Well, my '04.5 2500 Cummins now has 15k miles on it and its time to change the rear axle fluid. I've already changed the oil, inspected all the suspension components, brakes, etc...but since I've never changed axle fluid before I thought I would hear it from a more knowledgeable person before I break something. Does the diff cover have to be removed?....or is there a tool that sucks it out through the fill hole (I think this is how the "quickie lube" places do it). Any help is very much appreciated.

 

Removing the diff cover is the easiest and most thurough way to do it.
The 11.5" diff takes a rubber on steel gasket and should not require any sealant. (About $20)
By removing the cover, this will allow you to clean out all of the old slime and grunge with some brake cleaner or somthing.

When you refill, make sure that you put in the proper amount of fluid. This IS NOT done by filling until you get a little fluid comming out of the fill hole. The correct level is approx. 1.25" BELOW the fill hole.

Also, remove the plug BEFORE you remove the cover.

****Update**** Bolt torque is 30 lb/ft per the service manual **** end update****

 

And while your at it, replace the diff. fluid with a synthetic fluid. Amsoil has always been my choice.

 

the diffs and manual tranny for the 2500's and 3500's are already synthetics

 

Didn't realize he had a diesel.

 

[sm=wakeup.gif] hooked on phonics worked pretty well for me. . .wanna give it a try???[sm=joke.gif][sm=itsok.gif]

 

If I'm not mistaken, all our new trucks have synthetic in the differentials.

 

You ain't be no mistaken.

 

Tank yous much?