How long should a rear differential last?
A rear differential service consists of removing the rear differential cover, cleaning any old fluid from inside the differential case, resealing the cover, and adding clean fluid. After a rear differential fluid change, most vehicles will go 20,000 to 40,000 miles before it’s due again.
How many miles should I change my differential?
Most manufacturer maintenance schedules require the differential fluid to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, however, it can differ between vehicles. The job itself is actually pretty easy, however, if you’re planning to change your vehicle’s differential fluid at home, then it can get messy.
What are the symptoms of a bad rear differential?
This is why it is important to pay attention to signs of differential trouble, including the following.
- Tire Damages. If you notice strange damages on the sidewall and outer tread of your vehicle’s tires, it may be caused by failing differential components.
- Hard to Handle.
- Vibrations.
- Gears Grinding.
- Whining Sounds.
What happens when you don’t change your differential fluid?
If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.
Is it safe to drive with a bad rear differential?
Technically, you can drive with a bad differential, but it is not wise. The problem may get worse, to the point where it leaves you stranded somewhere. It can also cause damage to other surrounding components. It is smartest and safest not to drive with a bad differential.
How long does it take to replace rear differential fluid?
This service usually takes about 10 minutes per differential.
How much does it cost to fix a rear differential?
If new gears are needed the price can be at least $1,500. Going to the worst-case scenario, if the differential is beyond repair, you’ll need the component to be replaced altogether. You can expect a rear differential replacement to cost up to $4,000.
What happens if your rear differential goes out while driving?
Depending on the vehicle and the issue the rear differential has, what happens when the rear differential goes out while driving varies in severity. If you have broken gear teeth or badly chipped teeth then you will experience a soft of “skip” in power or vibration that increases with speed.
Why does a differential go bad?
The first and most common is loss of differential oil which can cause gears inside the differential housing to break, grind, or even block the rear wheels. However, differentials can fail if they are pushed too hard which means that you have performed numerous burnouts, drag racing, and so on.
How much does it cost to replace a differential?
How much does it cost to replace a rear differential entirely? Depending on the make and model of your car, as well as its condition, expect to spend between $1,500 to $4,000. The other factor is if you buy a new rear-diff or a used/rebuilt one.
Can you fix a rear differential?
Complete Replacement. A typical rear differential repair costs anywhere between $200 and $400. These typical repairs would include your bearing, seals, and fluid changes. Of course, when a gear change is required, that’s when things get pricey. $1,500 is just the minimum you can expect to pay for new gears.