Rear differential fluid change?

BDBiker · March 7, 2015

I purchased a new 1LE Camaro in 2013. I replaced the drain plugs in my engine, tranny, and rear differential when I took it home with the very powerful DIMPLE plugs.

At 1500 miles, I changed ALL my fluids and it was shocking the amount of metallic residue on the drain plugs. Also the rear differential fluid smelled horrible, new fluid sure doesn't smell like that, and the magnet was covered in metal residue.

Point being, I spent a few bucks for 'Preventative Maintenance' on my sports car to remove the 'break in' metallic residue from my fluids. You guys sometimes amaze me at how you spend a boatload of money on your vehicles and act like its almost criminal to spent a few dollars to do maintenance. Another example is Catch Cans that in my experience prevent a load of oil being dumped into our engines, yet there is a large number of folks that act like its 'snake oil'.

Do as you please, but I will always go over and above to maintain my motorcycles, atv's, boats, and vehicles. Toys are expensive and in relative terms, maintenance is cheap!

Gmcant33 · March 7, 2015

I purchased a new 1LE Camaro in 2013. I replaced the drain plugs in my engine, tranny, and rear differential when I took it home with the very powerful DIMPLE plugs.

At 1500 miles, I changed ALL my fluids and it was shocking the amount of metallic residue on the drain plugs. Also the rear differential fluid smelled horrible, new fluid sure doesn't smell like that, and the magnet was covered in metal residue.

Point being, I spent a few bucks for 'Preventative Maintenance' on my sports car to remove the 'break in' metallic residue from my fluids. You guys sometimes amaze me at how you spend a boatload of money on your vehicles and act like its almost criminal to spent a few dollars to do maintenance. Another example is Catch Cans that in my experience prevent a load of oil being dumped into our engines, yet there is a large number of folks that act like its 'snake oil'.

Do as you please, but I will always go over and above to maintain my motorcycles, atv's, boats, and vehicles. Toys are expensive and in relative terms, maintenance is cheap!

"Maintenance is cheap" is highly subjective

SB09 · March 7, 2015

I figured it was a money grab on their part. I went and bought fluid last night and changed myself, way cheaper than 79.99 they were asking. I also think the mechanics finger was dirty or they put dirt in the sample they brought me. Fluid looked way better than what he showed me. Can't trust anyone these days I guess. Thanks for the help fellas!

redwngr · March 7, 2015

There is a reason why the differentials (which use a new fluid) don't have a change interval in the maintenance schedule.

SMiller · March 7, 2015

GM syn. diff lube is better then any other fluid you can buy!

I change fluids at 500 miles.

Smell and color mean absolutely nothing when it comes to fluids.

07Softail · March 7, 2015

"Maintenance is cheap" is highly subjective

$20 bucks worth of Diff Fluid is cheaper than a $2000 rear axle assembly.

Gmcant33 · March 7, 2015

$20 bucks worth of Diff Fluid is cheaper than a $2000 rear axle assembly.

That is only a fraction of what has to be done to a veichule #s climb quickly when considering more than just the differential

07Softail · March 9, 2015

But the post was about differential fluid....so $20 is all you need. All of the other maintenance is cheap by comparison on a $30+K truck!

RT

Spurshot · March 10, 2015

It should have been changed at the first 5000 miles after the break in heat cycles. Ring and pinion gears are one of the most abused parts on a vehicle not mentioning the bearings and clutches for your limited slip. Every 15-20K is normal changing intervals. You guys spend thousands of dollars on Tuning, CAI's, Headers, cat-back exhaust, rims, lift kits, lowering kits, blowers, cams, Window Tint and won't spend $20 on 2 quarts of Damn gear lube! GEEZ!!!

EDIT: This was not directed at the OP... just the NAY SAYERS!!

RT

Yeah. The millions of cars and trucks that never get their fluid changed, fail prematurely...often at 300-400 thousand miles.

My last truck got the diff fluid changed at 100,000. It's still going at 170,000.

The truck prior to that also got the fluid changed at 100,000. It is approaching 300,000.

My El Camino went 500,000 plus with two changes. Then it drove off into the sunset with the new owner after more than twenty years.

Most vehicles make it to their grave with original rear axle, without failure.

The rear axle is the least of your worries.

Gmcant33 · March 10, 2015

But the post was about differential fluid....so $20 is all you need. All of the other maintenance is cheap by comparison on a $30+K truck!

RT

I didn't say $20 diff change isn't cheap I stated "maintenance in general" it's a category that can keep be really expensive or cheap how one sees it differs from how others view.

junkyardz · March 10, 2015

Waste of time and money, until 100k. But, your vehicle your call.

crushNchowda · March 10, 2015

If the truck is equipped w/ mechanical limited slip than it absolutely could be ready for a change @ 37,000 miles depending on your driving style and you better use the GM fluid and nothing else - it will either come w/ a tube of friction modifier or the friction modifier will be in the fluid already.

I learned this the hard way w/ a 2004 GTO.

My truck is coming up on 32,000 miles - next oil change (around 37,000 miles) I plan on service 4x4 including front/rear diff obviously.

SMiller · March 10, 2015

People there is no additive needed as it is already in the fluid you buy, I would use GM syn fluid ($22 bottle) or if going cheap Mobil 1 ($12 bottle).

I change every single fluid/filter in my truck every two years, it cost $400 but that is the cheapest insurance I can have, I have never been on the side of the road...

amxguy1970 · March 10, 2015

But the post was about differential fluid....so $20 is all you need. All of the other maintenance is cheap by comparison on a $30+K truck!

RT

Considering you say 15k differential fluid change intervals and the G80 isn't a locker, I as well as everyone else should take what you say with a grain of salt.

Spur is right, the rear axle is nothing to be worried about, especially one with out LSD/clutches. I don't even see a change interval in some of the manuals I am looking at.

Tyler

07Softail · March 10, 2015

Hell...what do i know I have only been working on diffs for 30 years or so. You know what.... Don't change it the diff will go 300K but who gives a $hit it's obvious that some of you don't care. Especially you guys that supposedly LOVE your truck your obviously a bunch of cheap skates and probably don't know how to change it any way so go buy you some iridium spark plugs for a 10 horsepower gain.

I love it when you guys come in wanting gears after 60+K miles and I have to do a full bearing replacement because they are pitted from the lack of simple fluid change and that's when I sit back and listen to the pissin and moaning. Just simply giving my experience in this area. LMFAO!!!!!

RT