outback_97 Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 This weekend I drained / filled my rear differential fluid without driving the car around to warm it up first. It drained fine, probably took a little bit longer though since the fluid was just ambient temp (which was around 85-90 so not exactly cold). Was this a bad idea? I searched for writeups about changing the fluid and found some but none specifically addressed this. I had been working outside most of the day and didn't feel like subjecting myself to any extra heat or potential burns from the muffler or exhaust so that's why I decided to just do it "cold". Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferret Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Nope..no problems at all. I've done it many times, both ways. Like you said, just takes longer if it's 'room temp'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Nothing to lose sleep over! I don't bother trying to warm it up, but I do flush a bit of new oil through before screwing in the lower plug. Of course I am a man for details - and sometimes I wonder if it makes a difference You're way ahead of all the people out there who drive until things break down, rear diff oil is often overlooked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outback_97 Posted June 19, 2006 Author Share Posted June 19, 2006 Thanks, still need to do front diff (it's also pretty easy) and then my 120K mile fluid changes are done Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outback_97 Posted June 21, 2006 Author Share Posted June 21, 2006 I did the front last night, yay, no more stinky gear oil for another 30K miles! You know what else stinks? When you get all set up to drain and fill the front differential, then you realize that you need a 21mm socket and the largest you have is 19 . So don't assume like I did that the front plug is 19, it is in fact 21mm. I understand the newer models use a large "torx" bit. Sears didn't have any 6 point 21mm sockets (they appeared to be running themselves out of a *lot* of sockets) so a 13/16", which is about 20.5mm, will fit with a little persuasion... and it was only $.97. Thanks to places like the USMB I've saved hundreds of dollars by doing this work myself instead of at the shop. A big thank you to you guys! Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted June 21, 2006 Share Posted June 21, 2006 This weekend I drained / filled my rear differential fluid without driving the car around to warm it up first. It drained fine, probably took a little bit longer though since the fluid was just ambient temp (which was around 85-90 so not exactly cold). Was this a bad idea? I searched for writeups about changing the fluid and found some but none specifically addressed this. I had been working outside most of the day and didn't feel like subjecting myself to any extra heat or potential burns from the muffler or exhaust so that's why I decided to just do it "cold". Steve Basically its nice to get the oils warmed up bfore you change them. One reason is to help it flow better, the other is to get it all out. In all honesty, ive been doing it both way for these many years, and unless its in the 40's outside (30's or less i pay someone as i dont have a garage) it doesnt really matter. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlsimpso Posted June 21, 2006 Share Posted June 21, 2006 I did a gear oil change in December. I used a hair drier to heat mine up. It helped blow the oil out as well. Heating the oil in boiling water helps in flow much better when you go to refill it. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted June 21, 2006 Share Posted June 21, 2006 sweet use of heat! i like it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now