How to Change DIFF OIL + 4WD ACTUATOR OIL || Isuzu Mu-x + D-max FULL DIY TUTORIAL - Gear Oil Change

G'day Guys and Gals,
In this video I show you how to change the diff oil on your 4x4 vehicle. I also show you how to change the front diff 4wd actuator oil. This tutorial is specifically for the Isuzu Mu-x and D-max but can be used as a guide for all vehicles.
Here's a few tools that will help make the job a heap easier :)
- 10L Drain Pan - amzn.to/48MHN0y
- 3pc Funnel Kit - amzn.to/3LU5cmX
- Oil transfer Pump - amzn.to/46wxXyf
- Syringe with hose - amzn.to/3QefsZG
- Socket set - amzn.to/3tqm3ax
- Breaker bar - amzn.to/3tumHE2
Cheers :)
The tools required to change the diff oil on the Isuzu Mu-x and D-max are -
- 24mm socket
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- 14mm and 17mm sockets
- 24mm spanner
- syringe and clear tubing
- oil drain tray
- funnel
- tomb thumb pump oil transfer pump
You will also require specific oil for your vehicle, the Isuzu D-max and Mu-x use an 80w90 or a 75w90 oil in the front and rear diff. If you have a differential locker in the front of rear you will need to use 80w140 oil. For the Diff oil change on the Isuzu Mu-x and D-max you will require 1.2l of oil for the front diff and 2.2l of oil for the rear diff.
The differential is an often overlooked but essential component of your vehicle's drivetrain. It plays a critical role in allowing your wheels to turn at different speeds while transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of differentials, the various types of differentials, their functions, and the crucial maintenance task of changing differential oil.
Vehicle differentials, often unnoticed yet vital, ensure your wheels can rotate at different speeds while receiving power from the engine. They come in various types:
Open Differential: Common and great for regular driving, but not ideal for high-performance or off-road use.
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): Improves traction and handling, often used in high-performance and off-road vehicles.
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD): Allows real-time adjustments for wheel slip control, found in modern sports cars and SUVs.
Locking Differential: Manually or electronically lockable, ideal for off-road situations where both wheels need maximum power.
Differentials serve three critical functions:
Differential Speeds: They enable wheels to rotate at varying speeds, especially during turns.
Power Distribution: Differentials distribute engine power to the wheels.
Wheel Slip Control: They manage wheel slip, crucial for maintaining control on slippery surfaces.
Changing Differential Oil: A Crucial Maintenance Task
Differential oil, also known as gear oil, is essential to differential performance. It reduces friction, dissipates heat, and protects internal components.
Signs that your differential oil needs changing include unusual noises during vehicle motion, visible oil leaks, and decreased performance.
Changing differential oil involves the following steps:
Gather Tools and Materials: You'll need a jack, jack stands, drain pan, wrench/socket set, funnel, new oil, and gasket or sealant.
Prepare the Vehicle: Park on a level surface, lift the rear of the vehicle with a jack, and use jack stands for safety.
Locate the Differential: The differential is typically at the rear of the vehicle.
Remove Fill Plug: Take out the fill plug on the differential housing to facilitate draining.
Drain the Old Oil: Use a wrench or socket to remove the drain plug, letting the old oil flow into a drain pan.
Inspect Plug and Gasket: Check the drain plug for damage and gaskets/seals for replacement.
Replace Drain Plug: Reinstall and tighten the drain plug, or apply sealant if necessary.
Fill with New Oil: Use a funnel to pour the recommended new differential oil.
Reinstall Fill Plug: Secure the fill plug to complete the process.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Lowrangenick, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Lowrangenick assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Lowrangenick recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Lowrangenick, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Lowrangenick.
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LowRangeNick -
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[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Guys! Here's a few bits and pieces that will help make the job a heap easier :) - 10L Drain Pan - amzn.to/48MHN0y - 3pc Funnel Kit - amzn.to/3LU5cmX - Oil transfer Pump - amzn.to/46wxXyf - Syringe with hose - amzn.to/3QefsZG - Socket set - amzn.to/3tqm3ax - Breaker bar - amzn.to/3tumHE2 Cheers :)

[@comegetsome3855]

How after years of knowing this did I not know there is an actuator there thanks for showing us nick!

