[HOW TO] Change Rear Differential Fluid - 2015-2020 Colorado / Canyon (Easy Drain & Fill)

This video will show you how to properly drain and fill the rear differential fluid on your 2015-2020 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon.
NOTE: I guess for 2019+, GM deleted the drain plug from the diff. So now to drain the oil, you have to loosen all the bolts on the differential cover.
OEM GM Dexron Gear Fluid Part #: 19352759 - Buy it Here: amzn.to/3S0mBus
Rear Differential Oil Capacity: 1.6 quarts
Rear Differential Oil Type: 75W-90
================================================================================
I recently switched to this fluid in March 2024. Works great and does not have LS additive.
Mobile1 Delvac 75W90 Diff Fluid (no LS additive) - amzn.to/3TRd64M
NOTE: Trucks with G80 rear end should use a fluid with NO limited slip (LS) additivie. See above, the Mobile1 Delvac is a great option for G80 equipped trucks.
I used Mobil1 Gear Lube with friction modifier originally in the video. But after a few hundred miles I drained that out and used the OEM GM fluid. Part # 19352759, Dexron Gear Fluid. Find it here: amzn.to/4cyjmFO
================================================================================
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL OIL CHANGE VIDEO:
• [HOW TO] Change Front ...
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#ChevyColorado #chevytrucks #CanyonColorado #FonduPotsGarage

[@III---III]

I followed your rear, front, and transfer case video for my canyon. Clear instructions and very easy minus having to do the pump method for the front and transfer case lol. Thanks so much!

[@fondupot]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@robertneville777]

Changed my rear diff oil on my 2019 ZR2. Took about 1.3 liters for me. Anyways, your instructions were super handy! Thank you for making this!

[@fondupot]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@eddumont5582]

I am buying a 2016 Colorado diesel, so really appreciate your maintenance videos for this vehicle!

[@fondupot]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@xblindfolded]

Glad to see this video. Was actually reviewing my maintenance schedule the other day and did not see the differential fluid as a maintenance item. The transfer case fluid is on there, but not the differential fluid.

[@fondupot]

xblindfolded I’ve always changed differential fluid every 30k-40k in my 4x4 vehicles. Its never been in any service manual that I’ve seen. Easy to do tho as you can see.

[@xblindfolded]

@@fondupot Quite easy. Probably change mine after my next oil change around 40k.

[@asuarezjd]

Man! you saved me $$$ and I can keep my peace of mind. I have a 2019 Colorado WT, and I wanted to do this but lately I have been letting shops do it because there won't be enough Tylenol for my bones after getting under a car and back up a few times. Yet, I paid one of those quick oil change places to change my wife's Durango differential and cannot stop thinking it was not done properly. It was too quick and they just sucked it with a hose so perhaps the magnet was not cleaned not the fluid completely drained. So, I have to see it to believe it but I thought like with transmissions, and back in the day you had to remove the cover, gasket, fine sand paper the metal for a good clean joint, etc. I didn't know it was this easy! Thanks!

[@fondupot]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@dubprocesslbc]

I was wrong about new part number for ACDelco diff oil. Its the same part number just found out parts department at dealership gave me the wrong diff fluid with LS additive. I even called them back to make sure. I ended up calling another dealership and they confirmed they gave me the wrong diff oil. Thanks for the awesome videos. GM part: 19352759

[@fondupot]

Oh ok. Good deal. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuajones3932]

Probably one of the best auto tutorials I’ve watched. Thanks for being so straight forward!

[@fondupot]

Awesome. Means a lot! Thanks for watching.

[@edwardrad1051]

Thanks a lot Fondupot !!! I watched all 3 videos ( front and rear diff and transfer case ) and did them all in about a hour ! That little pump from Amazon is very helpful for the front diff and transfer case ! Best 8.00 bucks I ever spent !! The dealer wanted 400.00 to do this which is crazy . I did probably over pay for the oil at dealer but I wanted to make sure I was putting in the right stuff . The only thing I did different was instead of using thread tape I used a dab of anti seize . It looked like that is what the factory used . I have a 2019 Colorado ZR2 and it did have a drain plug on the rear diff . It was a real early build or maybe because it’s a ZR2 ?? Not sure !! PS your cabin air filter video was helpful too !!! Thanks

[@fondupot]

Thanks for watching and glad the videos helped! Lucky you’re 2019 has a drain plug. If it’s an early year 2019 that’s probably why. My 2019 Canyon built in May doesn’t have one. Cheers!

