This Is What Happens If You NEVER CHECK YOUR DIFFERENTIAL OIL!!

This Is What Happens If You NEVER CHECK YOUR DIFFERENTIAL OIL!!
In this video I service, for the first time, my rear differential in my 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. This vehicle is relatively new to me and I had not yet checked the diff fluid. What I found was surprising!
Lucas 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Oil: amzn.to/2JkeiIH
Fel-Pro RDS55028-1 differential gasket: amzn.to/2xfgpYo
**This channel is for entertainment purposes only! Do not do what I do. Do not take my advice. I am not a professional. The methods I use may be completely wrong and/or dangerous. Please seek professional help with anything and everything and do your own due diligence (research). Working on cars is extremely dangerous. I am not responsible for any loss of life or limb or property. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. THIS CHANNEL IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!**
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[@geekdownrange]

Your "loosen the fill plug first" saved my butt. Yes, it seems totally obvious why now. The fill plug on my 01 Tahoe is frozen solid. While I'm sure it will be "fun" getting it unstuck (or buying a new diff cover with a fill hole), I don't have a dead truck in my driveway with no way to fill the rear diff. Thank you sir.

[@1RoadGarage]

Nice buddy! Thanks for the great comment 👍

[@kylegroth3199]

Yea dude same with a manual transmission.

[@spelunkerd]

On an old vehicle, it is worth checking the axle seals on each side first, so that if a leaking axle seal is present on either side you'll fix that at the same time. To replace the rear axle seal you need to remove the diff cover and release the axle. Most guys do both if one is leaking.

[@x-man5056]

Very good point but even newer vehicles can develop axle seal leaks.

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

I bought an 84' AMC Eagle about 6 months ago and just got it back on the road after working on it all spring.After about 200 km's of driving I noticed a VERY faint whirring noise in the rear end,checked the diff and transfer case and both were almost run dry! I almost delayed checking them too,but had a gut instinct to check and I'm glad I did!

[@TheSlimCognito]

I know you like to use your bottle cap with a tube zip tied to it to pour new oil. but if you go to the marine section of Walmart (and automotive in walmarts case) as well as the marine section of an auto parts they sell a pump made for gear oil bottles. Just cut the threaded end off for use on vehicles, or not of you don't mind the check valve. Boat units drain from the bottom and fill from the bottom and pour out the top when full. They fill like that to prevent air bubbles so they make a pump for that purpose. Most boats use the same gear oil as trucks. I have one that I put an extension on the hose so I can fill my difs and transfer cases up with the bottle on the ground. Cost 10 dollars and it works wonders.

[@jimparker7778]

this is WAY better than the vacuum-cleaner approach that almost all oil-change shops and even dealer service departments sell today. For the service business the vacuum flushers eliminate the need for replacing a gasket, and eliminate the potential for a leaking diff after the service. And, if you do it yourself as Jimmy points out you can be sure that the right lube is installed and the service tech doesn't strip your fasteners. Better all the way around---plus, for the price of just one vacuum job you can change fluid in all of your vehicles and bring it all right up to specification for the life of the vehicle, or at least for a few years.

[@x-man5056]

You can't clean the cover magnet or remove as much of the old oil that way but if the diff cover gasket isn't leaking, vacuuming out the old fluid is a reasonable alternative method.

[@jimparker7778]

it is reasonable, but the DIY approach is way less cost, assures that it's done right and allows you to really wipe the old crap out of the differential case.

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

Just subscribed, I got a 97 Tahoe 5.7 Vortek and let me tell you I've learned a lot these past 2 days watching your oils change vids, it's a shame here in my country can't get all the parts (Gasquets).

[@theupscale7130]

I remember on my envoy when i changed both diff fluids, my rear came out black and there wasn't any fluid at all in my front one. I literally thought it was fine, but like you said, you just never know.