[@petergunczy2497]

Great video Nick, did not know about the actuator, I’m due to do my Dmax diffs on my next weekend off will be doing the actuator as well

[@reelyology]

I just did this thanks to your informative and easy to follow video 😊 I also did the transmission oil without dropping the pan instead draining it 3 times like you showed in the Atf video. Thank you sir!

[@Ozinmo]

Did my front diff this morning spent hour getting beat up bash plates back on and now find out there is an actuator!! Nick were was this video 24 hours ago? 🤔😉. Guess it can wait for another 50k 🤔 great videos as always

[@LowRangeNick]

Haha oh dear 😂

[@jeremyharris4415]

Thanks Nick I learned something out of your video . But don’t think I will be doing that myself because I don’t have that equipment myself.

[@QLDPATTERSON]

Excellent video mate, appreciate the information about the actuator having it's own oil!

[@anthonyramdin1037]

Great video Nick! I honestly didn't know about the actuator oil. Thank you!

[@miaomiaomiao1272]

great，I will change my 4WD actuator oil later

[@wayneberry8703]

Great work, Nick.

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks!

[@billramsey800]

Excellent tutorial Nick thank you.

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks Bill 😊

[@Captain.Jack.sparrow1976]

Thank you for your efforts

[@dekican]

Great video, thanks again Nick

[@LowRangeNick]

My pleasure!

[@sudirmanusman4556]

very helpful, thanks for the tutorial

[@salieshaunsmuts6209]

Hi Nick thanks for your very detailed video clips question please, does the dmax also have the actuator oil?

[@LowRangeNick]

Yep, it sure does 👍

[@TheSquad1112]

another great video

[@staceyroydhouse5520]

Hi Nick Thanks for your videos. I've successfully done my engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter and rear diff oil. Any suggestions on how to get a stripped diff fill plug out of the front diff? 🤦‍♀️

[@LowRangeNick]

If it's a 24mm bung then best bet would be using a single hex socket. If that doesn't work you can try things like stilsons or pipe wrench. Vice grips. Hammer a smaller socket onto the bung.

[@4bnewb969]

Hi nick Thx for posting. I’m not that mechanically minded but always get something from your ‘ how too’ videos. I’m familiar with a transfer case actuator but not a front diff actuator. Assume it’s part time 4WD’s that have them not full time 4WD’s like a Prado? Cheers

[@LowRangeNick]

That's correct, they are part time 4wd with shift on the fly 4wd system.

[@afroggo3843]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@LowRangeNick]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers 😊

[@jaredbarton8575]

I just changed my diff oil today but I didn't know about the actuator. I'm at 230,000km and I doubt it has ever been changed

[@GutterRatKnives]

I'm in the same boat. I've just ticked over 240,000km. I did the diffs, gearbox & transfer case @ 200,000km but i had no idea about the actuator. I'll have to do that next time I'm under my Dmax.

[@theanythingchannel2239]

Did you use the same oil for the actuator as the front diff?

[@LowRangeNick]

Yep, 80w90 or 75w90 oil can be used 👍

[@Adventuring_4x4]

Did the actuator on my 2011 today after discovering this existed 😂 mine was bone dry

[@LowRangeNick]

Haha oh dear! Lucky you topped it up 🤣

[@falcond7320]

Another outstanding video Nick, can you please recommend a workshop manual for a 2013 dmax. Thanks in advance.

