1 of 3 - 2010 (2007-2014) Cadillac Escalade Front, Rear, Differential, Transfer Case

Scheduled Maintenance - With a moderate skill level, you can avoid taking your Escalade, Yukon, Tahoe to the "Stealer-Ship" and perform your scheduled maintenance yourself. There are alternate methods to performing these procedures, however these methods for draining and filling your Front Differential, Rear Differential, and Transfer Case Fluids worked best for me. I am not a mechanic, just a Car/Truck enthusiast. No special tools, no hydraulic vehicle lifts, no fancy equipment, just hand tools, ramps and jack stands. There were a lack of videos for Escalade procedures, so I wanted to document my method and really hope this helps other GM & Escalade owners perform these tasks themselves!

[@petec6033]

2.75 quarts 75w-90 gear oil for rear differential. 1.8 quarts 75w-90 gear oil for front differential. 2.01 quarts synchromax or ATF for transfer case. 10.25 quarts of ATF for 258mm converter or 12.575 quarts of ATF for 300mm converter for complete transmission fluid change. Check trans dipstick ATF fluid level after vehicle trans fluid warmed up, shifted through all gears and on level surface. Continue to add ATF until proper level reached on dipstick. 6.02 quarts for partial transmission fluid change. 6.02 quarts for engine oil change. K & N oil filter, the only oil filter with a celluous oil filter element, which allows for faster oil flow through said oil filter element. The aforementioned quart quantities don't need to be exact, though. Referenced from owner's manual. Some fill the aforementioned liquids until said liquids start to leak out of fill hole. Applicable to transfer case, front and rear differentials.

[@antoniop5889]

Thanks

[@oscarreina762]

just bought my 2007 escalade and this will help alot. Thanks for making this!!

[@gbwnab1]

Great videos- thank you soooo much for taking the time to do these for the rest of us! Please continue.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

You're welcome.! I have a front shock replacement video I plan to upload soon!

[@rodolfosotelo5929]

Really great video thank you for walking step by step and clearly explaining everything

[@didras9131]

Thank you for posting Matt. Awesome instructions!

[@claudeperrault4164]

Excellent maintenance video! It will be very handy once I reach the same mileage. You take the time to explain everything. Thank you! “Stealership” 😂

[@sat_sonic]

Great video. Very informative and well explained. Thanks!

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Anytime! thank you

[@joemalone3099]

Awsome videos...well done SIR ..THANK YOU for taking your time and patience for novices like us...my deep respects..

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Joe, you're welcome...thank you for watching!

[@mrtonywilliams323]

Thank you so much for making this, bravo. God bless you brother, very helpful

[@geesehoffa2144]

Very nice video. I have a 2017 Tahoe and this video if still very much relevant to the maintenance.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Chad, you're very welcome. Tahoe is an awesome vehicle...90% of the repairs are the same, as the Yukon, and Escalade. Glad it helped!

[@jackjones6040]

hi Matt, Your videos are so very informative. Thanks. San Francisco, Bay Area

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello on the west coast! Thank you

[@necocasa2618]

Great job with the video. Thanks.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Thank you for watching!

[@Johnny2000k]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@robertopineda8740]

Good work!!!

[@bassmusicman2034]

Great video thanks a million

[@Twoorang3s]

Great video motivation

[@jordannash5460]

Awesome video sir thank you!! Will be attacking my 13 caddy and 12 Avalanche next week using this video!

[@georgejetsen3896]

Wonderful job young man, helluva teacher, great job.:) thanks!!! My cady thanks you also.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi George - Appreciate the compliment! Thank you for contributing!

[@bobgodbey1293]

I guess I need to proof read my comments before I send them to you it looks like some words were spelled wrong I was trying to say Amsoil not Amazon ...... anyway I just want to thank you for making these videos they have saved me a lot of money by doing it myself on my Cadillac Escalade 2007 so keep up the good work and I will check back with your videos when I do my transmission and filter. next up for me is transfer case fluid and front and rear axle fluid, Semper Fi and have a good day

[@mattsawesomeshow]

You're welcome. Sorry for the late reply. No worries. I have some new content on these vehicles coming soon, Front Shocks, etc. Thanks!

