Diff fluid change & level surface

[Soobs]

So most residential garages have a slight slope for building code drainage reasons. It's not much, but it's there. Do you folks do anything special to level the vehicle when changing things like transfer case and differential fluids? I'm not how to level it and then where to check to see if it's level. I imagine the tiny slop in a garage isn't much to worry about?

 

[aquariuscsm]

When I change the rear diff fluid in my 300ZX, I back it in the driveway, and then go forward with the front wheels onto a couple of bricks to even it out.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I guess a little off is OK, but the leveler the better. Not sure if "leveler" is a word...

 

[JMJNet]

I guess a little off is OK, but the leveler the better. Not sure if "leveler" is a word...

There should be a tolerance aka range in all mechanical equipment.
If your car/truck was designed without tolerance/range, it will not be manufacture-able.

 

[spasm3]

Back it in and fill the rear diff. It will be fine. What happens when you drive down hill? As long as its not low you will be fine.

 

[billt460]

If you measure the slight slope of your garage floor from front to back, then measure the length of your differential case, it will amount to almost nothing.

 

[Lubener]

If you are worrying about refilling it, it's not that critical to be splitting hairs over it. If you can fell the lube with your finger or it flows out, you are fine.

 

[RhondaHonda]

If it were at the dealer on a lift the rear axle would be hanging way down when they go to fill it. You’ll be fine on the garage floor.

 

[1 SX]

No issues, i have done the same, and never had one issue in regarding low fluid or anything like that. You are good to go on the garage floor. :-D

 

[iahawk]

If I do need my vehicle to be level in the garage I've found that putting the back wheels on 2x material will level everything out.

 

[Cripes]

So most residential garages have a slight slope for building code drainage reasons. It's not much, but it's there. Do you folks do anything special to level the vehicle when changing things like transfer case and differential fluids? I'm not how to level it and then where to check to see if it's level. I imagine the tiny slop in a garage isn't much to worry about?

Learn from my mistake. I did a drain and fill on my rear differential on a slightly uneven surface. That was about 1 year ago. Since then, I've gained 25 pounds, lost some more hair and my 401K went down.

 

[Soobs]

Thanks all. There is just the slightest slope in my garage. You wouldn’t even notice it unless you put the car in neutral and it just barely creeps back. I just wanted to see if it was something to be concerned with, but judging from the replies it doesn’t seem to be an issue. Thanks!

 

[Soobs]

Learn from my mistake. I did a drain and fill on my rear differential on a slightly uneven surface. That was about 1 year ago. Since then, I've gained 25 pounds, lost some more hair and my 401K went down.

Same thing happened to me when I switched from an expensive name brand motor oil to Supertech. Sometimes we learn the hard way.

 

[Silver]

I attach a leveler to whatever I'm working on, mount a remote camera towards the bubble and adjust with jacks at all four corners until level. This does not work well during the Winter Solstice due to earth's axial wobble.

 

[Gebo]

I attach a leveler to whatever I'm working on, mount a remote camera towards the bubble and adjust with jacks at all four corners until level. This does not work well during the Winter Solstice due to earth's axial wobble.

So do you wait until Spring or Fall to help minimize the wobble effect? I am assuming Summer is out as well.

 

[nobb]

Differentials are just simple gears. Overfilling slightly should have no impact other than maybe a bit more drag.

 

[thastinger]

So most residential garages have a slight slope for building code drainage reasons. It's not much, but it's there. Do you folks do anything special to level the vehicle when changing things like transfer case and differential fluids? I'm not how to level it and then where to check to see if it's level. I imagine the tiny slop in a garage isn't much to worry about?

I back mine in, that way I can get a little extra in it

 

[Quantico]

Learn from my mistake. I did a drain and fill on my rear differential on a slightly uneven surface. That was about 1 year ago. Since then, I've gained 25 pounds, lost some more hair and my 401K went down.

That is not uncommon. I replaced my sequoia trans fluid and went to my doctor yesterday. She said I lost 32 pounds and all my numbers were much better. I think thats because I used the toyota branded ws trans fluid. And I used individual sheets of notebook paper until the truck was exactly level.