Why Differential Fluid Replacement is Important for Your Vehicle

Are you dealing with various noises while turning or accelerating your vehicle? Learn why it’s time to have your differential fluid changed!

Transcript

Are you feeling a vibration or hear a humming noise from what sounds like gears rubbing or possibly clunking every couple of feet as you start to move?

Now, does that clunking become a steady vibration that increases as you accelerate faster, or a worrying noise only when deaccelerating, or a loud noise or a wine becoming a grinding noise when turning?

Wow! So many types of noises happening at different times.

Well, these are all potential symptoms of your differential fluid being low.

Hi, I’m Nancy at Kneble’s Auto Service Center.

It’s probably time to have your differential fluid changed, but let me explain it a bit more if you are already lost.

Before we begin, just a quick reminder, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and check out our YouTube channel for all of these tips.

Differential fluid helps lubricate the differential, whose function is to provide power from the transmission to each wheel. It allows each wheel to move differently independently at different speeds.

Hence, the name differential.

Differential fluid also keeps the differential from overheating. This gives the driver better control of the vehicle.

All vehicles have differentials, but some vehicles have the differential built in the transmission or transaxle, therefore sharing the transmission fluid or the transfer case fluid.

Front-wheel drive vehicles, typically have the differential built into the transmission.

Rear-wheel drive vehicles usually have rear differentials.

Those vehicles with four-wheel drive, well, typically have both a front and rear differential and commonly also have a center differential.

For those vehicles with differentials part of the axles, well, typically the maintenance schedule for them is changing the fluid every 30 to 60,000 miles, which you can do when you schedule your appointment with us online or at 609-625-3286.

Always check out your owner’s manual and follow the recommended schedule to keep your vehicle in top operating condition, because the fluid breaks down over time from the heat, friction, and metal to metal contact of the gears.

Thank you for watching.

For your next differential fluid change, stop by to book your appointment or schedule online as we are located at 5473 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing. I’ll talk with you soon.