24 GMC Sierra 1500 Diff fluid Change Observations.

[Nuclear_42]

Decided to change the front diff fluid on my GM SU5 axle 2024 Sierra 1500 with 13k miles. Replaced with Amsoil 75w-90. Not a fan of more fuel efficient GM 75w-85. Anyways I noted the fluid looked fresh but was very cloudy. You can see some white colored ripples on the pan when it dripped. I use my 4WD or Auto mode (basically AWD light 4WD fuel efficient) when it rains hard or snow fall in Minnesota winters. Should this fluid with condensation be normal due to my location. Sounds like that combined with low usage seems to give it less chance to heat up and burn moisture out like the rear fluid. Recently did rear diff and it was not like this. Pretty clean honey color. I think this diff was under filled too from factory because the fill plug magnet was clean. Only the cover glued on rubber magnet has some material.

 

[JoelB]

I have no constructive comments. But I will say it looks like hot mustard coming out of that thing.

 

[Marcozi]

Those metallic looking flakes in the pan look suspicious. Use a magnet to see if they are ferrous.

 

[Pablo]

The fluid almost looks like moisture holding. Not sure what virgin looks like though. Kinda ugly.

Just good that you changed. I always change my driveline fluids early and again. Then I can go a good while.

 

[I<3oil]

I changed my old 2011’s front diff one day in like 2019-2020. It came out looking like chocolate milk. At least yours is still amber’ish kind of colored lol

 

[JeffKeryk]

Would a drain plug have cost that much?
Great job on the service!

 

[Mcbeem5]

I changed my old 2011’s front diff one day in like 2019-2020. It came out looking like chocolate milk. At least yours is still amber’ish kind of colored lol

This is off GM website Front diff. lubricant-

• ACDelco Dexron 75W-85 Low Viscosity Gear Oil is a newer SAE technology that helps reduce operating temperature, improve fuel economy, and improve thermal stability. The low viscosity formula is favorable for high speed, low loaded gears with a good tooth surface finish. ACDelco Dexron Low Viscosity 75W-85 Gear Oil has been formulated to meet your expectations for durability and longevity.I would rather have gear oil coming out looking like that than some of the black and dark grey lube I have drained before! I suspect that color is because it is a special GM formula for front axels.

 

[CarlB]

You can use a hot pan on stove to check for moisture content if concerned.

 

[FreedomOne]

Never seen diff fluid look like that.