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Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement

Introduction

This video guide will show you how to change your differential fluid/ gear oil. Not only that but also clean the inside of the housing and check for damage.

  • CAUTION: If you have never jacked up your vehicle before, follow this guide.

What you need

Video Overview

  1. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Remove the bolts from the differential cover: step 1, image 1 of 2 Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Remove the bolts from the differential cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Use a socket wrench or an air gun to remove the bolts from the differential cover

    • source

    • Make sure to keep the metal tag with the gear ratio and axle type information

    • source.

    Edit

  2. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Drain the differential fluid: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Place a bucket under the differential

    • Use a hammer to tap the cover and let the fluid drain out

    • Then, remove the cover

    • source.

    Edit

  3. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Check for damage: step 3, image 1 of 2 Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Check for damage: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • While the cover is off, inspect the ring gear, pinion gear, and spider gears for any damage or missing/broken teeth

    • source

    • Make sure the vehicle is in neutral so you can spin the gears

    • Check for metal shavings or sludge at the bottom of the differential

    • source.

    Edit

  5. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Clean the differential housing: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use brake parts cleaner to clean the inside of the housing

    • Wipe it down with paper towels and let it dry

    • source.

    Edit

  6. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Clean the differential cover: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Clean the cover with brake parts cleaner, both inside and outside

    • Make sure to remove any old RTV or gasket material from the mating surface

    • source.

    Edit

  7. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Apply RTV: step 6, image 1 of 2 Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Apply RTV: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Apply a bead of RTV sealant around the mating surface of the differential cover, making sure to go around each bolt hole

    • source

    • Use a dry finger to spread the RTV evenly over the surface

    • source

    • Let it sit for a minute to become tacky.

    Edit

  8. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Reinstall the differential cover: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Align the cover with the differential housing and press it into place

    • Reinstall the bolts and the metal tag you removed earlier, tightening them in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket

    • source.

    Edit

  9. Jeep Differential Fluid Replacement, Fill the differential with gear oil: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • After letting the RTV dry for a short time, remove the fill plug and fill the differential with gear oil until it starts to spill out of the fill hole

    • source

    • Replace the fill plug and clean up any excess oil.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

One other person completed this guide.

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