How to change Transfer Case and Differential Fluid on Toyota and Lexus

A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician shows you how to change transfer case and Differential Fluid on All Toyota and Lexus Models. This is a comprehensive guide with torque specs and part numbers.
In this video I will show you a typical service of the 4WD system and the AWD system on Toyota and Lexus models.
Here's a supplement video to this one discussing fluids:
• Which fluid to use for...
First we'll go over the basics in a small overview discussing the interval which is 30,000 miles on the first replacement then every 30-50k miles. If you do heavy off-road consider replacing them as early as 15k miles.
Then we'll dive into the procedure starting with the transfer case. I will share a lot of tips and tricks from experience in this video.
Also we'll go into the rear differential as well. The idea is very basic but there are a few things that you need to pay attention to so you won't turn a simple DIY maintenance into a problem.
Also in this video are torque specs and part numbers for drain and fill plug gaskets.
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The Car Care Nut
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#thecarcarenut #toyota #lexus
0:00 Intro
0:37 Overview
2:40 Transfer Case Service
11:03 Differential Service
15:49 Frequently Asked Questions

[@luisaponte7768]

Thank you so much for this video and your guide. My local dealer wanted $567 dollars for this same job that you did on this video, I was able to do it under 45 minutes and for about $60 dollars. God bless you and your family.

[@TanManFixes]

$567 LOL. and this is why the Stealerships will never get my business. I saw an invoice on my Toyota (from previous owner). The stealership charged $600 for an engine air filter, PCV, and cabin filter.

[@martincortez4956]

Damn bro went in😢

[@martincortez4956]

How tf you spend $60 only??? The toyota ws fluid only is $100 for 6 qts And then another $10 for the crush washers

[@trentwheeler6161]

@@martincortez4956 I don't believe he is referring to the Trans fluid. Just the diff fluid and the transfer case fluid or (Power transfer unit on AWD). 75w85 is the fluid for an AWD rav4 and you can easily use 75w90 fluid that is fully synthetic and it's like 1/3 of the cost. Ws atf fluid can be purchased on rock auto. Do not buy your fluids from the dealer!

[@alan4sure]

My toyota dealership charges $100. Jiffy lube charges $120. That's for each one, xfer case, rear diff.

[@slimshady6359]

This is the next best thing to hanging out all day in a Toyota Service Dept

[@markkrispin6944]

i like how you always take so much pride in your work as you always clean extra fluid up right away. We need more people like yourself AMD to work on our Toyota cars and trucks

[@geofffikar3417]

His customers are probably aware how fortunate they are to have him.

[@tire26]

I don't think you know how helpful you are to so many people. Thank you.

[@KaluNatt]

I learned a lot about Toyota vehicles by watching your video. Real genuine Toyota information.

[@De-Centralized]

I called my local Toyota Dealer for a quote on my 2019 Rav4 Adventure (Torque Vectoring) just out of curiosity: $400 for rear diff, $300 for transfer case. OMG, are they freaking kidding!!! I'm doing both for about $100 in about an hour plus I'll have washers and the syringe for the next change. Thanks for the video AMD!

[@itchyallover9]

Thank you for making informative videos that you provide. Even though I may not try some of these procedures on my own ( too old: lol ) I still find that watching and learning how things are done is always a good thing thanks to people like you showing all of us how and spending your time creating them. Thanks again.

[@FreedomLover170]

Thanks again for showing us DIY warriors how to properly service and maintain our vehicles these how to videos are much-needed and appreciated 🙏🙏🙏

[@stantheman5163]

You do a great job teaching and providing correct fluids and torque values. Fantastic lighting and camera work as well. No questions unanswered as you anticipated all issues and helped prevent others. I wish all tutorials were as thorough.

[@freund507]

Your contribution to the DIY community is immeasurable. The amount of detail you show within each instructional video is far superior compared to anything I have seen out there. God bless you for the work you do. Subscribed. Do you mind clarifying for the 2017 Highlander XLE how many different crush washers/gaskets are there for the front, middle, and rear gear oil fill and drain plugs/bolts. I want to make sure I am ordering the right parts. Thank you in advance for your time.

[@martinlugus7242]

Great video! Your approach transcends just car maintenance - it celebrates quality in all we do.

[@moose354]

"We are car care nuts here, we're doing this ourselves" has a good ring to it.

