How to drain my rear diff with no drain plug?

[zulu]

Just pop the rear cover. Easy to do. Most have gaskets, $7-8 at the local auto parts store. I like to pull the cover and clean the magnet off while I'm at it. Scrape the old gasket, then put the new one on (or use Permatex gasket maker) and re-torque the old bolts. Hour job, tops. Refill with you favorite fluid and be on your way.

 

[PT1]

You need to remove the cover and drain into a pan. Then clean the magnet on the cover. The gasket is paper and you will need a torque wrench to torque the bolts back on. (a hose will not fit past the gearset on the fill plug to siphon it out). You probably have the GM grape scented synthetic 75w90 gear lube so check with your dealer (make sure you have your vin number) that lube is $27/qt at the dealer but sometimes on ebay for less. Make sure you get the correct lubricant part number. GM calls for the cover bolts to be replaced but I re-used mine and cleaned them well with a wire brush and used blue loctite to reinstall. I think the torque spec is 30ft lbs but check it.

BTW Mobil 1 75w90 doesn't meet the GM spec for your differential. If you don't use the GM lube I would only use Amsoil SVG 75w90 .

 

[George7941]

Originally Posted By: PT1
You need to remove the cover and drain into a pan. Then clean the magnet on the cover. The gasket is paper and you will need a torque wrench to torque the bolts back on. (a hose will not fit past the gearset on the fill plug to siphon it out). You probably have the GM grape scented synthetic 75w90 gear lube so check with your dealer (make sure you have your vin number) that lube is $27/qt at the dealer but sometimes on ebay for less. Make sure you get the correct lubricant part number. GM calls for the cover bolts to be replaced but I re-used mine and cleaned them well with a wire brush and used blue loctite to reinstall. I think the torque spec is 30ft lbs but check it.

BTW Mobil 1 75w90 doesn't meet the GM spec for your differential. If you don't use the GM lube I would only use Amsoil SVG 75w90 .



I just checked the Mobil site and the only spec listed for Mobil 1 LS75w90 oil is API GL5/MT1. They dont list the GM spec, which for my truck rear axle is 9986115. I was planning on using the Mobil 75w90 oil when I change out the oil.

Do you know if I might damage the rear axle by using the Mobil oil?[

 

[3Toyotas]

Originally Posted By: mcrn
And yes I can take the cover off but I will be doing this in my garage and my air intake is in the garage so I am worried about spilling any. Gear oil smells terrible!


I hope you don't have an air intake in the garage for your home.

This is against city code here in Utah, and many other states. I just don't want to read about you in the obituaries anytime soon.

Back to topic:

I just had our 08 GMC van done by our mechanic at 10k miles. He used our Amsoil SG 75w90, and charged us $54 to do the work including the Toyota black sealant. He claims the toyota black stuff is the best you can get. He's done many a diff services, and says he has virtually no call backs when he uses the stuff.

So far no leaks yet, and he told me it was a good decision to have her done. Even though it only has 10k miles on it.

I would prefer to do it myself, if i can find out where to buy a new diff cover with a drain plug. What a PITA it is w/o one.