The Importance of Checking Differential Fluid and how to do it
The differential in an automobile is an extremely important component as it is the gearbox that converts the drive motion from the engine into right angles that power the wheels. The differential is the rear gearbox of a car and is often referred to as the rear end. It contains a set of drive components in addition to holding all of the fluid necessary to lubricate these parts. Due to its location the differential is often forgotten about when most vehicle owners think about changing fluids, and most often evencheckingthem. Left unchecked however, the differential can become dry, un-lubricated and eventually fail, potentially costing a great deal of money to repair.
The moving parts within an automobile need to be lubricated in order to reduce the amount of friction that is caused by them coming into contact with one another, this applies to the motor as well as the drive train. Over time thehigh temperaturesthat these fluids are exposed to cause them to break down and become ineffective. That is why it is important not only to consistently check the level of fluids in a car, but to change them as well andreplacespent fluids with new ones. Commonly checked fluids are really only those which are contained under the hood of a car and allow easy access to, the rear-end differential gear however is exactly that and requires going underneath the automobile in order to check the fluid as well as replace it.
Under the back axle of a rear wheel drive car the differential gear can be found in the middle. Sometimes called a yolk it is round and connects the two wheels at the back of the vehicle. To check the fluid level find the fill plug that is located on the case of the differential, it is normally facing the back of the vehicle. The plug should be able to loosen easily but it may require a bit of lubricant such as WD-40 if it hasn’t been removed for a while. After removing the plug check the level of fluid in the differential case by placing your finger in the hole.
If the front of the vehicle has been jacked up at all then a small amount of fluid will run out of the hole once the fill plug has been removed. In most circumstances the fluid should be level with the plug hole, if it isn’t then it will be necessary to add fluid. If the vehicle is used for towing then it is common to have to add fluid as towing itself puts greater stresses on the differential. Toadd fluiduse a funnel and slowly pour fluid in until it is level with the plug hole. Once the differential fluid has been filled to the proper level then put the fill plug back into the case on the differential and tighten it up.