[@user-vs8jb1lw1b]

Love this video

[@hiawathasmalls73]

very good info

[@sammyj184]

Sweet ride I have ext.. with an E&G classic grill

[@mattsawesomeshow]

E&G makes great stuff! Their grills are legendary!

[@gregster7115]

Thank you very helpful

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Gregster711. You bet...thanks for watching!

[@thuydang903]

Thank you very much -❤❤❤ 🎉

[@bananamonkee]

Thank you so much for the very detailed video explaining the process so well. One question about the thread sealant. Can a Teflon tape be used? I have a lot of it laying around.

[@josesantiago5206]

Hey matt just wondering does your car have a compressor for the airbags in the back?

[@denniscecilio2670]

Do you still have your 3 of 3 video covering the Engine coolant flush?

[@AlanTrades]

Why did you use red thread locker? How will you get it off later?

[@mujjuman]

amazing video holy crap! sadly i wont be able to do the rear diff lol its too messy for me

[@JBNJ609]

Hey Matt, great video thank you!! I will be tackling all of this soon on my 2010 EXT. off topic question, what is the info on those second fog lights where the tow hooks used to be ? looks great! thank you

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello yeah I bought them on ebay about 4 years ago... They by have a ton of the inserts on there.

[@kstreezydt]

Wher did you get the mesh grill I’ve been looking for one

[@petec6033]

Thank You.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Thanks again Pete, you're welcome. I just added a serpentine Belt/AC Belt replacement if you have that job coming up soon!

[@kevinfades]

So at the beginning you said 2 1/2 front and rear but then you just did 1 1/2??

[@farhanmohsin]

very good video.... just wanted to make sure that the torque specs you meintioned for the rear diff cover screws was 13 ft lbs? or 30 ft lbs?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Farhan, Yes I verified the ft. lb. torques specs with GM. Hope this helps!

[@bobgodbey1293]

I really like royal purple products I put it in my Tahoe and it was a day and night difference it grow better than it did when it was new I'm thinking of putting Amazon voile in my 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV do you have an opinion about Amazon or versus Royal purple thank you by the way great video

[@mattsawesomeshow]

lol...I got you. I try to use "Amazon" as much as possible. damn spell check. I've not personally used Amsoil but my car buddies swear by it. Others are Royal Purple patrons. I always use Royal Purple, and Mobile One for my routine oil changes. Some people knock Royal Purple because of the price. My response..."it is your car, why would you go cheap when you're saving money on the labor?" Hope this helps!

[@RonA215]

I'd like to know how much this job cost you to DIY?

[@alvarosilva957]

What bolts size is the rear diff?

[@boccheballs2]

Great video. My Duramax has drain plugs for everything so I was surprised when I saw our Caddy not having them. Did you do a video on the cabin filter install?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Drain plugs would be great if they were standard on all vehicles. I haven't don't the cabin filter video upload yet.

[@boccheballs2]

@@mattsawesomeshow thank you I’ll keep an eye out for the upload. I have a 2011 ESV with 85k on it so I need to get some of these tasks knocked out.

[@eliashamel3374]

I plan on doing this exact procedure on a 2007 Cadilllac Escalade and my transmission calls for the Dexron VI. When I went on the royal purple website and looked up their Max ATF you used it says do not use for Dexron VI applications. So I'm curious where you seen it was applicable to use Royal Purple Max ATF for that transmission that calls for Dexron VI. Are you 100% sure it can be used.

[@louisolazagasti4979]

Elias Hamel any info on this I seen both DEX III and DEX VI

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi, before I purchased. I too had the same questions, so I called Royal Purple tech support and sure enough, they confirmed this. I wanted to be certain too. I'm 100% sure. Hope this helps!

[@he-manmasteroftheuniverse2501]

Are the plugs accessible from the wheel well? Do you think 75 140 would be ok?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

I would recommend putting the vehicle on ramps or jackstands. Through the wheel well is an awkward position, and would need some long arms. The weight oil I provided on the video, is the specified oil weight from GM. Definitely stick to the manufacture recommendations, or you could lock or seize that component with the improper weighted oil.

