plug before you attempt the drain. You may need special tools and the plugs may be tight. For he first gen, the size of the head is standard, but the clearance requires specail tool. Let me caution you that the stuff smells nasty.
One does not need special training to do the job, so you can certainly go to other places. Just make sure you supply them the right fluid, and crush washers.
Salim