[@carminoz07]

Nice video. Good job

[@fondupot]

Thanks!

[@chrisdejong2481]

Nice! Unless someone mentioned it my tip on that last bit of oil in bottle #1 just add it into bottle #2 when you make room out of bottle #2 👍

[@fondupot]

Yea I usually do that.

[@wilee.coyote5298]

Thanks for the nice quick videos, to the point. Just changed my front, rear, and transfer case in 2.5 hrs. Less than $70.00 for fluid and pump at AZ. Rear was pretty dark and burnt smell. Front was better as was transfer case. Dealer wanted $149 front, $179 rear, $149 transfer case. Saved $400. 🤑

[@fondupot]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@Zach492]

Likewise. $80 from Amazon AC Delco store for fluids and a pump. 51k miles. Rear was black, but in good condition. Front was fine - probably didn’t need it, but so easy to do.

[@Zach492]

Correction- total was $110 total. Diff fluid alone was $20 a pop. Inflation…

[@wilee.coyote5298]

@@Zach492 Inflation, and you got AC Delco, I got Autozone STP equivalent.

[@danwood4478]

Thanks! Those bladder bags make it simple with no need to remove spare tire.

[@fondupot]

Yea. I only removed spare tire for filming purposes. Thanks for watching.

[@codycurnutte7084]

I appreciate how clear you are and the attention to detail.

[@fondupot]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching

[@italianrelic]

Sweet i need to see front vid! Also if you don’t use fwd to much changing front isn’t super necessary

[@fondupot]

Yes, I also made a video for the front diff. And you are correct front diff won't require as frequent changes. But It's easy enough to do them both at the same time. Thanks for watching!

[@DS-zy9kq]

2018 Colorado. Changed mine at 72772 miles. Coagulation and shavings on bottom plug. Fluid kind of cleared up(lighter) as it drained. Surprised by all the gunk on plug. Sooner rather than later if anyone is putting it off. Just lowered tire to ground and pushed over a bit...plenty of room, z71

[@fondupot]

Yea, sooner is always better in my book! Thanks for watching.

[@fondupot]

How dirty was your differential oil? Leave and comment and let me know your mileage. Here is a link to buy the fluid: amzn.to/30dN5zk

[@fondupot]

Can’t hurt!

[@Juan-gp4yl]

I just subscribed to get notification when u change trans fluid

[@fondupot]

Thanks, it might be a while, but eventually I do plan on getting a video posted about that.

[@Juan-gp4yl]

@@fondupot or should I do a transmission flush?? Do u recommend doing that instead?

[@fondupot]

Depending on your mileage a flush might be better for shorter intervals. Say ever 25k. But a fluid swap without a flush would be better for a higher mileage vehicle.

[@steverugerguy9606]

Just did this to mine...and changed 6 speed manual trans fluid...31,900 miles...2018...i used LS mobil 1 also,however mine is an open diff so no problems.

[@fondupot]

Yep you should be good.

[@scottgaynor9974]

To fill the diffs (and TC, transmission) buy yourself a 1 gal garden sprayer (~$10). Might have to drill out the nozzle so it "flows" versus sprays. Much easier.

[@jessebolles3661]

Great video ...also have u had any transmission problems with the truck???

[@fondupot]

Thanks for watching. I haven’t had any issues. I had the transmission fluid flush done. But it was fine until it got totaled. My new truck is a 2019 Canyon. No issues with it either. It’s also had the trans flush.

[@eddee4825]

Cut the the tip of the lid, then remove the tube from the pump, attached the tube into the lid that u cut earlier, the hang the bottle on the axle, while the fluid is flowing into the gearbox. u can start working the one on the front.

[@fondupot]

Ed Dee I guess. But it really doesn’t take long to to do the rear.