[@kcscustom9759]

Very good points! After I bought my truck that’s one of the first things I did because one of the axle seals were leaking. And if fluid is leaking out of the axle seal that means if its driven through water high enough to just go over the bottom of the axle tube that water can potentially also leak in. And that’s exactly what happen to me. I pulled the cover off, the axles out and there was surface rust on one of the axles. I was lucky to catch it just in time and that it was only surface rust that I was able to easily remove without compromising the integrity of the shaft. Because these axles aren’t coated with anything so the only thing keeping them from rusting is being in a sealed environment with the right amount of fluid so once that is compromised it’s not long before they’ll rust to the point of needing to be replaced, and these aren’t cheap to replace either. Great video tho Jimmy some very good advice! When it comes to used vehicles you just never know.

[@amariodom4858]

he said he wanted to sell it, so i thought he sold it a long time ago glad to see it’s still in your family

[@bobdodge3171]

Valid point. Not many take time to check diff fluids or grease the zerks. I use brass wire wheal on my 4" grinder fast and doesn't score the metal.

[@1RoadGarage]

Good tip thanks!

[@cartellove6]

Never use metal to metal while scraping o cleaning always use proper cleaner and a plastic scrapper

[@alexeat-sand9938]

Believe me most of the times the plastic scrapers don’t work.. you really need a metal one but you have to be careful

[@scostido]

Another great video Jimmy... You are so right, the diff oil and fuel filters always get overlooked! 👍

[@1RoadGarage]

Thanks!

[@Dragoslav_MD]

I couldn't find rear diff on my civic. A friend of mine says it probably is inside of the fuel tank but I find it hard to believe.

[@rrcoster]

LOL be good time check blinker fluid and muffler belt also

[@Dragoslav_MD]

@@rrcoster actually a mechanic changed my blinker fluid around April 1st. Charged me like 50$. A bargain.

[@liveandletlive2894]

Yeah just got upgraded titanium muffler bearings and lifetime short throw dip stick on my mini

[@divinespear7208]

🧐

[@Dragoslav_MD]

@@divinespear7208 yes my friend?

[@nihadmj]

If you ruin the plug you can refilled from the vent.

[@brianklein6387]

My breather tube which is a "vent tube" that has a one way valve I.E. a check valve which doesn't let water in just air out of diff housing for venting excess pressure in housing & every vehicle has this valve on end of tube & is pushed high on your car

[@1RoadGarage]

Okay, imagine that valve is so old and crusty it doesn't work anymore or the valve is physically broken or missing or you live in a high humidity area and water gets in through the air or the line itself has cracks or tears in it...

[@ericl2969]

@@1RoadGarage You are right. Over years and years, the simple movement of air in and out of the gearbox via that vent will result in some water getting into the oil because the air carries water vapor which, under certain conditions, will condense out as liquid.

[@SJ-gd6bo]

And for anyone who runs into a seized fill plug, take a propane torch to it. Other than that good info.

[@bobdodge3171]

Ive tried the propane torch didnt work for me.. I was hitting it and hitting with the tank till it started leaking propane....😂 Was a joke

[@SJ-gd6bo]

@@bobdodge3171, yea you gotta find one of the older tanks, alot thicker steel, they can take a beating.

[@ColinMill1]

Good call - my usual luck with heating rusted stuff up is that the bits of rust that get in my eye are hot. However the filler plug on my Subaru rear diff was not coming out even with an impact wrench and plus gas till I spent a few minutes heating it with the torch and it came out with one short burst of the impact wrench. Thanks!

[@vincentrobinette1507]

I hope you caught it in time. I'm less concerned about the 3rd member, but more concerned that the outer axle bearings may have run dry.

[@edwardcarberry1095]

I leave in the two bolts which are below the 3 and 9 position! As they will keep the oil from spilling all over the place. I call them the tooth brush sized wire brush work well to clean/remove around the fill plug.

[@spiralnapkin]

Thanks Jimmy! I did this and the transfer case fluid on my 2003 Suburban today, both with your help.

