To change the differential fluid on a Ford Ranger, follow these steps:
Gather the necessary tools and materials:
– Rear differential fluid (make sure it is the right type for your Ford Ranger)
– Fluid additives (if required)
– Tools (such as a socket wrench, drain pan, and a fluid pump)
Steps to change the rear differential fluid:
1. Park your Ford Ranger on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Locate the rear differential, which is usually located at the rear axle.
3. Place a drain pan underneath the rear differential to catch the old fluid.
4. Locate the drain plug on the rear differential and use a socket wrench to remove it. Allow the old fluid to drain completely.
5. Once the old fluid has drained, clean the drain plug and reinstall it securely.
6. Locate the fill plug on the rear differential and remove it using a socket wrench.
7. Use a fluid pump to add the new rear differential fluid into the fill hole until it reaches the appropriate level. Refer to your Ford Ranger’s manual for the correct fluid level.
8. If required, add any necessary fluid additives according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Clean the fill plug and reinstall it securely.
10. Dispose of the old fluid properly.
It’s important to note that the frequency of changing the rear differential fluid may vary depending on the model and usage of your Ford Ranger. Ford generally recommends changing the rear differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but for the Ranger specifically, it’s recommended to aim closer to the 30,000-mile mark.
Remember to consult your Ford Ranger’s manual for specific instructions and refer to the appropriate sources for more detailed information on changing the differential fluid.
Contents
- How often does Ford change differential fluid?
- Can I change differential fluid myself?
- How do I know if my rear differential fluid needs replacing?
- What happens if you don’t change differential fluid?
- What kind of oil does a Ford Ranger rear diff take?
- What is the difference between 75W90 and 75W140?
- What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?
- How much should it cost to change differential fluid?
- Does changing differential fluid make a difference?
- Can you change differential fluid without removing cover?
How often does Ford change differential fluid?
every 150,000 miles
Severe operation requires more frequent differential fluid changes. In our example above, Ford recommends changing differential fluid every 150,000 miles in normal service.
Can I change differential fluid myself?
If you have a drain plug, you don’t need any special tools. Just do as Kestas said, remove the fill plug, put pan under diff, remove drain plug and let it drain. Replace drain plug, add correct new fluid (usualy to just below the fill plug), install fill plug and your done.
How do I know if my rear differential fluid needs replacing?
Unusual tire spinning, gears grinding, whining sounds and strange damages on the sidewall of the tires are some of the common signs of low differential fluid.
What happens if you don’t change differential fluid?
Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. 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.
What kind of oil does a Ford Ranger rear diff take?
Capacities and Specifications
| Part | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|
| Front axle oil | Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant |
| Rear axle oil | Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant |
| Rear axle oil (LSD) | Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant |
| Rear axle friction modifier | Motorcraft® Additive Friction Modifier |
What is the difference between 75W90 and 75W140?
So, the difference between “75W90” and “75W140” is that at operating temperature, the 75W140 will be considerably thicker than the 75W90 but at room temperature they will be about the same viscosity.
What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?
Never, under any circumstances, put engine oil in your differential. This will result in devastating damages to your engine. Engine oil is much different than gear oil, mostly it cannot withstand high pressure. Therefore, engine oil should never be used in place of gear oil.
How much should it cost to change differential fluid?
A differential fluid service can cost between $100 and $150 dollars. A front and rear differential service, which involves replacing the pinion seals, is typically $300 to $400 per axle. Rely on the easy-to-use NAPA Auto Care NAPA Auto Care Repair Estimator to plan your budget.
Does changing differential fluid make a difference?
If you never change your differential fluid, you will start to notice strange sounds and bad smells from your car, before your diff will inevitably fail. This is not only costly to fix, and highly preventable, but can also be dangerous as you won’t be as in control of turning your vehicle, especially at high speeds.
Can you change differential fluid without removing cover?
Can you change differential fluid without removing the cover? Most vehicles, yes. Diffs generally have a plug on the side. You siphon out the old gear oil and replace with new.