[@thescalpingant]

Hello Nick, i am looking for video regarding the brakes replacement front and back, did you make any? On D-max;)

[@LowRangeNick]

Not yet 😉

[@thescalpingant]

you provided valuable content so we are very happy for that. I hope you will provide a video of the rear brakes cause they seem to be a bit complicated:) @@LowRangeNick

[@duaneenglish2957]

Nice video! Do you have the grade oils for the Jimny diffs? What mileage would you recommend changes for the Jimny? I'm at 30,000 kms

[@LowRangeNick]

I believe they get changed at the first 15k service. If you have a look in the service booklet you can see how often it recommends after that. 😊

[@mark3879]

Spec shows 85/140 for front/rear diffs being factory

[@bill8757]

Hi Nick the Greek :) I have a 2019 mux just done 4 years and klms16.000km does the oil break down with the amount of klm or can it break down with time. cheers Bill

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Bill, it can break down with both time and km. It couldn't hurt to check the oil condition with a zip tie dipstick like I talked about in the video 😊

[@tolgaozavclar9444]

Hello Nick, what oil do you recommend we use for the transfer case? thanks.

[@LowRangeNick]

5w30 synthetic engine oil is used in the transfer case.

[@ramonrosa1919]

gracias, por hacer el video, saludos

[@jasonknox1926]

What about doing the transfer case ? Wouldn’t it be done at the same intervals as the diffs? Would love to see a how to for that 😊

[@LowRangeNick]

Check out my video here for the transfer case oil change 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZjJmXxve8h8ps0si=iE8yggsHLZBWDupV

[@suniluprety8265]

Hi nick which grade engine oil do u use for your dmax pickup truck

[@LowRangeNick]

5w30 or 10w40 is the best grade of oil to use.

[@Malek_97]

What is 4×4 oil for a 2023 mux?

[@anitaossevoort9188]

Hi nick l have 2018 mux from 75 000 kms my Regen kms have come down to 150k regents cycles with no engine faults . Now at 120 000kms .Have been to dealers 6times . They say all ok . Any ideas

[@LowRangeNick]

As long as everything is working correctly and burning off correctly then there isn't much to worry about. The kms between burn off's will vary depending on driving conditions.

[@adzoutnabout8666]

When you tightened the diff sump plug, did you exert 1 or 2 Durkas ??

[@LowRangeNick]

Haha, if you are not sure how tight, just use a standard 1/2 inch ratchet and tighten as much as you can.

[@neilkerswell9335]

Where did you buy the syringes used to drain and fill the actuator?

[@LowRangeNick]

EBay, Amazon, supercheap auto and autobarn should have them too.

[@alsabahhattaie9078]

Hi bro So what is the best oil for differential rear? 90 or 140;?

[@LowRangeNick]

80w140

[@alsabahhattaie9078]

@@LowRangeNick for diff front? Use 90 ?

[@alsabahhattaie9078]

If we use 90 or 140,so we use kind of LSD?

[@LowRangeNick]

@@alsabahhattaie9078 yep 80w90 for the front diff.

[@alsabahhattaie9078]

@@LowRangeNick but sir, for confirmation, can i both use 90 for front & rear? N should i use kind of LSD oil?

[@user-jz1ht8ry2w]

would you use penrite gear oil 85w-140 in a 2019 Isuzu dmax?

[@LowRangeNick]

Yep, in the rear that would be fine.

[@user-jz1ht8ry2w]

Thanks, would you know if the 2wd vs 4wd model 2019 Isuzu Dmax have different diffs and if they take different fluids?@@LowRangeNick

[@LowRangeNick]

@user-jz1ht8ry2w I would assume that it's the same diff.

[@bluedunn374]

What dimensions are the copper washers? Cheers

[@reelyology]

Mine is the RT50 2013 For the front and rear diff they are 16mm and 20mm internal diameter, 20mm for the actuator For the transfer case mine had o-rings 16x3mm I think, my ATF filling plug has the same o-ring. I didn't replace the o-rings. Easy enough to replace if leaking later on.