The Complete Video Guide to Changing Fluids on your GM Truck

The.Sundae.Drive · April 27, 2018

*NOTE* We will be adding additional videos to this list as we create them including the coolant, oil, and brake fluid. For sections that are blank we have not yet found official specs or part numbers. Please comment with any missing information and we will add it.

Hi All, we created detailed DIY guides for changing front and rear differential gear lube, transfer case fluid, and transmission fluid (Flush) and filter. All videos were shot on my 2014 Silverado 1500 4x4 with the 5.3L engine, 6L80 transmission, and 9.5 inch rear.

PART 1: Transfer Case

Click HERE for Video

This process is identical for the corresponding GM vehicles:

Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade.

The steps here are also similar for most trucks with 4x4 including the Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, etc.

As with any of our guides, check your owner's manual for the appropriate fluid, fill level, and torque specs.

********************************************************************

Tools

********************************************************************

Amsoil Pump: https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/garage-accessories/bottle-hand-pump/

Similar pump from Amazon (Affiliate) https://amzn.to/2GxjUjq

Rhino Gear Ramps: http://amzn.to/2oAp0Bf

Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves: http://amzn.to/2oCvzDd

From the GM Owner's manual for my 2014 Silverado:

********************************************************************

When to Check Fluid Level

********************************************************************

It is not necessary to regularly check front axle fluid unless a leak is suspected, or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. Have it inspected and repaired.

********************************************************************

How to Check Fluid Level

********************************************************************

To get an accurate reading (of the fluid level), the vehicle should be on a level surface. If the level is below the bottom of the fill plug (1) hole, located on the transfer case, some lubricant will need to be added. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use care not to overtighten the plug.

********************************************************************

When to Change Fluid

********************************************************************

Regular Service: Every 97,500 Miles

Severe Service: Every 45,000 Miles

Extreme Service: Every 22,500 Miles

********************************************************************

Care and Maintenance

********************************************************************

Do not directly power wash the transfer case output seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the transfer case and should be replaced.

********************************************************************

Recommended Fluid

********************************************************************

DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.

(I use AMSOIL ATF Fluid) https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/transmission-fluid/automatic/signature-series-fuel-efficient-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid/?code=ATLQT-EA

********************************************************************

Capacity & Torque Specs

********************************************************************

Approximately 1.6 qt (fill to bottom of fill hole)

13 ft-lbs (Drain and Fill plugs)

Part 2: Rear Differential

Click HERE for Video

This process is identical for the corresponding GM vehicles:

Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade.

********************************************************************

Tools & Parts

********************************************************************

Permatex 25238 The Right Stuff Grey Gasket Maker: http://amzn.to/2CQdcij (Grey is slightly easier to get apart)

Permatex 25229 The Right Stuff Black Gasket Maker: http://amzn.to/2F2tLxw (Stronger Bond and Seal)

Permatex 81182 Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker: http://amzn.to/2F4aDiL (Cheaper option but takes longer to set)

Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves: http://amzn.to/2oCvzDd

Rhino Gear Ramps: http://amzn.to/2oAp0Bf

From the GM Owner's manual for my 2014 Silverado:

********************************************************************

When to Check Fluid Level

********************************************************************

It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle fluid unless a leak is suspected, or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. Have it inspected and repaired.

********************************************************************

How to Check Fluid Level

********************************************************************

According to the GM Factory Owner's Manual the fluid may appear low because it is not filled to a certain level at the factory. To get an accurate reading of the fluid fill you need to let the vehicle sit on a level surface for an hour or more so that the fluid can return to the pumpkin from the axles.

The following fill level are provided by GM:

For all 4.3L and 5.3L 1500 Series applications, the proper

level is 1.0 mm to 19.0 mm (0.04 in to 0.7 in) below the

bottom of the fill hole, located on the rear axle. Add only enough

fluid to reach the proper level.

For 6.2L 1500 Series applications, the proper level is

from 15 mm to 40 mm (0.6 in to 1.6 in) below the bottom of the

fill plug hole, located on the rear axle. Add only enough fluid to

reach the proper level.

For all 6.0L 2500HD Series applications, the proper level is from 0 mm to 13 mm (0 to 0.5 in) below the bottom of the fill plug hole, located on the rear axle. Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level.

For all 6.6L Duramax Diesel 2500HD Series applications and all 3500 Series applications, the proper level is from 17 mm to 21 mm (0.6 in to 0.8 in) below the bottom of the fill plug hole, located on the rear axle. Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level.