[@thepokergod1980]

Thanks Matt! Can you provide a maintenance schedule for this vehicle? Example: what work is recommended at what mileage or suggest where this info can be found. Thx!!!

[@mattsawesomeshow]

You bet! There were a couple of sites I bing and googled. I'll see if I can find it, I don't remember off hand...but my search was CADILLAC ESCALADE FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS. Whichever site I found showed the recommendations on scheduled maintenance. Do you have your owners manual? Everything was in there, down to the spark plugs

[@zac.6960]

I have 300k on my 08 ESV. How is yours holding up Matt?

[@waltergeorge1574]

Walter george! Your video is amazing so very detailed and clear. I have a big problem, I got some very bad news! I have a 2010 Cadillac Escalade with 123.000 miles on it! I had a misfire, I went to the mechanic and they checked! The misfire was on plug number 5. They found oil on the spark plug, and they told me I might need a new engine😭 please help I don’t know what to do

[@ewaldo01]

Hey man, Very cool video, thanks! I made a big mistake. I just got a 2008 Escalade and I was changing the engine oil and oil filter, but I drained the Transfer case thinking it was the oil. I didn't realize until late while I was driving on the highway and I heard a noise, I stopped before the wheels locked and I called a towing company. Now the truck is parked but is not moving, the wheels are locked. Do you think I damage a lot? If I refill the transfer case with the proper oil, do you think it will solve the problem? Thanks

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Certainly, sorry to hear that. Once you drain, flush and add the proper oil I don't see why it wouldn't; be fine. It really depends of if you can get everything unseized, and if there isn't major amount of metal shavings in the transfer case tank. Check your plug magnet, to see if it collected a lot of metal debris from the incident.

[@litosway1077]

What kinda grill is that and lights do u have under the hood ?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

E&G grille and low glow LED lights

[@louisolazagasti4979]

Did you have any issues with the royal purple max atf. Some sights say use dexVI which is not compatable with max atf

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Louis, I haven't personally or heard of anyone whom has. I did verify compatibility with Royal Purple tech support when I called them. They confirmed the fluids I used as correct on their tech notes.

[@louisolazagasti4979]

It worked great on my truck appreciate your help

[@4Runner21]

Thanks for the Vid! On the rear differential at what point should you remove cover and clean out the inside gunk? Also, did you just fill until fluid spilling from the fill bolt on a cold differential, or warm one after driving vehicle? Owners manual is kind of confusing it indicates: “The proper level is from 0.04 inch to 0.75 inch (1.0 mm to 19.0 mm) below the bottom of the filler plug hole, located on the rear axle. Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level”

[@mattsawesomeshow]

I fill until I have a slight run over. Pumping it slowly. I would use shop towels to clean the inside housing of the diff.

[@4Runner21]

@@mattsawesomeshow thanks for the response! Mine is an 07 Escalade AWD also, also should this be done on a cold rear differential or warmed up rear differential?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

@4Runner21 I don't think it matters. All depends on how much time you have. Warm fluid viscosity will pour faster, cold takes longer to drain. If you're opening the diff completely then it doesn't matter as you would be wiping with shop towels. I've even heated up with a heat gun to speed it up. 15 mins of driving and immediately opening up will helpm

[@tomislavlulic9330]

So I tried to order royal purple atf fluid today , and the guy working at counter said on royal purple website , it says to not use max atf for dextron VI , i checked it out on there website and it says its true, am I miss understanding something?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Unless they changed their blend, at the time I made this video their current stock was compatible for dextron VI. I also called Royal Purple tech support and they confirmed it was compatible. Call support to confirm or use a compatible ATF that you may be comfortable with.