[@TheChevelle24]

Great videos!! I’ve watched a few of your videos and this is my first comment. You always teach me at least a few things every video! I appreciate your honesty and as always, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@barrylee.freedman2203]

A simple ‘thank you’. The correct information from a highly qualified and respected source. Needless to say, as soon as I get OEM Washers I’ll be picking up the oil(s). Now onto your fluids video to determine what oil I need for my 2017 Tacoma SR5 4WD with limited slip….

[@coloradoboo1071]

Very informative and explains why I was unable to find my daughters front diff drain/fill plugs in her AWD Sienna a few months ago!! (But I got her TC and rear Diff changed as well as the transmission) For those crush washers, we put the side with the crease towards the vehicle, smooth side on the plug.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

A great educational video on draining and refilling your fluids. Very useful.

[@romanc.5074]

I own two Toyotas, This guy is a treasure.

[@cayman9873]

One of the most important elements of your videos.. is going slowly and being calm. People that are new to working on cars can get nervous and rush thru things and make mistakes. Your thinking thru things is a great thing to teach. I many years ago did a clutch / press plate / pilot bearing on a 280 z datsun. I made the mistake that you covered. I forgot to loosten the fill plug until I had the transmission back in the car.. my mistake clearly. I ended up filling the gear lube thru the speedo cable hole with the back of the car up 5 feet.. a huge project. I told the owner... my girlfriend that the car is good.. but if we ever pull out the trans or clutch I need to address that fill plug. She never had anyone ever check the level in 15 years of ownership ☹

[@callmej3671]

Glad you mentioned the warning about the “smell”. Differential fluid can be an extremely repulsive smell to some people and lingers for a long time if spilled… Not like I know first-hand or anything 😊

[@CamdogXIII]

I spilled some used differential fluid in my car one time. It stank until I got rid of the car 6 months later.... Definitely not related to the smell... no.... nope, not at all.

[@gerryblackburn823]

What about checking the breathers on Toyota Transfer Cases and Differentials. Where are they located? When I worked as a diesel truck mechanic (retired now) when doing a regular engine oil change and service, you always checked the Transmission and Differential breathers to make sure they were open and not plugged up with dirt. A plugged breather will allow the unit to build up pressure (from the heat) and push oil out a seal. I've seen guys change a leaking Wheel or Pinion Seal only to have it leak again because the breather was plugged. Also when servicing drive train components, the vehicle must be level so that the fill plugs work correctly. A vehicle that has one end up on jack stands is likely going to give you an incorrect reading on the amount of oil you installed. Not everybody has a vehicle lift in their garage. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. There is a lot of information available and you do a great job explaining everything. Best regards Gerald

[@stevebrackett2676]

Nice, concise video on a very necessary service! Thanks for the efforts in making it.

[@sphamandlamazibuko3074]

Thank you so much for this high level of transparency, openness & teaching.....

[@MarzNet256]

Cool. I have a 2006 matrix 4wd with 183k. I use a 24mm 12pt box end (fill plug) and a 24mm 1/2 drive socket (drain plug) for transfer case. I ground the chamfer off the end of socket so it grabs the low profile bolt head better. Very easy service with proper information you have given.

[@JosephWarner77]

Really enjoy your educational style of videos and recommending it to friends. At time mark 10:40, about cleanup from oil on the exhaust. I actually throw a plastic or silicone pad over the pipe before cracking open the fill and drains to keep oil off the pipe. Cleanup goes much easier.

[@saifaltabaqchali4318]

Nice work brother keep up the good work I really like how you work and care about the car like it's yours I wish every mechanic like you thanks so much .

[@thao0226]

Thanks for educating us. Knowing the 'why' is always important.

[@habbadabbado5765]

Really good walkthrough from start to finish-thank you!!

[@mattgrover3096]

You and your info and vids are literally the best. Thanks.

[@bobspittle3201]

The best videos EVER on Toyotas.

[@mikeash7428]

Thanks. I'm gaining confidence i can do these maintenance jobs by your fine demos.

[@InexplicableBill]

Thanks Ahmed! I'm getting ready to change the rear diff fluid on our 2008 Highlander with 250,000 miles on it and wanted to make sure I watched you do it first! Being in Massachusetts, I've been underneath the vehicle recently to observe what things look like after all these New England winters - that diff is crusted over with rust! I'm so glad to have seen you tap the plugs with a hammer, great tip!! Thanks again for the effort you expend for all of us DIYers.

