My car has 108,000 miles on it and i dont think the rear end fluid has ever been changed and i was wondering if anyone knows the easiest way to change it? And what is the best fluid use?

 

You'll have to pull the rear cover off. I like to use synthetic gear lube. Also be sure to use a hypoid additive for the limited slip. Some say its not needed with synthetic, but better safe than sorry. Just be sure to seal up the rear cover good with some sealer.

 

Unless you have a "sucker" you have to pull the cover. if you think that the fluid has never been changed, I would pull the cover and look at everything, just to be safe.

The best fluid is Red Line IMO. It is supposed to keep the temps down and lubricates very well.

 

The easiest way is to pay a shop to do it

If you do it yourself and can afford it, buy a new cover with the drain plug to save time on future fluid changes. Good idea to check it out now with cover off. Large chunks of metal is a bad sign

If its not a big problem with the bolts on the panhard bar, take it off to give you a little more room to work with.

I used Mobil 1 with the GM limited slip additive.

 

Wear gloves. Rear Diff fluid stinks bad!! I use Mobile 1 and Lucas Oil. I've got an Eaton Posi and GM Motive 4.10s.

 

who makes this rear cover with a drain bolt in it? what do they usually cost? thanks

 

Summit part # SME-8510400 for GM 10-bolt, $139.95 It's a cast piece that is stronger than the stock stamped piece and uses bolts to support the bearing caps inside rear. I have seen a cheaper stamped piece with a drain plug in it but didn't see it in Summit's supplement catalog. Can't find my big book at the moment.

 

SLP used to have an alum diff cover with a drain plug for $85, i got one.

don't know about now

 

that sounds easy now, here's my dumb question how do you fill it back again

sorry

 

I didn't pull mine completely off exactly, I just loosened the bolts and seperated the cover from the housing enough that the fluid ran out, then tightened it up, no leaks yet, be careful with the gasket so it doesn't tear if you decide to do it this way. I was confident that mine was in good shape but if you suspect a problem or just want to see what it looks like inside go ahead and take the cover on off just to be safe. As for refilling, there is a plug on the pass. side you just turn it with a 1/2" socket extension, fill er' up level to the hole til it begins to run out and don't forget to add limited slip additive.