When should I proceed with Toyota Tacoma differential fluid change?
On vehicles, you should check, refill and change many fluids in the car to ensure its best performance.
I’m talking about the power steering fluid, coolant fluid, and of course, differential fluid.
However, not everyone knows about this type, when, and how to replace it. That’s why we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn more about it!
Why Does Your Tacoma Need Differential Fluid?
What To Know About The Differential And Differential Fluid
When you turn your car, the inside drive wheel moves less than the outside drive wheel. The car would easily fishtail around a bend if the wheels were spinning at the same rate.
Yet, a differential between the two wheels prevents this by allowing them to move. The drivetrain component aids in distributing vehicle power to each wheel.
So, you can maintain control of the turning process thanks to the differential.
The right flow of car parts moving together can produce a lot of heat. Thus, it is necessary to lubricate, cool, and safeguard these components.
This lubricant runs out, gets dirty, and loses its effectiveness over time. This is why your car will occasionally need to change its differential fluid.
This fluid resembles motor oil in appearance but is thicker, which comes in two main varieties. One is mineral oil, a liquid made with natural ingredients from crude oil.
The other is laboratory-produced synthetic differential fluid. Synthetic oils can be tailored for best performance.
You may have heard about Tacoma rear differential fluid and Tacoma front differential fluid. In fact, there is no front differential used in rear-wheel drive cars, only a rear differential.
What about the Tacoma transfer case oil change or Tacoma transfer case fluid change? Scroll down for more!
Why Does Your Vehicle Need Differential Fluid?
It ensures the differential operates at its best for an extended period. Its axle housing contains differential oil, sometimes known as Tacoma gear oil.
Not operating at high temperatures like engine oil, it is for high-pressure environments.
- It lubricates bearings, gears, and clutch packs.
- It greases the ring and pinion gears. This transfers power from the driveshaft to the wheel axles.
- It lubricates and cools the differential.
Without this lubricant, metal-on-metal contact would cause the differential to overheat. That indicates it would burn out, resulting in safety concerns and expensive repairs.
Tacoma Differential Fluid Change: How To Do It
After lifting your vehicle, you can drain the remaining fluid in a pan, refill the new fluid, and tighten the plug properly. There are some symptoms of bad differential fluid like strange noises.
This part will answer your questions if what you are looking for are:
- 2017 Tacoma differential fluid
- 2018 Tacoma differential fluid
- 3rd gen Tacoma differential fluid change
When To Do It?
So, what is the most suitable Tacoma differential fluid change interval?
In general, it lasts longer than the majority of other fluids. The lifespan of the lubricant varies. But, a distinction between it and oil is that the former is usually unfiltered.
Its change should be performed after every 30,000 to 60,000 miles of driving. In exceptional cases, your routine maintenance may occur sooner when this lubricant is in trouble.
Besides, I noticed some signs of low differential fluid that you can take note of.
How To Change The Differential Fluid For Your Toyota
Notice
Something you need to keep in mind before performing lubricant replacement for your vehicle:
- Depending on the position you proceed, you should check the Toyota Tacoma rear differential fluid capacity or Toyota Tacoma front differential fluid capacity.
- Only do it at home when you have the necessary tools, skills, and experience. Draining the old one is difficult and requires the skill of professional mechanics. Of course, you will have to prepare for Tacoma differential fluid change cost.
Instruction
- If your vehicle comes with a lift kit, you might not have to use a jack. Otherwise, you need to secure your car on jack stands or ramps.
- Put your drain plug in place, then remove the “fill” plug, which is the higher one of the two pins.
- Drain the liquid into a pan after removing the “drain” cap (the lower one).
- Change the “drain” plug once all the oil has been drained.
- Refill the fluid using the transfer pump.
- The fluid will start to drip upon filling. Block the hole with a plug and wait for the oil to spread evenly in the axle shaft. Several minutes later, take the plug out and complete the filling.
- Re-button the fill plug and fasten it. Use a torque wrench with a torque of 36 ft-lbs after pouring 3 quarts of fluid into the engine.
FAQs
What Is The Best Differential Fluid For Toyota Tacoma?
You’ve known that there are two Toyota Tacoma differential fluid types: mineral oils and synthetic ones. But what are the best ones for your vehicle?
That’s the 75w-90 API GL-5, which Toyota itself highly recommends. Without a doubt, the best rear differential oil for your car.
Any non-synthetic gear oil that meets the exact requirements will work if unavailable.
Besides you can also take a look at these outstanding products:
- Eneos SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil API GL-5
- ACDelco – GM OE SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Synthetic
- Transfer Case Differential Fluid Change Kit – 2016-21
Do I Need a Differential Fluid Flush?
Yes. Every 30,000–60,000 miles on average, automobiles require new lubricant. However, because every car has various needs, you must consult your owner’s manual for advice tailored to your model.
If all else fails, check with your neighborhood auto care professional. The time between replacements of your lubricant depends on your driving habits and the local roadways.
What Happens If The Differential Fluid Level Is Low?
The gears will start to grind when the lubricant levels are low, which might result in differential problems.
Differentials lack an oil filter, unlike motor oil, which utilizes one. Small metal shavings or fragments may appear in a differential with unneeded friction.
This can harm the differential, so, remember to maintain the proper level.
Sum Up
In short, make the Tacoma differential fluid change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles driving. Remember to choose the most suitable product for your vehicle.
It’s advisable to drive your car to the service center and get help from a professional technician. You can ensure safety and the best result after changing.