[@InexplicableBill]

It took me 2 days to change my gear oil. It was due to weather (I have no garage!) and schedule. But I took my time, sprayed PB blaster on the plugs, tapped them with a hammer, chipped away tons of rust crust on the diff casing, vacuumed, air blasted, and took notes of other things that needed work in the near future. (Like, how many people in the snow belt trust that their spare tire hanger is going to last? I fear the tire flying off one day...) The gear oil was probably last changed over 75,000 miles ago - I really don't remember. It came out like medium maple syrup in color, not too dark, and it had minor metal flake in it. The drain plug magnet is almost 3/4" long and had a fair amount of metal sludge on it, but nothing worrisome at all. I was very pleased, especially after having to spend $4,000 earlier this year to replace the front differential after it failed. Keeping the vehicle on a flat surface to be sure the gear oil fill is accurate is not the easiest project to do in your driveway. 😜 I removed the spare tire so my shoulders could fit under there.

[@gregmeadors9624]

Thanks! Very helpful. Especially the labor one can expect if hiring it done.

[@dpg613]

Very detailed explanation just as open book. Thank you so much for the video posted

[@cupompa]

Just did the transfer case & front/rear diff service on my Dad's 2017 SR5 Crewmax 4WD Tundra last week! Ordered via that Ravenol Gear Oil kit. I reused the washers because it was the 1st time for this service but will replace for sure next time now that I know the part numbers. Thanks AMD.

[@Jim-MT]

Even though I had watched your video before I forgot about the 'hammer tapping' trick. I tried to remove the fill plug on my 2016 Highlander's differential with a ratchet (no go) then an impact (again no go). I watched this video again and tried the 'hammer tapping' and both of those plugs came out SOOOOO easily with just a ratchet!! Thank you so much for the tip, you saved me a bunch of money! Now, I just have to find the fill plug on the transfer case LOL.

[@louisdefilippi8982]

Straightforward and direct instructions. Thanks!

[@flyonbyya]

I never thought about opening the fill before drain…great advice !

[@Zeek800]

Great tip on the taps with a hammer. My plugs were rusted quite a bit more than the ones in this video. I didn’t have penetrating fluid so I used some brake cleaner after using a #mall wire brush. Before doing these things I couldn’t budge the fill plug. Afterwards it was as easy as if the plug had already been loosened half a turn. My Highlander has 125,000 km on it. The dealership’s Service Assistant manager told me last year Toyota has no recommendation for when to change these fluids. I us3d 75W90 Royal Purple synthetic gear oil and a1.5 litre ( about a US quart and a half ) syringe type of fluid transfer pump. It worked flawlessly, no leaking no mess. The plugs look way bigger on here than they did when I changed the diff.

[@bobcolorado3491]

As always an excellent informative video. Thank you

[@p6102zrfxe]

As always, great video. Thank you AMD.

[@4stevenies]

Great vid. Just changed the diffs and transfer case fluid on my 02 Sequoia. The tapping must work. All drain and fill plugs came right out. 😊

[@tommisera3816]

Great review and helpful hints for the do it yourself person. I know you are very busy with your shop but it would be nice if you did a series of maintenance service for the third generation Tacoma. You really explain things very nicely. Thanks

[@robertrusso1688]

AMD you have the best tutorial. I did mine 2019 Tundra with Schaffer moly synthetic gear lube. Incredibly increases MpG to 17 from 15. Dealer wanted $600.

[@jdwar11]

Great tip brother on the removing of the fill plug always before the drain plug

[@strangemagic4404]

Such great videos! You’re a great teacher!

[@peterkwok9608]

Thank you for such a helpful video 👍👍God bless 🙌🙌

[@frankbiz]

Thank you for the valuable information it was awesome!!! 👍🏻

[@lylrys]

Thank you for this video sir. I didn't realize how easy it was to change differential and transfer case. It looks easier than changing engine oil. My dealer was charging me 400 bucks to do this job.

[@alan4sure]

My toyota dealer in Canada is $200 for both.

