How to Change Differential Oil: 7 Easy Steps for Smooth Driving
Learn the 7 steps to change the differential oil in your car for better performance and longer lifespan. Full DIY guide with images, tools, and tips.
Table of Contents
Why Changing Differential Oil Matters
Differential oil, also known as gear oil, plays a vital role in keeping your car’s drivetrain running smoothly. It lubricates the gears, reduces friction, and ensures that the power from your engine is effectively distributed to your wheels—especially during turns.
Over time, this oil breaks down due to heat and pressure. Dirty or degraded oil can cause premature wear or even serious damage to your differential. That’s why knowing the 7 steps to change the differential oil in your car is more than just maintenance—it’s about preventing expensive repairs.
When Should You Change Differential Oil?
Most automakers recommend changing the differential oil every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. If you tow frequently, drive in dusty environments, or off-road often, your oil may need to be changed sooner.
Check your owner’s manual for specific intervals or consult your mechanic.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the 7 steps to change the differential oil in your car, gather the following tools:
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Socket wrench or hex key
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Oil catch pan
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Gasket scraper or plastic razor blade
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Gear oil (check owner’s manual for specs)
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New gasket or RTV sealant
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Pump (for refilling gear oil)
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Safety gloves & goggles
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Jack and jack stands or ramps
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Clean rags or shop towels
You can find high-quality differential oil and tools on our website here:
Browse differential oil products
7 Steps to Change the Differential Oil in Your Car
1. Lift the Vehicle Safely
Use ramps or a jack with jack stands to raise your car and ensure it's stable. Make sure the differential is accessible and always work on a level surface.
Safety Tip: Chock the front wheels and wear gloves—this can get messy!
2. Locate the Drain and Fill Plugs
The differential usually has a fill plug near the top and a drain plug at the bottom. Always remove the fill plug first to make sure it’s not stuck (you don't want to drain the oil and be unable to refill it).
<div align="center"> <img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/05/11/12/54/car-5155676_1280.jpg" alt="7 steps to change the differential oil in your car" width="600"/> </div>3. Drain the Old Oil
Place your oil pan under the differential and remove the drain plug. Let the old oil fully drain. This might take several minutes. If your differential has a cover plate, you may need to remove it too.
4. Clean the Surface
Once drained, clean the gasket surfaces with a scraper or razor blade. Remove all traces of the old gasket or sealant to ensure a proper seal during reassembly.
5. Reinstall the Drain Plug or Cover
Apply RTV sealant or replace the gasket (if applicable), then tighten the bolts or plug according to your vehicle's torque specifications.
Don’t overtighten. Stripping the threads on your diff cover is no fun.
6. Refill with New Differential Oil
Using a pump, fill gear oil through the fill plug hole until it starts to slightly overflow. This indicates it’s full.
Use the correct viscosity as per your car’s manual (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-140). Using the wrong oil can damage your differential.
7. Reinstall Fill Plug & Clean Up
Tighten the fill plug and wipe off any excess oil. Lower the car and go for a short test drive. Then, check for leaks after the vehicle has cooled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Forgetting to check the fill plug first
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Over-tightening the bolts
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Using the wrong type of oil
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Skipping the cleaning step
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Not using a torque wrench
If you're not sure what gear oil your car needs, check this helpful guide from Mobil
Frequently Asked Questions
Is changing differential oil a DIY job?
Absolutely—if you have basic tools and follow the 7 steps to change the differential oil in your car, you can do it in under an hour.
What happens if I never change my differential oil?
Over time, metal shavings and sludge build up, increasing wear and tear. It could eventually cause your differential to seize, leading to a costly replacement.
Can I reuse old gear oil?
No. Once oil is contaminated or broken down, it loses its effectiveness. Always use new oil during changes.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the 7 steps to change the differential oil in your car is a must for long-term vehicle maintenance. It’s a relatively simple job that pays off big when it comes to performance and reliability.
If you're ready to change your diff oil, grab everything you need from our store:
Buy differential oil and tools at SparesFlex