Tips for differential fluid change?

[thatguy]

This weekend I am planning on changing my Dodge/Cummins 2500 front and rear differential fluids.. And possibly the tractor front axle as well..

this is my first time attempt at doing something like this, so I am looking for tips, suggestions or mistake to try and avoid..

I have the fluid, a catch pan, clean rags, and RTV sealant... It appears that I will have to drop the differential covers on the truck, so I know i need to scrap any old gasket material off the mating surfaces..

Any advise??

thanks

Brian

 

[thatguy]

OK... Since no one had any helpful tips, Ill ask a couple questions..

I am not sure if my differentials have gaskets or were sealed with RTV or both..

IF they have gaskets do you need to also use RTV?

IF you use RTV how long do you allow it to 'cure' before you replace the fluids? One reference said to allow it to cure per the package, which was 24 hours.. The Haynes manual didnt mention any curing at all..

thanks

Brian

 

[RobJ]

I'll help. they are both real easy.

On the diffs, you don't even have to remove the rear cover all the way unless you want to scrap out the bottom. But I probably would, the gasket usually comes off in one piece if it has one. I use RTV on both sides when I reassemble. A little more is better then a little less. Use the plug on the side to fill and level. On the tractor there will be drain plugs on each steering knuckle.

About it. Have a couple large round pans to catch it all.

good Luck,
Rob

 

[thatguy]

Thanks for the advise Robj... Can you typically re-use the gaskets or should I get a new one?

thanks

Brian

 

[brandoro]

When I changed the diffs on my Dakota there were no gaskets only RTV silicone. I cleaned everything off, ran a bead of (gasket type) silicone around the bolt holes and between the bolt holes, bolted up and torqued quickly then refilled right away. No problems with any leakage since the cover to housing fit is quite good anyway, the silicone doesn't have to fill much space and really no pressure on it either. Good to remove the covers and clean all the shiny stuff out of the bottom of the housing, for sure there will be some small metal particles-no problem, if you find any chunks that is a problem.

 

[jimainiac]

I changed the fluid in the front and rear differentials of our '04 Dodge 2500 this summer. The owner's manual said to use synthetic, so I used Mobil 1 75W-90. I took off the covers, cleaned them good, and used the red RTV sealant liberally on the cover mating surface. I didn't wait a very long time before bolting them back up. It was easy to refill using the quart squeeze bottles (which can be re-used as chainsaw bar oil bottles). Mission accomplished, no leaks.

 

[number two]

Although gaskets are no longer used from the manufacturer,they are readily available at the auto parts store,maybe $5 or so.I use the gasket myself with a thin film of RTV on both sides of the gasket.If time or availability prevents obtaining a gasket,I'll use RTV alone as others have suggested.Just bolt up and fill.Or,leave the cover on and suck out as much as possible with a $10 suction gun and refill.

 

[RobJ]

Thanks for the advise Robj... Can you typically re-use the gaskets or should I get a new one?

thanks

Brian

A diff gasket is usually pretty thick. Yes I wouldn't think twice about reusing that one. Even with a little tear, the rtv will take care of that. That gasket usually isn't prone to failing and leaking, and there is good bolt coverage. IMO.

 

[JSharp]

One small tip - Make sure you can remove the fill/level plugs before you pull the drain plug.

 

[czechsonofagun]

One small tip - Make sure you can remove the fill/level plugs before you pull the drain plug.

If you mean to take the plug out BEFORE taking the cover off - BTDT. It is actually quite hard to loosen up the plug once it is off the axle

On my CJ7 I used to go gasket+RTV and than got cheap and used RTV only. No difference at all. I use Xylol for degreasing and this little hand pump screwed in gallon jug of gear oil. CJ7 has fuel tank right behind the rear axle and it i impossible to get there with the squeeze bottle.

But the pump is useful for the stick shift transmission and Dana 300 too.