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

Ripoff ripoff ripoff, even 200 is ludicrous.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting and informative, thanks

[@miguelescobedo3967]

I am so happy i found this video. I had my highlander transmission replaced and when i got it it started to leak transfer case fluid through the weep hole, only when i drove it. I took it back to the shop and the technician checked the fluid but i noticed the fluid gushed out and at that time i didnt know it should not gush out like that. They said there was no leak and it was a little normal to have som seepage in that area because they recently serviced it. But i noticed it kept leaking it was just small leak but i wasnt very happy about it. I started looking for answers and found this video, i remembered i saw a lot of oil comin out when that tech showed me that it was ok on oil level, and i went to check myself after watching this video, and sure it was overfilled with fluid. Thank you sir for this video it really helped me. I will look forward to see if it doesnt leak again, but im pretty sure it wont.

[@tilliegh0christine]

I have the same problem right now with mine, how did it go after draining to correct level.

[@chalito1]

EXCELLENT tutorial, sir!! Thank you for sharing your expert knowledge and educating weekend warriors like myself! :) God bless!

[@rickproulx6667]

Great hands on video 👍🏼

[@blacksheep6888]

Thank you for giving us the torque specifications i really recommend using a torque wrench on drain and fill plugs.

[@greenpepper4338]

Excellent video as always!

[@craigiefconcert6493]

This is great this just came up. I’m changing these fluids tomorrow.

[@cameronharris2862]

thanks. you answered multiple questions. I'm used to normal 4wd

[@jacoblozano5040]

Outstanding video. Very informative…. Keep up the great videos! I will send you a sombrero !

[@DT-of5qq]

Thanks for another awesome sharing mate. Super appreciate it.

[@jayveecee1]

Awesome video as always!

[@martinrodriguez7615]

Love all your videos. So much info

[@ryanlogan2911]

I have used this opportunity to swap the upper fill plugs with magnet style as well. And upgrade to 75w-140 synthetic.

[@greenbudkelly2820]

Another great video. Thanks for posting.

[@romeokabatay4655]

Thank you. Your teaching technic is very informative and clear. You should be a professor at a technical school/ university😁I’m sure the students will learn from you a lot! -Los. Keep up the good work.

[@inferno1770]

Great video you are my Toyota mechanic

[@TimeforchangeTrudeaumustgoEndb]

Would you do a video on towing capacity breaking everything down from a mechanic's view , love your videos you don't discriminate you tell it as it is and are not afraid to tell us the good and the ugly.

[@East17A]

awesome another topic I was wondering about 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽.. thank you very much

[@joselolopez59]

Thank you very much for this excellent video.

[@TotodrivesspdTanker]

Thanks so much...short and informative.

[@mrelectric4577]

You, sir, are an inspiration. Your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail are 2nd to none. This is a great channel. What are your thoughts on the 2017 Lexus CT200h ? Thanks so much for your feedback.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! The 2017 CT is good. Very close to the Prius but in a nicer package. Any CT after 2014 is good

[@Coffeeonbudget]

Hey AMD, love your work thank you. A suggestion I work at night and listen to your recorded live stream. You can upload just a audio version of your live stream on podcast which will be very helpful in expanding your reach. I want this channel to grow. Thanks again 🙏.

[@mrjoehimself]

Quality videos as always!

[@Mac4Willy]

Great video. Thanks

[@shawnbelford3433]

Thanks for another great tutorial! You make it enjoyable to work on your own vehicle!!

[@mattb9664]

This is a great straight forward procedure for those tackling it and a refresher for those of us who only do it once every 2-3 years! Are the procedures for the AWD Torsen models any different?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! The same. You just need to be aware of the different fluid requirement

[@fizout]

Another nice and simple DIY instruction, complete with part numbers and torque specs. It would be nice to have some input on the breather valves, regarding any cleaning, testing for blockages/rust, or pre-emptive replacement since they are a common cause of oil seal leaks in the rust belt.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! If the breather is not a remote one if it spins or moves it’s good.

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

@@TheCarCareNut how many breather valves on a 2008 Tacoma 4x4 trd sport quad cab/6ft bed?

[@johnysky6066]

Here is my question, should I put more stronger magnet drain plugs? apparently the toyota ones barely attracts any metal fuzz @@TheCarCareNut

[@InexplicableBill]

@@johnysky6066 Or maybe Toyotas don't need bigger magnets because they are manufactured with tight tolerances and produce fewer metal shavings during their lifespans?

