2015 Ford F 150 Rear Differential Fluid Change (Electronically Locking Differential)

Changing the rear differential fluid in a 2015 F-150 with the electronically locking differential.

[@matthewfogt2861]

A quick tip for anyone, especially on older vehicles, break loose the fill plug before you drain your fluid or take cover off so you know you can refill. Good video!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

That's a great tip, thanks!

[@cessealbeach]

Yes! in case you run into a jam! good one

[@mitchellprice8475]

Yea it sucks pulling that cover just to find out that plug is not coming out lol

[@robginn24]

Seriously though. You'd be surprised. Would be very bad to run to store get everything, do job then you can't refill. People underestimate rear differential importance in overall vehicle longevity.

[@blackericdenice]

I've never seen a fill bolt that would not come out.

[@bradleybauder9043]

Thank you for having one of the only videos of this e lock diff opened up. Mine is a 2011 but uts basicly the same thing I'd imagine. It's having binding problems and I'm trying to figure it out with out opening the whole unit up. None the less it's nice to see inside the thing.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Best of luck to you. I'm sorry you're having problems. I'd be interested to know what the problem ended up being if you have figured it out.

[@ryanrussell9870]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage I’ll second that! Let us know what the issue is. I’m interested too.

[@logypooface]

This was a fantastic video. I love the little quips here and there you throw out and the bloopers we ALL experience but some people won't own up to like the "missing the mark" one with the oil pan, and the plug in the top of the oil pan (Ive done it too!). I am going to attempt this because I have seen my fuel economy dip alot. I tow a trailer. I have had the truck looked over by ford, plugs and new filter, stock everything and I am @ about 90k and this has never been done because ford doesnt recommend it. I read that this could slow you down along with maybe my rotors dragging so I am going to try this first and after watching this I know I can do it. Thanks alot man!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I really like making them and can't wait until I secure a shop space here so I can start working and filming again. I'm sure you'll do fine with your fluid change!

[@robertoflores1141]

Good video. Two questions: 1. How much oil does it take? 2. What is the torque on those bolts? Thank you!

[@TylerStonack]

Hi what is the torque for the 13mm bolts? Thanks

[@TheLawlessGang]

my dealership is charging me 189.99 thanx fir the vid homie

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I'm glad it helped save some $$

[@jeffhelton2735]

Like on older vehicle if you have one has around 150k not sure if transmission fluid has ever been changed just ne careful new oil has detergent and it really does damage mote than it helps. My life time i have changed transmission fluid in 2 diff pick-up truck about week to 3 weeks later depending on amount of milage traveld

[@foxpaw342]

Thanks Thanks, Nice video!

[@christopherwilliams4647]

I love how all of the KZbin certified mechanics are bashing you for using 75w140. The ford 9.75 rear end hasn't changed internally since its debut. For all those years its been specd for 75w140 without any issues. The 75w85 is for CAFE requirements to squeeze out that extra half mile per gallon. Last thing I'd trust are ford engineers who can't make up their minds. The same ford engineers who are responsible for the 6.0 and 5.4 3 valve.....

[@Thamac15]

Wait,...the manual states Motorcraft 75W85 Hypoid gear oil, not the 140. Ford changed specs for the 2015+, but I have yet to find any information from Ford that states why.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

It seems that different oils may be recommended by different manuals. I'm not sure the reason, but I'd just go with what your manual states. My suspicion is that both oils work, but they changed it at some point either to extend gear life, extend change intervals, or improve gas mileage, and didn't widely publicize the change.

[@cessealbeach]

75W85 Hypoid gear oil, improves gas milage and keeps temp down, this is the real deal

[@salfozanable]

My car has traveled 195,000 kilometers, is it possible to change the differential oil or not?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Hi, yes you can change the differential oil any time. It's not like automatic transmission fluid which some people don't like to change if it's gone a lot of miles without a change.

[@ThatXLT5.0]

Are you supposed to leave the rtv to dry first before you add the rear differential fluid ??

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I think ideally you would leave it to dry before driving it, but you'd probably be fine to fill it right away.