[@1RoadGarage]

Awesome!!

[@bryanoliver5550]

Good job , did you notice any difference while driving down the quiet country roads , any sound you may remember that's now missing ?

[@1RoadGarage]

No, can't say that I have. Everything just feels real smooth.

[@brianklein6387]

This vent tube is also on your transmission with check valve also on it

[@1RoadGarage]

Water can still easily enter through relative humidity and tears or cracks in the line.

[@281CubicInchesOfFreedom]

My 2005 Crown Vic recently hit 60,000 miles, just had the diff fluid changed and it was also pretty nasty.

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

I have got to do this on my truck, thanks for the reminder Jimmy. Great video!

[@NoWr2Run]

I HAVE TO DO A HELL OF A LOT TO MY JEEP & MOST OF THE PARTS JUST SIT HERE.

[@lagunez12]

Very good informative video thanks

[@JesusLopez-wn1fy]

Yea I failed to check mine on my Tahoe diff failed and completely detached from drive shaft 😢 new differential NOT cheap and now I know how important checking the differential is and changing the oil.

[@johnaclark1]

The 2.4 quart spec is correct but your comment about filling until it dribbles out the fill hole is incorrect. In many cases if you fill it that high you will over fill it. Most of those GM rear diffs have a tag on the top of the diff that tells you it should be something like 15mm below the fill hole.

[@x-man5056]

If the vehicle is on the ground and fairly level, filling the diff until the oil just starts to dribble out is the standard approach to this job. If you let it dribble out until it stops you are fine. Trying to measure 15mm below the fill hole is a cluster and increases the chances of under fill.

[@johnaclark1]

@@x-man5056 Last time I did it the truck was on the lift. It easily took 3.5 quarts before dribbling out. Just something to be aware of, that's all.

[@rocxylemmon8535]

Man 😂😂😂... the 15mm below comment got me... that some major ocd... snd i thought i was ocd about my torque specs 😂😂😂

[@sailorguyli]

Thanks Had mine in shop for a rear brake line. ADDED DIF JUiCE after checking

[@boydmerriman]

Even though mostly, I change my own oil, I sometimes use an oil change service. But I got to where I don't trust them anymore. However, as many times as I have been to them, not once did they offer to change the Dif oil. I am surprised as how important it is to change it and that they are an oil changing company and always looking for new ways to service your car (for a modest fee of course).

[@alexanderdebellis4448]

camryNot if I come home

[@user-mc8ll4bx7k]

Since this actually involves some work they aren't interested in doing it.

[@innovativeintelligence4172]

It is most important to change the fluid during the break in period of the gears

[@patthesoundguy]

I bet that thing is so much quieter now with that good quality fluid in both from and rear differentials.

[@yourface8698]

Great videos I'm doing all the same stuff to my Chevy Trailblazer thank you for all the great tips love this channel.

[@1RoadGarage]

Thank you! I'm going to be doing all this to my wife's Envoy too!

[@stevelassetter6954]

Jimmy I really enjoy your videos! I like your honesty on things when you make mistakes your honest about it very informative I have a 1993 z71 k1500 I bought for a project your suburban is really nice btw thanks for the videos

[@markknights7905]

Yeah right it took me 4 hours. The old gasket was mangled and stuck like glue on both cover and differential. Had to use box cutter to scrape off old gasket. You will scratch the metal surface no way around that. But the fine sandpaper trick does help buff it out. If you live salty areas then prior to removing cover make sure to buy new bolts costs like $10/13. You will mess couple of bolts up guaranteed!! End result was a success tho.

[@mtbandmore6443]

That's was the 2nd I did .. 1st was tyers

[@l.cfootman3259]

Good job Jimmy!