[@sheldons231]

I actually still find a fair amount of wear particles on my rear diff (2014 Highlander). Now granted my first change was at pretty close to 60,000 mi (I didn't know then to do it sooner). But after changing it and then checking it at almost 69,000 mi it is fairly dark and still as much wear particles as before, I was to put in much stronger magnetic plugs but at 5mm longer don't know if the will fit on both top and bottom for even more cleaning performance.

[@chrisdonahue5309]

Thanks for this video. I was on my way to filling from the high-mounted plug, until you set me straight!

[@jacklabloom635]

I changed the differential fluid today in my wife’s Lexus. I crawled under from the rear as far as I could and used a mirror tilted toward the plugs to show me where to put the hex drive socket and also where to insert the fill hose into the fill hole. The mirror made it easy, without having to raise the vehicle.

[@shaynestebbing5597]

This guy is an absolute legend! Thankyou for sharing your information once again. I have a quick question, is the Mobil 1 better than genuine toyota gear oil?

[@azchillers]

You saved my bacon with the hammer trick. Some penetrating oil overnight and some hammering on the front diff drain plug got it loose. I had tried a long cheater and even an impact without success previously. Last person to tighten it was the local Toyota tech. An Arizona 4Runner without a speck of rust.

[@TubeBrowser2]

Thank you for the vid. Just Bought '11 RX350 FWD with 29K miles Lexus and want to do fluid cleanse.

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

Good stuff as usual.

[@samuelmizrahi5207]

I went to my Lexus dealer and requested them to change these fluids at 32,000 miles on my 2020 Lexus IS300 AWD Sport. They said they don't do these fluid changes as they are lifetime. Never had a dealer turn down a request for service before. I may have to try this myself using this video as it sounds like it should be done. Thanks.

[@jdhern9078]

Great video

[@timothy5974]

Another thumbs up from me🤟🤓 have a great day.

[@multirotormanish7220]

Great video CCN! I have a 2010 Rav4 AWD and wanted to know what oil to use in the Transfer case as well as the rear differential? Thanks for all of your helpful video's you post. Much appreciated!

[@davidagamemnonbanda3488]

Thanks so much for these videos. I really appreciate them as they help me better understand my vehicle. I have a question. I have a Toyota Corolla Axio 2010 AWD and I recently noticed a noise which I thought was due to worn out bearings. However, I have later found out that the noise actually originates from the rare diff. My thoughts are that I replace the entire diff... Challenge with replacing is where to find a replacement? And is this still a good idea because alternative is to disconnect the drive shaft and convert the car to a 2WD. Would you recommend that?

[@markreynolds3850]

Good to know, thanks for sharing this video.

[@vo2156]

Thank you... you are the best

[@joeythedime1838]

On my 4Runner I replaced the factory transfer case drain plug with a magnetic one. The size is M18x1.5×12. I used a Dimple Motor Oil Magnet but there are a few others on the market.

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

My transfer case fluid always comes out crystal clean, just as the new oil.

[@4dayweekend879]

thanks for this, may the Lord bless and keep you as well.

[@mrtaser556]

Appreciate your channel.

[@volvotango8363]

Thank you Car Care Nut!

[@bruceborchardt3166]

Can you talk about cleaning the vent on top of rear differential to prevent pressure build up and seal leaking. great video's

[@aldoalcazar6525]

Thanks for the video

[@kenwinchester]

I enjoy your videos immensely and even though I don’t own a Toyota vehicle I will eventually as they are so well built and reliable. I apologize if my question has already been answered, but to do this maintenance doesn’t the vehicle need to be level like when servicing the transmission fluid? Thank you so much for your expert service to all of us.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Thank you for the info.

[@hanhh5263]

Hello, thank you so much for showing us. You are an awesome teacher! I have 2013 Toyota Venza. I could not find the differential drain plug anywhere. Please advise. Thank you in advance!

[@edfox8493]

not what I was looking for but watched the whole video

[@rtiros]

Excellent video. Unfortunately most people don’t even change them including me on a Toyota…

[@jrbling25]

Great video! On the issue of drivetrain, do you have any videos specifically about propellor shaft/spline/u-joint maintenance? Thanks!