[@JIMN26]

Why not just pump out the old fluid through the fill bolt hole? Saw Chris Fix do it that way. Way easier.

[@aquaman6081]

It's insane how new ford trucks don't come with drain plugs anymore... This was common 60 years ago, but now apparently they're too cheap to drill and tap a plug

[@vansallday511]

I recently disconnected the e locker connection but from the inside of the diff. Is there a way to connect the lose plug without completing removing the rear diff?

[@jeffhelton2735]

I have people to have 400-600k miles on their pick-up truck never changed the rear end grease o have seen customer change theres around 50-60 k miles usally around 130-150 installing ne gears.

[@guthrie1181]

So leave the old gasket in place?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Hi! Mine didn't have a 'gasket' per se. It was just a permetex/RTV type gasket maker on there from the factory. I did scrape the old material off before applying the new permetex gasket/sealant.

[@guthrie1181]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage When I look closely at the video it looks like there was a gasket on yours. It looks very similar to mine. Since I already had the cover off I just reused it. I cleaned it up the best I could and put RTV on both sides. Hopefully no leaks.

[@magnum15917]

What kind of oil did you use? I here with the one with the E- lock does not need the additive.

[@notabot2732]

Master something 45-70

[@70x7outdoors7]

How long did you wait before you drove it??

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

In this case, I didn't drive it at any speed more than parking it until the next morning, but you would probably be ok to drive it after an hour or so after the gasket maker has set up.

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

"brake lines" those are not brake lines, probably the wiring for the anti skid/traction control.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

yeah, figured it out and corrected it in the next shot. You're right, likely abs - the break lines are hard.

[@JoaquinSanchez-db9gk]

Great video, man I do have one question please, i have the locking differential as well on my 2018 and I need to do the differential oil change, I know you mentioned it doesn't need the additives on it, but is it ok if I use and oil with the additives something like the valvoline with the slip diff additives like the one you show on the video?or would that cause problems?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

You can definitely use oil with the additives in either an electronically locking or open differential as well. It won't hurt anything.

[@t_sodo8745]

I wouldn't use oil with alimited slip modifiers in a locker diff (or an open diff). "Friction modifiers' are a downgrade. A better name might be "slip reducers' but then nobody would buy that jug of oil. It reduces the oil film strength allowing the clutches of an LSD to push thru the oil film and grip. LSD is a good thing in many ways but for long life, and seldom use, or towing & heavy duty, a locker is better. You don't have clutches, better to use the slipperiest oil that has the strongest oil film.

[@vosburght]

I noted elsewhere the fluid type should be XY-75W85-QL not as with prior non electronically shifting difs.

[@Rualnys]

Maybe I missed it on the video, but how often is this service done?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I believe the service interval recommended in the manual is 150,000 miles, but I wouldn't stretch it out this long, especially if you tow or haul anything. I usually aim to do mine about every 50,000 miles (or whenever I have time).

[@fast2ss820]

I use Amsoil 75w140 and I change mine at about 80,000 miles. If you are using Motorcraft 50,000 is your best bet. And if you are towing a lot then 40,000 miles. (Amsoil 60,000)

[@sneakysnakepie1]

How many quarts did you use?

[@PhoenixChaos]

2

[@brandonbrown954]

Do the front diff 👀

[@greginmadison]

What size bolts are those, they usually are 1/2 but it seems that the 8x8 are 13mm?

[@crazyjared53]

They are 13 mm. I just did mine and had to crawl back out and retrieve the 13 mm.

[@DLITINTHEHOUSE]

What fluid rating did you go with? My ‘15 calls for 75W-85 and that shit is expensive!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I ended up using the Valvoline 75W-140. If you can, I'd get what is recommended for your vehicle, but as long as the weight range is covered it will probably work in a pinch.

[@maxboya]

The After Work Garage do you have 3.31s?