[@WilliamVG]

My Jeep Wrangler JL has a drain hole on the bottom, only takes 5 mins 😊

[@murphytoadster9864]

Had a bunch 70 90 gear oil in the back of my Yukon and my wife used the vehicle and comes back and the oil tipped over and thoroughly soaked into the carpet

[@Shaheer4771]

Diff fluid is secretly rotten eggs

[@GEO-xx6sq]

George from bakersfield here .........good job

[@1RoadGarage]

Thanks George!

[@robbyota5598]

Don't forget to do the same for the front and transfer case.

[@khalidmansour4622]

You're the best man in the world 👑❤

[@Brandon_Jackson]

Mine is a 2000 Silverado and I’m sure the previous owner(s) never checked on the rear differential because I owned it for about a year and all of a sudden BOOM something popped from the rear end area and I didn’t know what it was. I turned a corner and one of my rear tires completely drags and it pops loud. I’m thinking my spider gears are going out. I’m just going to buy a new rear end.

[@jameshall4385]

don’t forget the front one. it is the one of the most overlooked maintenance items on a vehicle

[@1RoadGarage]

Thanks, will be doing that soon!

[@Tyler-vv2vp]

I'm glad you ended up keeping both suburbans!

[@MrEyad1990]

did you spray break cleaner inside the diff too, or just on the edges ??

[@stephencannon3140]

The differential didn’t have a drain plug to help most of the old fluid in a controlled manner? Then the. Differential case....Yes I know fill plug first and good sound logic there!!

[@abysstone]

I hope you can feature a manual transmission car transmission oil change

[@chuckswayzee]

I had to get a new dif cover with a plug b/c my drain plug was rusted in place

[@jacksmith3189]

Good information Thanks

[@butchc7650]

Feel better I have a 98 and I just changed the diff this weekend that passed it has 290000 and I don't think it's ever been changed

[@theopinion9452]

How was the fluid?

[@butchc7650]

@@theopinion9452 dark alittle thin and maybe slightly less like u mentioned but all in all not 2 bad

[@juelzmckissic903]

This dude has a new sub thanks buddy

[@grendle81]

Nice job James but what's up with the shades? Undercover?

[@1RoadGarage]

Where I stand to film these vids, I have a white wall facing me. At a certain time of day the sun is reflecting directly on that wall and I can't even open my eyes it's so bright. Fun fact: I filmed this video twice! The first time with no sunglasses but I was squinting so bad and eyes were watering that I reluctantly decided to re-film it..

[@kylerobinson9789]

Love your videos, but you seem to be doing the same thing over and over again. I'd love to see some new content. Keep up the good work and high quality videos!

[@NoWr2Run]

Like NEVER DO THIS or DOING THIS WILL RUIN THAT ? SCOTTY KILMER STYLE ?

[@kylerobinson9789]

@@NoWr2Run omg so true

[@liveandletlive2894]

Just bought a '91 F-150 complete rust bucket but with the 4.9 300 she runs like a champ think I should try this...the entire thing is rusting

[@jimparker7778]

I used to have an old F150 from that era with the 300 motor. Best bet? Thank God every night --- and pray every morning when you put in the key. I would not put an extra penny into the old truck because it has about zero cash value.

[@liveandletlive2894]

@@jimparker7778 ok thanks yeah I picked it up for $500 honestly to learn how to drive stick...I figured once in getting an extra vehicle may as well be a truck that I can use...does it make sense it came from the factory without ac?

[@jimparker7778]

@@liveandletlive2894 that was common when I was a kid. Only the rich folks had a/c

[@liveandletlive2894]

@@jimparker7778 ok thanks I was born in '99 but this is way older than me...I looked under the hood and theres no compressor or condenser was wondering if maybe over 30 years it was removed or just came without it

[@jimparker7778]

@@liveandletlive2894 Vehicles back then were commonly available as base models, without features like power steering, power windows, A/C and carpet.

[@1996ikey]

Good to see the 03 when will there be a towing video?

[@jarongilbert7156]

Great video! Very useful!

