Front differential fluid change + fill plug upgrade

07navi said:

Why won't they do it with less than 150k ?

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I'm glad you asked. I called to inquire about the cost of transmission fluid replacement and was asked for my current mileage. I was promptly informed that the dealership would not perform that service until the recommended 150K miles based on the maintenance schedule. I then asked to speak with the service manager, and was informed that I was already speaking with him.

Puzzled? Yeah, me too! My search continues...

dcsang said:

I'm glad you asked. I called to inquire about the cost of transmission fluid replacement and was asked for my current mileage. I was promptly informed that the dealership would not perform that service until the recommended 150K miles based on the maintenance schedule. I then asked to speak with the service manager, and was informed that I was already speaking with him.

Puzzled? Yeah, me too! My search continues...

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They figure it doesn't need it yet and they might get in trouble for doing it or they are sticking to their recommended values out of principle.

When I've done that in the past I just bought a new gasket/seal and removed the cover plate. Let the old fluid drain out, clean up the cover plate and differential sealing surfaces, install the new gasket/seal with a bit of gasket sealer (to seal and hold in place) and reinstalled the cover plate before refilling with new fluid.

In my case I had 251,000 miles on my old F150 4WD when I (screwed up and) traded it off.

Slightly different on the Olds 98 and the IROC Z28 as I replaced those rear ends with ones from the junk yard and wanted to inspect the gears and put new oil in them prior to installation.

I haven't worked on one of these sealed transmissions before but it looks like the procedure isn't much different. The service manual states that the transmission temp should be about 100°C when checking fluid level. I'll have to check if my OBDII can read that. The process shouldn't be too messy if the fluid is siphoned first so I'm thinking of giving it a shot.

If anyone has any advice please share, but I don't want to further derail the OP's thread.

dcsang said:

I'm glad you asked. I called to inquire about the cost of transmission fluid replacement and was asked for my current mileage. I was promptly informed that the dealership would not perform that service until the recommended 150K miles based on the maintenance schedule. I then asked to speak with the service manager, and was informed that I was already speaking with him.

Puzzled? Yeah, me too! My search continues...

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Last month (Jan 2021) I had my transmission fluid/filter changed at my local dealership on my 2010 Eddie Bauer with 148k miles. Dealer tech's only inquiry was if I knew it was ALSO due at this age for a coolant flush and replace, brake fluid replace, and front and rear diff fluid change. He made a point to say "The differential spins just as much as the transmission, so it's just as much in need of changing". I'll do that myself.
Only took 90 minutes, they had a nice waiting room, and also did the full multipoint check and said everything else is in great condition. Weighing the fact it's winter and I have no lift at home, I think paying them $238 to do it right in less than two hours was a hell of a value.

Very useful info in this thread! Thank you!

Ramv36 said:

Last month (Jan 2021) I had my transmission fluid/filter changed at my local dealership on my 2010 Eddie Bauer with 148k miles. Dealer tech's only inquiry was if I knew it was ALSO due at this age for a coolant flush and replace, brake fluid replace, and front and rear diff fluid change. He made a point to say "The differential spins just as much as the transmission, so it's just as much in need of changing". I'll do that myself.
Only took 90 minutes, they had a nice waiting room, and also did the full multipoint check and said everything else is in great condition. Weighing the fact it's winter and I have no lift at home, I think paying them $238 to do it right in less than two hours was a hell of a value.

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Dumb statement by the dealer.

IDK about the value when it was 10 times what you could have done it for.

07navi said:

Dumb statement by the dealer.

IDK about the value when it was 10 times what you could have done it for.

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Again, you’re being contrary. It’s not a dumb statement. He’s saying it’s working just as much and that’s true. Fluid burns up and breaks down over time. He said it was cold out, didn’t have a lift and felt it was a good deal for his situation. I’m glad he’s happy, I’m glad he shared price and experience for others that may be in a similar situation/need. That’s what this place is for, to help others and share experiences.


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