Lil Me wrote:
Got a nice gift flashlight and tire pressure gauge from Mr Lube. Apparently we're on the Preferred Customer list.
Russ: pssst! How important is it to change flush the differential fluid? I didn't do it today. Never have, why start now?!
Its not really important. Some different types of synthetic oils break down after... ten years. Most oils last a long time, especially mineral oils. Manufacturers like to try to make money. Dont do it.
I never change oil in my diffs.. only check the levels. I DO at times drain a bit out of the bottom drain plug and look for oil separation or shavings. Never seen it.
Dont worry about it. Unless your axle differentials are leaking, then add to it. I think the last time I went to a Lubester, I had them check my diff levels.
On my Blue GMC pickup, I have once checked the diff levels, never changed the oil. Its a 1990.
what type of oil does your vehicle have? 75W-90 I assume but synthetic or mineral?
Same thing with transmission fluid and filter. Maybe change it after like 5 years, if you been driving it hard or towing something once in a while. Take a look at your fluid once in a while, if it looks blackish or dark with particles in it (looks like dirt when you take some in your fingers and rub it together) change the oil and filter. If it smells burnt, change it. It should look like a watered down red and smell like.. uh, ATF. The biggest enemy to an auto is HEAT, as in overheating the oil. If you load up your vehicle or tow something with it on highway steep grades etc.. install an auxilliary transmission cooler. They are about 100 bucks and takes two hours to install. Anyone can do it.
I have seen two auto transmissions go on vehicles I have been around.. and it was to do with overworking it.. in essence overheating it.
