More fun with DIY...

So yeaterday I decided to change my rear diff fluid meself. MISTAKE! Well, it was a learning process at best. I managed to find some tubing to make it easier to get the fluid in. Now I went through two quarts of the stuff. A good percentage - about 1/2 - managed to get on the floor through my trial and error of getting the fluid in. And let me tell you diff fluid reaks to high hell. So I might have got a quart (2 pints in). I felt this might be a little low since the ESM recommends 3 pints. This morning I picked up another bottle and began to fill. It only took about 200 ml before oil started leaking out of the side fill hole. Does this mean I'm full? Keep in mind I only had the back of my car up, so would the fluid fill to the front of the diff case? I'm only asking this because I tried to check the level with my finger as its shown in the ESM, but it did not feel like the oil came up to the hole. I took the car for a drive and it felt okay. Am I good? Please keep in mind I have a base G, so no LSD.

 

The diff is full when the oil starts to leak back out of the hole, so it sounds like you're okay. It's funny that you didn't feel the oil level at the lower level of the hole if it started leaking back out however.

Next time, go to an auto tool supplier and get yourself a 'Mechanic's Syringe'. It's basically a big syringe type thing that has a tube on the end of it. You draw up the fluid, and push it back out the tube. Much less messy than using a sqeeze bottle, etc.

 

FYI, the diff only take about 1.2 quarts.

 

Like Gordgee said get a syringe/pump. Makes it much easier. They're only like $8, I think I threw mine away after just so it I didn't have to store it for another 3 years until the next time.

 

Thanks guys, I leveled the car out (i.e. had the car up on four jackstands) and when I unscrewed the fill plug, oil started spilling out. Looks like I had too much. I let the extra drain and checked the level. A-ok!

Thanks for the suggestion on the syringe! I also found that using 5/16" diameter clear plastic tubing (about 2' in length) works well if you remove the rear passenger wheel and route the tubing from the drain hole to the upper wheel well.

 

What kind of oil did you use?

 

Mobil 1 75w90 synthetic. Had plenty of that in stock at Auto Zone.

 

We don't need to put in any additives?

 

Nope, just gear oil.

 

last question...is there a crush washer on the drain or fill plugs?

 

yes, i think there's washers but i'm one of the few who leaves and re-uses the previous washer, ...but always check for leaks.

 

I do as well, but I check the washer make sure it does not look all FUBAR'd and then inspect for leaks periodically. But its not as frequent of a change as the motor oil, so it should be okay.