[@eddee4825]

Instead buying the pump, I bought small diameter size tube at peo boys for $4.99 for the front, did the same thing, then I burnded a small cutter pin then sticked it the hot cutter pin on the tube thru the lid to function as a bolt so the tube won't come off from the lid, then screwed it back the lid to the bottle, bring the bottle high n upside down hang it on the driver side mirror n let the gravity do the job, leave it to do the job on the spare tire ( hang the spare tire back up), by the time u done hanging the spare tire back up, the front drain start overflow, then back to work on the front drain close the front drain back up, off course clean the drain plug first before put it back on. No time waste, that's just me, but I give big thumbs up on your video definitely, I cheap, I don't have rendering software to make youtube video, I leave that up to you, good job budd... 👍👍👍👍👍

[@guyt6244]

Thanks

[@fondupot]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@guyt6244]

Thanks for filming! What I can’t find is a video for the second gen canyon with a manual tranny dump and fill. Hoping it’s just as easy!

[@footballfriends1742]

I used the same stuff but switched out 12,000 miles later. The rear diff gets dirty fast... the front was clean.

[@fondupot]

Yea the front diff will last longer since 4wd is not used all the time.

[@jasonlatzko]

What’s so special about the Dexron gear oil? I understand it’s the OEM FLUID, but would I be safe using royal purple with friction modifier? I know it’s double price per quart, I’m OK with that. Thank you for your tutorials. 2nd time using one of your video tutorials both times easier than expected thanks to you.

[@fondupot]

The G80 locker does not require nor does it like fluid with that friction modifier. It can cause it to malfunction. I swapped the fluid I used in the video for the OEM dextrin fluid after a short time.

[@chadwickphillips316]

How safe is it to add thread tape? I would worry that some of it would peel off and get inside. Thoughts?

[@fondupot]

Chadwick Phillips I wouldn’t think twice about it. I made sure to keep the thread tape off the end threads. So it should only be in contact with the threads on the diff. Even if a little bit gets in the oil it wouldn’t damage anything major.

[@katoom12000]

2017 Chevy Colorado. 33K. Similar results as you experienced, although did not notice a burn smell or sludge from rear. Front was overfilled too. I see in the comments you switched back to GM Fluid. Doh! What was the reason?

[@fondupot]

Tim Noyes I was getting some weird vibrations from my rear diff. After I swapped the fluid it went back to normal.

[@katoom12000]

Noted. After the mess I made today I’m at least going to see. Glad it wasn’t on film.A short follow up vid would have been appreciated. No big deal. I’ll check the comments next time. Love my shocks, lift, Gen5 and LEDS so no complaints. Thanks!

[@fondupot]

Awesome. Glad to hear.

[@Farlomous]

have you had any issues with your rear differential,??? i've had to have one replaced a couple of years ago and thinking I may have to do another here pretty soon with all the whining I am getting. from back in that direction as well as the mechanics recommendation.

[@fondupot]

Nope. Haven’t had any issues. My Colorado was totaled tho. But my 2019 Canyon has just under 25,000 miles. No issues.

[@maces1405]

Tomorrow should be interesting. First time changing the diff oil in 127k miles!

[@fondupot]

It certainly should! Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@maces1405]

@@fondupot I just finished changing my rear differential fluid after 127k miles. I was surprised! The fluid looked almost perfect. 👍

[@fondupot]

@@maces1405 That's good! Means you have a healthy differential. Thanks for the reply back!

[@Uisci81]

that's why i prefer to take the cover off, wipe it clean inside as much as possible to get every bit of the old oil out.

[@fondupot]

Not really necessary. But whatever floats your boat!

[@Uisci81]

Fondupot's Garage but isn’t the remaining oil/sludge left in just going to cause this new oil to become contaminated faster? I’m no mechanic I just thought getting out as much as possible was the ideal situation.

[@fondupot]

That would be like completely tearing down an engine every time you do an oil change. You’re never going to get 100% of the oil out no matter what. A little bit of old residual oil won’t hurt the new oil.

[@Uisci81]

Fondupot's Garage good point! Thanks for the info. Just got a slightly used 19 Colorado so wanted to make sure I did all the maintenance right

[@fondupot]

You bet. Is recommend using the OEM differential fluid. The one without the additive for Limited Slip.

[@Juan-gp4yl]

Are u doing a transmission fluid change??

[@fondupot]

Not for a while at least.

[@nickparimuha81]

Does the rear end take a special fluid with the g80 locker ?