[@slytherben]

Shopping for 08/09 Escalade ESV (to avoid AFM introduced in 2010) any tips? Things to watch out for? Things that break frequently?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello Snap - There were some recalls listed on that year model. I can't remember what GM website, but I'm sure you could find it on a google search. I would just confirm any vehicle you are looking at with the VIN to make sure the recalls have been taken care of. The transmission on my 2007 and this 2010 were a little rough shifting. This generation was known for that. Check the tranny. Also the large wheels 22"+ had an issue with chrome flaking, which constantly leaked air pressure form the tires at the lip of the rim, having to recharge with air, every 2-3 days (more in colder weather) solution is having the tire shop put sealant around the lip of the rim where the edge of the tire/rim meet. Most tire shops know how to do this. Also there were some issues with the air compressor on the rear suspension. The compressor failing prematurely. I had to replace mine. Good luck on your search!

[@roderrickgaston5939]

@@mattsawesomeshow Hey, Matt! I have a 2004 that’s my daily and looking to upgrade. I found a 2011 Platinum w/ 195,000+ and the place is asking for $10,995. I checked it out and have yet to drive it but wanted to ask your take on transmissions. Im not an aggressive driver and do more highway than city driving (being in real estate) and was wondering were the 2011+ models having less tranny problems?

[@roderrickgaston5939]

@@mattsawesomeshow I only ask because I LOVE it and of course will ask for previous maintenance records. I talked to the shop owner that drives it and he drives it daily (of course he can drive any of the dealership cars lol). But I wanted your personal take on your experience with the 2007 and 2010 Escalade transmissions.

[@jaimz432j2]

I watched a video on an Escalade making loud a loud whistling noise when reaching ~60 mph. Would performing this maintenance fix this issue? The video explained that it was the differential that was making the noise.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Jaimz432 J ...so that could be a number of issues. HUB bearings can make that noise when reaching high speeds. You can turn the wheel and see if the sounds change, indicating HUB bearings are worn and need to replace your wheel hubs. "Don't turn the steering wheel sharp at 60 mph, lol" gentle turns. The primary alternator can whine at high speeds, so can the AC compressor. Really any of your pulleys on your belt drive train can whine when they are time to be replaced. HOWEVER. If your noise sounds like wind/whistling and coming from your windows. That is a very simple fix and a known issue on the Escalades. If the noise is coming from the driver or passenger front window, it is the seal on the window, that can be sealed with silicone. Right behind your driver/passenger side mirrors, there is a plastic triangle trim piece. Remove the plastic trim piece. You will see a gap where there was a felt seal. You can fill the gap with clear silicone, and then replace the plastic triangle trim. The whistling sound goes away completely. Let me know how that goes!

[@jaimz432j2]

Matt Epps thank you for the reply!!! This is actually a howling noise that occurs when accelerating. When I let go of the gas, it will stop.

[@mhaskins3769]

Jaimz432 J change it with mobile 1 front diff fluid and that howl will go away. Just did it to mine and it went away.

[@dante04srt]

You mean to tell me you didn't replace the rear diff gasket or use RTV to make a gasket? I've never seen it done that way.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

I mean to tell you that... yes. Too messy and unnecessary to use gasket maker. If you're skilled and careful you can reuse the same seal. It's been a long time since this was done...no leaks!

[@chameruiz]

Doesn’t the rear diff cover have a magnet on the inside part of it that’s needs to be cleaned too?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello Samuel! Thank you for taking the time to point this out. You are correct. There IS a magnetic plate on the inside shell of the diff case. I personally never find metal shavings on the magnet, so I stopped taking the whole assembly apart and risk damaging the gasket, so I just crack it open, drain and refill. For those who want to be super thorough, you can definitely take it apart and clean the magnet. Thanks for pointing this out!

[@mrdeanv4414]

Hey Matt I was wondering if you have experienced any Transmission Shuddering with your 2010 Escalade ?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Nothing out of the ordinary

[@mrdeanv4414]

@@mattsawesomeshow OK... Thank you

[@mrdeanv4414]

Awesome video and very informative.. i have an AWD 07 EXT Escalade will the fluids you used on you 2010 model work on my 07?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello, should be the same. Always check fluid capacities in your owners manual.

[@mrdeanv4414]

@@mattsawesomeshow Thank you very much..

