Front Differential

[95yukonslt]

I've got a 95 yukon 4 door and I'm trying to figure out whats wrong with my 4 wheel drive. I've replaced the front differential actuator but that didnt work. But when I replaced the actuator, I didnt notice any oil on the actuator and I didnt check the differential its self. I've been reading here and on other forums that the actuator heats up the oil and the pressure pushes the axles out to engage the 4 wheel drive. So how much oil does the diff need to 'function', and is it just drain and fill plugs?
Thanks,
Nick

 

[BattelWagun]

My diff functioned for a while with vey little oil in the case (I was unaware of a leak I had). I recommend you check it and fill it up if its low just to eliminate that variable. And yes, it's just drain and fill plugs.

 

[SunlitComet]

I've got a 95 yukon 4 door and I'm trying to figure out whats wrong with my 4 wheel drive. I've replaced the front differential actuator but that didnt work. But when I replaced the actuator, I didnt notice any oil on the actuator and I didnt check the differential its self. I've been reading here and on other forums that the actuator heats up the oil and the pressure pushes the axles out to engage the 4 wheel drive. So how much oil does the diff need to 'function', and is it just drain and fill plugs?
Thanks,
Nick

your info is incorrect. the actuator has a gas chamber inside of it that push's out the actuator tip when electricity heats the gas.

 

[95yukonslt]

your info is incorrect. the actuator has a gas chamber inside of it that push's out the actuator tip when electricity heats the gas.

I'm pretty sure it is lol I've only looked into the topic for a few days now. Does the differential oil only lubricate parts in the differential? or does it work with the actuator to engage the wheels? and when the actuator tip is pushed out how does that engage the wheels?

 

[BattelWagun]

The oil only lubricates the internals. I didn't say anything because I wasn't fully sure, but I believe sunlit is right. I believe the actuator tip pushes a locking ring that engages the differential. Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

 

[95yukonslt]

alright so in my yukon i have the floor shifter, that controls the transfer case right? does the actuator 'turn on' when the shifter is put to 4 hi or 4 lo? how does it turn on?

 

[SunlitComet]

I didn't say anything because I wasn't fully sure, but I believe sunlit is right.

Someone needs a slap.

---------- Post added at 05:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 AM ----------

alright so in my yukon i have the floor shifter, that controls the transfer case right? does the actuator 'turn on' when the shifter is put to 4 hi or 4 lo? how does it turn on?

the actuator actually move a shift fork and collar that locks the right axle to the rest of the differential assembly. when shifted a switched mounted on the tcase passes power to the actuator.

 

[95yukonslt]

ok so I'm definitely gonna check the clips for 12 volts, anything else I could check? And by the way THANKS for all the advice and info battel and sunlit, I now have an idea of how it works

 

[BattelWagun]

Someone needs a slap.

hahahaha!