[@fondupot]

nick parimuha edit. I swapped the fluid with OEM after a short while. The Mobil1 was causing issues.

[@momos2790]

There an attachment for these bottles with a clear hose so you can hold the bottle up and squeeze

[@fondupot]

Cool thanks

[@scottgaynor9974]

Buy a 1 gal garden sprayer; trim the spray wand to just a couple of inches; bore out the spray nozzle as well. Much easier. Only costs $10, I have one for 75w-90 and plan other for ATF

[@VOL559]

My 2017 3.6 Canyon with 75K and I just changed it for 2nd time,do you know what the thread pitch is on both drain/fill plugs.Looks like it could be 22X1.5.

[@fondupot]

Hmmm not sure what the thread pitch is. I bet you can just call a dealer and get it from them. It’s probably a cheap part they keep on hand.

[@hughg.rection9161]

When is it necessary to replace the gasket etc?

[@fondupot]

Hugh G. Rection I’d say only if you notice a leak around the gasket. Otherwise it should be good for at least 150k miles. If not longer.

[@eddee4825]

150 miles or u can check it when u change the gear oil fr the 2nd times when its about 100 miles, that is just me.

[@karykrismer1448]

Out of curiosity, why do you remove your glove before checking the level of the oil? Concern that the glove is dirty? I generally like to keep the oil off my skin. The only time I typically purposefully get my finger oily is when I'm oiling up an oil filter gasket, and there I don't care too much about a bit of dirt so I leave the glove on, but I do use a mainly empty oil bottle to get the oil, and only use that bottle for that purpose.

[@fondupot]

Kary Krismer no reason really. Just so I can fee the level better.

[@karykrismer1448]

@@fondupot I didn't think of that. When I do the oil filter gasket I do have a hard time telling when my finger is getting wet.

[@fondupot]

Bingo. That’s why. Natural is best!

[@wesobrien2706]

Is GM 88862624 Dexron LS Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 GL-5 ok to use? *contains limited slip friction modifier Thank you!

[@fondupot]

I wouldn’t use an oil with LS modifier. I posted a link in the description to a GM fluid without it.

[@steverugerguy9606]

Ok to use if you have an open diff.not if you have the locker though.

[@daylenvelasquez4377]

Does the fluid have to be warm?

[@fondupot]

Nah. It drains easier than engine oil

[@8180634]

Did that oil work OK for your diff?

[@fondupot]

Neg. I changed it out after a few hundred miles. Was having issues with the G80 vibrating at highway speeds. I installed the OEM GM fluid and the issues went away. Check the description for more info.

[@8180634]

@@fondupot thanks, that's what i was thinking. Just bought the gm part number myself but wow is it expensive so i'm keeping an eye out for an alternative.

[@fondupot]

Whatever you get just get the stuff without LS additive. That’s what caused the issues I think.

[@alexanderestk]

I have 16k miles on my 2018 Colorado wt 2.5. Should I change it or wait?

[@fondupot]

Can’t hurt. Go for it.

[@alexanderestk]

Fondupot's Garage Generally how long does it take for the differential to break in?

[@fondupot]

I’d say you’re at a good mileage to say it’s sufficiently broken in.

[@mr.z3161]

When and how many miles should the fluid be changed?

[@fondupot]

Depending on driving style i think every 30,000-40,000. More often if towing a trailer on a frequent basis.

[@mr.z3161]

@@fondupot . Thanks 🙏

[@fondupot]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@vinnier6]

FYI, GM has an updated fluid that superseded the fluid you used

[@fondupot]

I used Mobil1 in the video. I later swapped it out with the OEM GM fluid. The video description has the latest part number for the GM 75W90 fluid. Part # 19352759.

[@Juan-gp4yl]

@@fondupot why did u swapped it?

[@Juan-gp4yl]

Im thinking of using amsoil

[@fondupot]

I was having vibration issues with the mobile 1 fluid. I swapped to the GM fluid and the vibrations went away. If you use a fluid without a LS modifier you should be fine.

[@ryankalar6078]

@@fondupot how long did it take for the vibration to go away after changing the fluid?

[@jonwarren231]

I have a 2019 ZR2, and there is NO drain plug on the bottom of my rear diff..! I've never seen this before. I've changed diff oil in many a rig over the years, but now I'm stumped on this one. Anyone have experience on what to do ?