[@s_ak999]

Some people start hearing sounds out of their diffs after oil change, have you ever been through this or if you have an affirmative info?

[@cassian72]

Next time show us the old and new fluid comparison in the baggies like you have done before.

[@brianklein6387]

Its extremely unlikely that you'll get water in thru your diff vent tube it just doesn't work that way you can get water in thru your pinion seal or around the splines which they have a RTV like sealer on them to prevent this & most vehicles the pinion seal keeps all water out & oil in & because it's all sealed up when space gets hot it builds pressure so pressure is vented out vent tube with a check valve on it & its mounted high up on the frame because it's a vent & you vent things at highest point

[@jewllake]

On all my GM trucks, including my 2018 the check valve for the rear diff is mounted to the gas filler neck tube high above the body of the vehicle. The transmission is clipped behind the intake manifold and the front transfer case is next to your fuse box under the hood. GM was smart on this.

[@1RoadGarage]

The theory behind a check valve is great but the reality is there's a reason why they install them with an extension hose to bring it far above the diff itself. It's insurance incase that valve fails. Now, imaging that valve is 20+ years old or damaged in some way... many other scenarios but the bottom line is the fluid is not a 'forever' fluid.

[@murphytoadster9864]

Does that gasket need silicone?

[@futbalgod]

It took you only an hour? It would take me 2 days! It took me 4 days to flush my oil crankcase and change to oil. But I'm a gimp who still likes working on my truck.

[@1RoadGarage]

Keep moving forward!

[@favioescalon528]

When you just start it takes time. The first time I changed oil by learning from KZbin it took me a whole day! Now almost 2 years later I work on big diesel semi trucks and changing oil on those trucks probably takes me only 20 minutes! At a shop of course not at home. At home changing oil in my car takes probably 40 minutes from jacking the car up to filling the engine with oil. Don't ever stop trying!

[@lanajacknichols8397]

would the differential come from the factory with silicone on the cover? Unless the factory uses it upon assembly, that means it has been serviced or at least opened up for some reason and resealed right?

[@joewhatsup]

Great video! Thanks

[@matthewwert1901]

You really don't want to use a screwdriver or pry bar to remove the cover. No Fel-Pro gasket can seal the damage they can cause....also, you forgot the thread seal on your fill plug as it will seep past the threads.

[@taylorshea6856]

Me, here, having never checked my dif oil at 150,000 new miles put on the car, having almost accidentally welded my dif panickingly making appointments for my genesis to get that 75W-90 in her😩😩😩😩😩😩😩DIF FLUID IS NOT TALKED ABOUT ENOUGH EVEN MY DAD DIDNT CHECK HIS ON HIS CAMARO

[@dtnel]

Those aren't metal shavings. That's regular wear and tear. IF you had shavings you'd be rebuilding the rear differential.

[@1RoadGarage]

It is metal and they are shavings no matter how small they are.

[@dtnel]

I'm not disagreeing that it's metal. When you have regular wear and tear though the metal will be more of a fine dust type as was the case on the magnet due to regular wear and tear. Now when you get shavings the pieces will be larger and more likely chunkier as well. I know the difference on a real level. Backstory is on the Class 8 Volvo D-16 engines introduced in the late 2000's had the cam gear sprockets in the rear of the head. I had a noise that was whining and my shop had me bring it home 1200 miles from Utah to South Dakota and once they dropped the drain plug for the oil pan there were shavings. They had the truck at the Volvo dealer and had over 120 hours in the repair. The bolt for the cam gear broke and the cam gear sat and wobbled a impression into the cam gear cover while dropping shavings from the cover. They flushed every orifice in the engine per the mfr since it was warranty work. It was the first one they'd had do this so they were going little by little having the dealer do what they wanted to do. They figured in the end for the hours they put in it they could've swapped 2 engines out. They practically removed every part with the engine still in frame, cleaned, measured, etc and reinstalled all the parts and we took her down the road again. She ran good as she went many more miles down the road again.