********************************************************************

When to Change Fluid

********************************************************************

Recommended Fluid

********************************************************************

Rear Axle (1500)

SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 19300457, in

Canada 19300458). https://amzn.to/2KiyIRM

Rear Axle (2500/3500)

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021677, in

Canada 89021678).

We used AMSOIL Severe Gear 75w-90 which AMSOIL states is compatible with this differential:

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/gear-lube/severe-gear-75w-90/

********************************************************************

Capacity & Torque Specs - Always verify capacities and torque specs with your owner's manual.

********************************************************************

9.5" ~ Approximately 5.5 Pints

Cover Bolts Torque = 20ft-lbs, Fill Plug = 24 ft-lbs

8.6" ~ Approximately 4.2 Pints

Cover Bolts Torque = 20ft-lbs, Fill Plug = 24 ft-lbs

Part 3: Front Differential

Click HERE for video

This process is identical for the corresponding GM vehicles:

Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade.

********************************************************************

Tools & Parts

********************************************************************

Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves: http://amzn.to/2oCvzDd

Rhino Gear Ramps: http://amzn.to/2oAp0Bf

From the GM Owner's manual for my 2014 Silverado:

********************************************************************

When to Check Fluid Level

********************************************************************

It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle fluid unless a leak is suspected, or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. Have it inspected and repaired.

********************************************************************

How to Check Fluid Level

********************************************************************

Per the GM owners manual: When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level from 0 mm (0 in) to 3.2 mm (1/8 in) below the fill plug (1) hole.

When the differential is at operating temperature (warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the fill plug (1) hole.

********************************************************************

When to Change Fluid

********************************************************************

Recommended Fluid

********************************************************************

1500: 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021671, in

Canada 89021672).

2500/3500: 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021677, in

Canada 89021678)

We used AMSOIL Severe Gear 75w-90 which AMSOIL states is compatible with this differential:

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/gear-lube/severe-gear-75w-90/

********************************************************************

Capacity & Torque Specs - Always verify capacities and torque specs with your owner's manual.

********************************************************************

Approximately 3 Pints

Fill and Drain Plugs = 24 ft-lbs

Part 4: Transmission Flush and Filter Change

Click HERE for video

This video was created using my 2014 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8. For this vehicle, GM recommends that the transmission fluid and filter are changed (not flushed) every 97.5K miles for regular service and 45K miles for severe service.

The 6L80 /6L80E (electronically controlled) Transmission is used in the following vehicles:

Chevrolet Corvette
Cadillac XLR
Cadillac STS
Cadillac XLRV
Cadillac STSV
Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Sierra
GMC Yukon
Cadillac Escalade
Hummer H2
Pontiac G8

********************************************************************
Parts (Affiliate)
********************************************************************
Transmission Pan Gasket GM PN 24224781
ACDelco https://amzn.to/2r0agfe

Transmission Filter GM PN 24236933
AC Delco https://amzn.to/2r2j2JM

********************************************************************
Tools (Affiliate)
********************************************************************
Pick Tools: https://amzn.to/2r0ZV2I
1/2" Clear Tube: https://amzn.to/2I0N74m
3/8" Clear Tube: https://amzn.to/2r4e27h
Milwaukee Cordless Impact: https://amzn.to/2r1xQrU
Transmission Funnel: https://amzn.to/2Kgqb1V

From the GM Owner's manual for my 2014 Silverado:

********************************************************************
When to Change Fluid
********************************************************************
Regular Service: Every 97,500 Miles
Severe Service: Every 45,000 Miles

********************************************************************
Recommended Fluid
********************************************************************
DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.

(w used AMSOIL ATF Fluid) https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/transmission-fluid/automatic/signature-series-fuel-efficient-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid/?code=ATLQT-EA

********************************************************************
Capacity & Torque Specs
********************************************************************
The following capacities are taken from AMSOIL.com for the 2014 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8. Always refer to your owner's manual for factory recommendations.

Fluid Change Only = 6 Qts.
Fluid Flush = 12.2 Qts.
Fluid Flush with HD Cool = 12.4 Qts.

Transmission Pan Bolts Torque = 80 in-lbs

lordathey · April 27, 2018

Perfect timing! I'm going to change all these fluids tomorrow and your videos are going to speed up the process. Thank You!

Back in a Bowtie · April 27, 2018

did the trans... diffs and transfer case coming up soon. this will help, thanks!

The.Sundae.Drive · April 28, 2018

10 hours ago, lordathey said:

Perfect timing! I'm going to change all these fluids tomorrow and your videos are going to speed up the process. Thank You!

Awesome! Hope they help!