[@johndejong9384]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage ya you used the wrong oil everthing 2015 and newer is 75w85 right in the book

[@m4bolicious]

@@johndejong9384 i used 75w90 because everyone in town did not have 75w85 an I just need to top off to make it home after a leak and I got scared when I hear he did 140

[@GungaLaGunga]

Trying to find what the manual specifies 75W-85 for my 2015 f150 rear diff oil was drving me nuts. Then I discovered the specs changed over the years, and 75W-140 is the updated gear oil weight for all Ford rear diffs apparrently. See this Ford expert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y32snmCPj5l3i6s Hope this helps. Cheers.

[@YYCRCFabricationz]

You did everything great save for your not cleaning the exterior of the diff cover & Newbs don't know "close enough". You should've explained when filling that the new fluid should "just" run out of the fill hole or an exact amount needs installed. Yeah I'm nit picking a bit here but, you did a good video, it couldv'e been a great video, just my opinion but your explanations covered so much why not say it all?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks for the comment, and for the clarification there!

[@PatriotBrad]

no drain bolt is a real bummer.

[@johndejong9384]

Wrong oil used every f150 2015 and up calls for 75w85

[@johndejong9384]

@@guywilliam6065 show me where it says it in the manual. I have the same truck does not say that in mine and everything ford says online is 75w85.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I double checked my manual, and it indeed says "SAE 75W-140 (U.S. and Mexico)" I agree with @William BeMe that manuals may vary by year and location of print, and it's going to be a safe bet to go with whatever your manual says for your model.

[@astridaguayo6589]

Mine called for 75w-85

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Good to know, thanks for the info

[@DJCuhhhstin956]

Is there an easy way to tell if my truc has the elock differential or not?

[@mcgovernjimmy]

If you're asking that question I'm guessing you don't have the option. It's engaged via a knob the same size as the radio volume knob. The knob is located just to the left of the radio volume knob on the dash.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I'm going to agree with Jimmy Mac here regarding the small knob to the lower right of the steering wheel/left of the radio area. If it shows a locking option (a drive train pictogram with an X through the diff) then you have it. If not, then you likely don't. if you have a 4 wheel drive model, I believe the locking pictogram is to the left (I believe activated with a pull?)

[@DJCuhhhstin956]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage i have a 2016 f150 xlt with the FX4 package. The knob only shows 2hi 4hi, and 4lo, so do I not have the elock?

[@DJCuhhhstin956]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage disregard, I figured out that if I pull the knob out the differential locks

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

@@DJCuhhhstin956 Good to hear you figured it out, and thanks for reporting back!

[@robertunderwood7920]

Only thing I saw is he said it was an Electric locking differential, but when the pumpkin cover was removed, it's was a definite open differential carrier.

[@illduitmyself]

no drain plug??? freeeekn laaaame

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Yeah, most stock differentials don't have them (though my miata one does). But, with how infrequently the oil gets changed, it's kind of nice to get in there and take a good look and clean it all out anyways.

[@fast2ss820]

Well duh its a differential. You must not know a lot about cars🙄

[@darrenking5665]

Ford has a service bulletin out and 75-140 is what they have changed to

[@jeffhelton2735]

Never change your rrar differential lube

[@RayTrammell-z2e]

Never change what?!?

[@charlesharris1631]

I hate to tell you this but that’s not a locking differential. It’s an open diff. Sometimes people are not entirely honest and will replace the locker with an open because the locker is way more expensive and they can resell it fore more money

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I assure you this is a locking differential. I use it regularly where it saves me on slippery boat ramps and when starting on steep gravel roads. I also purchased this truck new from the factory and have been the only one to service it. From a certain angle it does indeed look like an open differential, since the locking unit is on the left side of the ring gear, and obstructed from view.

[@flacrakers]

Green plug on upper left side is the wires for the e-locker. So definitely is not an open diff

[@A619D]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage i was at multiple part stores yesterday and no one can provide me with an actual gasket. What size is our axle? I have the same one as you. I tried replacing my diff cover with one from Shelby its a 9.75 and the shapes are not the same. Any info on size, gaskets etc…

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

@@A619D Hi, I don't think this diff has an actual gasket. I believe it comes with Permatex or something similar from the factory.

[@A619D]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage what about size? Its not a 9.75 axle because the diff covers dont fit ours

[@rogerrabbit8756]

Those bolts are 1/2 inch not 13mm.