[@fondupot]

Jon Warren yea. I’ve heard this. You’ll have to loosen the bolts on the diff cover to drain it. GM in their infinite wisdom decided to eliminate the drain plug on some 2019 models. Probably saved them 10 cents a unit. But they figure they will make up on maintenance from people who don’t wanna do that.

[@univac7677]

You could use the little hand pump shown in this video in reverse and suck out the old oil and then put in the new through the fill plug. You won’t get all the old oil out but most of it. Or, you take all the bolts off the housing to drain. This is what I did on my 07 Colorado. Yes, crazy they don’t put a drain plug in there.

[@MacGyverHatesGuns]

I have a 2017 2WD V6 Colorado with the locking rear Differential. Would this be the correct fluid?

[@fondupot]

Use the OEM GM fluid. Check out the video description.

[@MacGyverHatesGuns]

Let me clarify, the fluid you recommended is 10-4061 The dealership is telling me 10-4034 The difference I see is 61 doesn’t have the limited slip additive. Does your truck have the auto electronic locking differential?

[@fondupot]

Yea my truck has the G80 auto locking diff. The 4034 fluid has the LS additive. The 4061 doesn’t. The G80 does not require the LS additive. So I recommend the 4061 fluid.

[@MacGyverHatesGuns]

@@fondupot thanks!

[@fondupot]

You’re welcome good luck!

[@bigbluezo6]

do you need the additive

[@fondupot]

Roger Kremer no additive required. Any 75W90

[@relentless_7]

What made you swich to back OEM fluid?

[@relentless_7]

Switch*

[@fondupot]

Rear end was acting funky. Went away after I put in the OEM fluid

[@steverugerguy9606]

He used limited slip(LS)...was supposed to use non LS in the locker.

[@georgevillagrana]

Does anyone know if the Duramax version gets different oil?

[@fondupot]

The diesel also has a 6 quart capacity and uses 5W30 dexos spec oil.

[@georgevillagrana]

@@fondupot I ment the differential lol

[@fondupot]

Oh woops. As far as I know the rear ends are the same

[@bryanbeck4399]

I have no drain plug? 2019 zr2 is this odd?

[@fondupot]

Mid- 2019, GM removed the drain plug from the rear diff. My 2019 Canyon no long has a drain plug.

[@labrat5674]

Just crawled out from under my 2020 Z71 Colorado and no differential drain plug to be found! 🤬 Must be something new for 2020. Guess it’s back to doing it old school by removing the diff cover. Ugh!

[@fondupot]

Actually, GM removed the drain plug starting in 2018. I noted that in the video description, something that I didn't know when I made the video. GM really pinched the pennies on that one.

[@dubprocesslbc]

@@fondupot I have a 2018 and both front and rear diffs both have drain plugs.

[@fondupot]

Yes. The change was done mid-2018. Some 2018 models will have a drain plug. Others will not.

[@ishunu]

How much tourque does it call for

[@fondupot]

24 ft lbs. Both Plugs

[@ishunu]

Fondupot's Garage thanks

[@fondupot]

@@ishunu You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@ishunu]

Have you done a transmission oil change

[@fondupot]

@@ishunu At this time no. I do not have a transmission fluid video.

[@HoustonAstros1111]

I have a 2020 GMC Canyon and its doesnt have a drain plug. Just a fill plug

[@fondupot]

Yep. They removed the drain in mid 2018

[@LL-pe4ou]

The dealer wanted over $600 to do this, the front and transfer case...

[@fondupot]

Highway robbery!!! I still haven’t gotten around to doing my front diff yet tho…

[@mf8615]

Amateur tip: check that your pump fits the new oil bottles before you drain. I’ll add that the Harbor Freight gear oil pump does not fit the Mobil 1 bottles seen in this video. Hard to go down to the parts shop for a hose when your dif is already dry 🤦‍♂️

[@Davefitz04]

That pump is terrible lol.

[@fondupot]

David Fitzgerald yea it was a joke.

[@bbaaspencer1]

GM removed the bottom drain plug because people were using the wrong fluid and caused issues!

[@fondupot]

I doubt they had that much concern for their end users misuse. It’s totally a cost thing. It costs less to not put a drain plug in.