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Differential fluid change

Old 03-10-2011, 05:28 AM
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Default Differential fluid change

I`m planning to chage my differential fluit in my front and rear differential on my 2001 cherokee and i would like to know if i really have to take off the covers. I got a small pump and I was planing tu use it to pump the old oil them pump the new one inside. I think the right oil for thoses differetials is 75w-90 but i dont know how mutch i need. Thanks
Old 03-10-2011, 06:27 AM
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yes, you want to remove the covers so you can inspect the gears and clean with brake cleaner. just be sure to soak up all the brake cleaner before you close it back up again.
then just use some rtv sealant, no need for a gasket. just clean off the surfaces with a wire brush. i use a drill with a wire brush. cleans up nice and easy.
then fill with 75w90 and add some friction modifier if you have limited slip differential.
Old 03-10-2011, 06:33 AM
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I think the visco numbers for the rear diff are different from the front if you're doing severe-duty or towing.
Old 03-10-2011, 06:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Cherryokee
I think the visco numbers for the rear diff are different from the front if you're doing severe-duty or towing.
They are different if the vehicle will see rough service or towing.

This is from the 1995 FSM

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
For normal vehicle operation, use SAE 75W-90, API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant in all Jeep front (4WD only) and rear axles. Vehicles equipped with a Trac-Lok rear axle also require a friction mod- ifier additive included with the gear lubricant.
When involved in trailer towing applications use SAE 80W-140, API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant in the rear axle. XJ Vehicles equipped with a class III trailer hitch require SAE 75W- 140 synthetic gear lubricant in the rear axle.
Surface cleaning is best done with a SCOTCH-BRITE disk, it is less abrasive than a wire brush and leaves a perfectly clean surface. I was told about them when doing a water pump that was inside the timing belt housing. ( on a V6 powered Chrysler Lebaron ) The guy said you do want to have to do it over again, so clean up with scotch-brite pads in your die grinder.
Old 03-10-2011, 07:12 AM
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Good info, thanks
Old 03-10-2011, 07:32 AM
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I recently changed my lubricants to Moble1. No need to add limited slip fluid because Moble1 has it already added. I just sucked mine out with a vacuum bleeder/fluid evacuator. I do usually pull the diff covers for cleaning and inspection but that was done recently. I also did my trans and tcase with Moble1.
Old 03-10-2011, 08:14 AM
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Good I will buy some RTV and 75w-90 oil to do the job. There is no problem for the rear but i think that i need to remove the tie rod or something esle on the front end to take off the cover. I would also like to know about how mutch oil i need for the two differetials ( need to fill them up to the fill plug). Thanks
Old 03-10-2011, 08:21 AM
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i personally like to include a paper gasket in the mix with a THIN layer of RTV (black) on each side...helps to create a good durable seal. People tend to go overboard with the RTV which is worse than not having enough.

The front will take about 2.5 pints and the rear about 3.5 pints (depending on which rear axle you have)
Old 03-16-2011, 10:32 AM
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Good so i bought some oil (3L) and some rtv gasket maker but it says that it will dry in one hour and completly harden in 24 so can i fill the oil after just one hour? I would also like to know if i must tighten the diff cover bolts right away or wait for a while for the rtv to dry.
Tahnks
Old 03-16-2011, 10:37 AM
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If you used just rtv for the gasket, let it dry 24 hours. If you used a paper gasket as well, filling after 1 hour is fine.

You will want to assemble it right away and tighten.
Old 03-16-2011, 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by gabqc
Good I will buy some RTV and 75w-90 oil to do the job. There is no problem for the rear but i think that i need to remove the tie rod or something esle on the front end to take off the cover. I would also like to know about how mutch oil i need for the two differetials ( need to fill them up to the fill plug). Thanks
you dont have to remove the tie-rod to remove the diff cover up front
Old 03-16-2011, 10:44 AM
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^ no... just looked at mine yesterday. Its pretty close, but you can get the cover off.
Originally Posted by dukie564
If you used just rtv for the gasket, let it dry 24 hours. If you used a paper gasket as well, filling after 1 hour is fine.

You will want to assemble it right away and tighten.
Ive heard of people putting on the RTV, getting the cover on just tight enough to squish it a little, letting it sit for an hour, tightening, filling, and not having a problem...
Old 03-16-2011, 10:50 AM
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yea i guess as long as it sets with no air bubbles/gaps in it it will not leak.
Old 03-16-2011, 11:02 AM
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Have to remember that RTV is a chemical change, it doesnt need air to make it work.
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Old 03-16-2011, 01:34 PM
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I will also be doing this soon. But I don't know if I have the limited slip diff or not. Its a 2001 Sport with the D35 axel. And I also want to make sure I read this right. Put cover back on with RTV, Then let sit for 24 hours, then fill with oil? Thanks

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