Project 1 Differentials

[Gmg0547]

I picked up this truck about a month ago and will be slowly changing all the fluids over the next few months. First up was the front differential. Both bolts came out really easy. I sprayed each one with some PB Blaster about an hour before and they came right off with a little effort.

The magnet didn't look too bad. It had some gray grease looking build up and some metal shavings. Not great, but not too bad for the miles I think.

 

[OR VietVet]

That drain plug "beard" doesn't look too bad as long as there is no chunks. If that is the first time the fluid has been changed, it is real good. If has not been said before, welcome to the forum.

 

[Gmg0547]

Thanks @OR VietVet. I lurked here for a while researching before I bought the Yukon. The front differential was one of my biggest worries. It didn't look like any chunks, more like slivers. I didn't see anything else while cleaning the pan either. Here is another shot.

It probably was the first time changed. It still had a grape smell to it but the fluid was pretty dark.

 

[rockola1971]

Looks like normal wear and tear to me.

 

[OR VietVet]

Thanks @OR VietVet. I lurked here for a while researching before I bought the Yukon. The front differential was one of my biggest worries. It didn't look like any chunks, more like slivers. I didn't see anything else while cleaning the pan either. Here is another shot.

It probably was the first time changed. It still had a grape smell to it but the fluid was pretty dark.

I forgot to ask you, do you know why there is that "beard" on the drain plug magnet? If you know, no need to go further but if uncertain, now is the time to find out. Also, hopefully you spray some brake clean thru the fill hole and flush out the old fluid thru the drain hole. Let dry for about an hour, IMO, and then refill with proper fluid.

 

[Gmg0547]

I just let it drain for about 10 minutes and refilled. I am going to do the rear this weekend. Is spraying the inside with brake cleaner something I should do to that before putting it back together? My skill set is basic diy stuff.

In regards to the shavings from the front, the truck has 112k on it. From the records I was able to get, no service had been done to the differentials. Do the shavings look excessive or not normal wear for these?

 

[OR VietVet]

Shavings are the sharp gear edges when new that have rounded off. Looks normal. I would have sprayed out the front before refill but that is on you. Yes, clean out the rear and let dry completely before reinstall cover and refill with correct fluid.

 

[Gmg0547]

Great, thanks for the advice. I'll spray the rear and probably end up redoing the front at some point. It was a quick process since the bolts popped right off.

Thanks again.

 

[Gmg0547]

I finally got around to changing out the rear differential fluid. The fluid was dark and the cover had grey slime on the magnet, but I did not see any shavings or anything that looked damaged. So far, no drips from the new gasket. I ended up taking an hour long road trip and the truck seemed to be quieter at speed.