[@mrdeanv4414]

@@mattsawesomeshow hey Matt changed the oil I'm my Transfer case and front and tear deferentials this afternoon 07 Ext Escalade 233,595 miles and all is well and Thank you again for a Great video..!

[@4Runner21]

@@mrdeanv4414did you use thread sealant on your fill and drain bolts?

[@mrdeanv4414]

@4Runner21 yes I did the same that you used...

[@jacks.234]

Great video Matt. I have a 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT, what would be different with the 2006?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello Jack, The 2006 is the prior generation Escalade.... It should be very similar...everything is generally in the same place on the vehicle. There are some videos on the 2006 generation on KZbin to look at just to verify. Thanks!

[@jacks.234]

@@mattsawesomeshow What brand of vehicle ramps do you use to raise all 4 wheels?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

@@jacks.234 Hi Jack. Gorilla Ramps, I picked up from O'Reillys. and AC Delco Jack Stands. Really any ramps rated for SUV and Truck are ideal. I would avoid standard car ramps as they have a lower load capacity for weight.

[@carlomendoza8588]

After all this time, still no problem with using synchromax for transfer case fluid??

[@mattsawesomeshow]

After all this time.....

[@Dandoun6191]

Could you re confirm front axle fill capacity? Is it 1.5 qts or 2.5 qts

[@dannyboyemt]

It's 1.5.Qt

[@alisaleh4758]

Hi what kind of fluid should be used for transfercase ?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Ali Saleh, I used Royal Purple Syncromax for the transfer case. You can also use ATF fluid for this.

[@alisaleh4758]

Thanks

[@chrisrivers3746]

How many quarts did the rear differential take

[@mattsawesomeshow]

I'll have to check on the fluid capacities. I believe it is 1.8 quarts. I need to go back and check my capacities list.

[@lelandcook6606]

I am working on a 2000 Cadillac Truck Escalade V8-5.7L. I need to drop the oil pan, the steps I have are 1. Remove the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement. 2. Raise the vehicle. 3. Remove the engine oil and the engine oil filter. 4. Remove the oil filter adapter. 5. Remove the starter. 6. Remove the engine mount through bolts. 7. Remove the oil pan. 8. Note the location of any studs to assist reassembly. 9. Remove the engine oil pan and the oil pan gasket. 10. Clean all the sealing surfaces. Any help on what engine mount through bolts its talking about as this has not helped so far.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hi Leland Cook, late reply...did you get your service done on your Escalade?

[@jesusfavela3434]

Set mine to 13ft lbs, and it caused a hairline crack! Jb welded the whole plug. Till I can find a used carrier to just transplant the cover of of the old to mine since my internals are still good!

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Oh, sorry to hear that Jesus! Is your torque wrench dialed in correctly? Hopefully the wrench wasn't off torque. Snugging the bolts and then a quarter turn will do too.

[@dotfpgov2575]

What kind ratchet that you are using

[@elmalkriao100]

Husky from home depot

[@jamesguralski5156]

I sucked out the rear pumpkin with hand pump!

[@keithcheatham4410]

Stealership🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💯💥💯💥

[@johnd1375]

I watched 1of 3 & 2 of 3, but where is 3 of 3?

[@mattsawesomeshow]

KZbin took it down. Copyright on the music on the video

[@johnd1375]

@Matt Epps what was 3 of 3 ? Can you do without the music?

[@dawbtshajdawbhuvtshajhuv3612]

I was afraid the fluid might come out of your vehicle to my keyboard. lol

[@davidlux7388]

That is not how you service a rear diff. Take off the pan cover and clean out the diff with break clean wipe the excess and degrease the cover. ditch the old gasket and put new gasket maker on the cover then bolt it on.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Hello David, It is absolutely how you change the rear diff fluid at the first scheduled maintenance. You are more than welcome to take additional time and install a new gasket, if you like but not on the first scheduled maintenance. At 125k miles I recommend changing the gasket. This is to change out the dirty fluid for clean fluid. Thank you for sharing your opinion, and method. The viewers can decide which method the prefer.