[@dtnel]

@@1RoadGarage minimal wear shavings if you want to call them that. Some of us are use to regular wear and tear shavings as indicated in the video and them some of us are use to actual regular shavings which are of a different size and appearance.

[@AnytimeAssemblypros]

Thanks. Does a grinding noise indicate low fluid or time to replace the entire differential?

[@danielsbackforty8094]

GREAT VIDEOS!!!!!

[@1966Malibu230]

What did you spray into the differential? Was it brake cleaner or WD40? Will it not contaminate the new diff fluid?

[@richardcard9328]

Hey 1road, how do you change the lift support shocks on an SUV tailgate, i’ve been trying to figure it out for a week and can’t get it please help

[@TheKapplebee]

more showing what your doing. less bobblehead bouncing. better yet make the orbitz girl do the whole show.

[@Des420]

I like Jimmy... But I have to thumbs up funny shit at the end of the day.

[@KendrasEdge757]

Lmao #cornball

[@2ss701]

What were the torque specs for the differential bolts? around the cover?

[@deerhunter5305]

30 Ft-lbs

[@mofeedd]

From Kuwait 👍👍👍👍

[@1RoadGarage]

Thanks!

[@NathanNathanMan123]

Chewing gum is good for removing metal shavings from a magnet

[@danhambrick6331]

What kind of gum,Orbitz? lol....

[@NathanNathanMan123]

@@danhambrick6331 dirty diff? Clean it up with orbit.

[@arturos.l.2248]

Mine isn’t a fill plug it’s a rubber mallet

[@renniemaharaj5429]

U need to do the front diff to.

[@1RoadGarage]

Will be doing soon! Thanks

[@pojntxoog3039]

You sound just like commercial lol 👍

[@whyzee125]

Dude you look like Jim Carrey!

[@lindabennison955]

Hi jimmy love your white teeth .like to see you eyes. Thank you for show how to change the oil .what l need to know is on a dodge Dakota 4x4 front .

[@notyourtipicaltechguy6438]

If such a small amount of oil came out when doing a change... Well... I would start asking myself where a the oil went... Bad seal? Leaky gasket?

[@1RoadGarage]

I don't see a leak anywhere. Maybe the last guy who changed it didn't fill it up all the way?

[@notyourtipicaltechguy6438]

@@1RoadGarage that's a good thing! Could be a previous owner not putting enough in... Might wanna check the fluid level every now and then just in case. Sometimes you don't see the leak that well...

[@kfl611]

It went into the ether ! Maybe it joined missing socks, and wire hangers and pens.

[@lawlor2925]

Used same lube. Garbage. Ruined my rearend. Shakes bad and loud bass sound.

[@JORGE4757S]

What about wifey approval??

[@vasel208]

👍👍👍👍👍👍😊 Excellent

[@0-60carvids2]

Can I change differential fluid if I have the original fluid at 220k miles?

[@x-man5056]

It should be changed at about every 100k miles or soon after driving through a creek or equivalent that submerged the axles.

[@kfl611]

I'm not sure if mine was ever changed in my 2010 Subaru forester, I jut had it changed at 260,000.

[@Maximus10092]

Your late buddie I just change my front an rear differential oil and transfer case oil and it all was nasty as hell

[@s_ak999]

@@Maximus10092 have you faced any negative effects after refreshing your diffs fluids?

[@fdamien80]

*Interesting thumbnail...*

[@ltobar3]

So what happened if you run your diff with out oil I guess we will never know because you never told us 😂😂😂😅

[@msw9671]

Don’t forget about the front Diff it still turns

[@hiromiya3365]

What’s up with the sunglasses.

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

Good video, but you might want to lay off the caffeine. You're a little too intense in your delivery for me.

[@Birdfeeder795]

Why do you talk exactly like ChrisFix?????????

[@desert1cop]

To much face