HOW TO - Front & Rear Differential Fluid Change (2021+ Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban)

[fondupot]

So this new to me Yukon had the dreaded rear diff groan. Did some research and with the help of @Cjamaco79 got some fluid ordered up and tackled the rear differential fluid change myself. Not to bad of a job, can be done in about 20 minutes.

Many of you know the G86 mechanical locking differentials have a TSB that the dealer can perform and if within warranty its free. But if you're out of warranty, they'll charge you an arm and a leg. The fluid is not that expensive, it can be had for less than $100.

Here is my first technical/how to contribution to the forum, hope it helps someone.

EDIT 11/29/2024

Here is the front diff fluid change video:

 

[jerry455]

I wish the front was that easy. It took me a couple of hours, mostly scraping the gasket, to do the front axle.

 

[fondupot]

I wish the front was that easy. It took me a couple of hours, mostly scraping the gasket, to do the front axle.

Yea, front is def more tough. I am going to do mine soon, probably just gonna siphon out the old fluid tho, instead of removing the pumpkin cover.

 

[blondie70]

That's what I did...siphon the old oil out...making sure to get the stuff out from the very bottom (had to make a copper tubing piece hooked to the hose),,,,easier to do that way.

 

[fondupot]

That's what I did...siphon the old oil out...making sure to get the stuff out from the very bottom (had to make a copper tubing piece hooked to the hose),,,,easier to do that way.

I did my front diff last weekend. Siphoned the fluid out as expected, didn't go to bad. I build a service ramp to get under the truck. made things easier. I used my OMT pump to fill the front diff up with 1.14 quarts it calls for, it comes with a variety of attachments with different fill applications. I spilled a little fluid filling because the hook on the attachment I chose wasn't quite long enough, Live and learn for next time. I checked the level with a bent over zip-tie as a makeshift dipstick. Worked pretty good. I should have a video up in a week or so on that, I'll edit this thread to include that one as well.

 

[fondupot]

Updated the original post with the front differential fluid service video. Enjoy!

 

[jerry455]

I like using Amsoil because of their ingenious bag design for holding the lube. Just squeeze the bag and it goes in. What a great idea. Super easy. I have switched all of my vehicles over to it.

 

[Jay P Wy]

I like using Amsoil because of their ingenious bag design for holding the lube. Just squeeze the bag and it goes in. What a great idea. Super easy. I have switched all of my vehicles over to it.

Nothing wrong with Amsoil but Valvoline also has the same type of bag. https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-Sy...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1