I went to a shop to get my rear differential fluid changed, but they told me it doesn’t need changing until 200,000 km since it’s supposed to last a lifetime. They also said I should go to Ford because it’s in a tight spot and requires special tools. Is this accurate?
You should definitely change it. Mine has 80,000 km, and I’m planning to change it next oil change. It’s true you need a special tool to reach it, and a lift helps a lot. Don’t rely on Ford’s recommendations for this – I’d suggest changing the trans and PTU fluid at around 30-60,000 km too.
@Vega
I get the transmission part, but what’s PTU for those of us who aren’t mechanics?
Zeph said:
@Vega
I get the transmission part, but what’s PTU for those of us who aren’t mechanics?
It stands for Power Transfer Unit.
Zeph said:
@Vega
I get the transmission part, but what’s PTU for those of us who aren’t mechanics?
It stands for Power Transfer Unit.
It’s kind of like a transfer case.
Yeah, it’s a tight spot. Any shop with a lift can get in there easier, though. They might just be avoiding the hassle of doing it or don’t want the risk of messing something up.
You really just need a serpentine belt tool to reach it. Here’s a video from Repair Geek showing the process:
I hit 200,000 miles and never did the rear diff fluid, but I did change the AWD fluid, which smelled burnt and was pretty low. That fluid can prevent AWD issues down the line, so it’s worth checking. You could easily buy ramps and tools to do it yourself for less than a shop would charge. YouTube has some good tutorials for this stuff.
@Eli
Wow, 200,000 miles on the original fluid? That’s a lot!
I’ve done it twice on my ‘14 in my driveway with just a regular 3/8 ratchet. No need for any ‘special tools’ like some people claim. There’s even a guy on YouTube who cuts part of his exhaust just to reach it, which is crazy.
I used a ratcheting wrench adapter and a fluid extractor. It was pretty easy to refill with Amsoil pouches.
Totally incorrect. Rear differential fluid should be changed every 40,000 km like any other vehicle.