Is it worth changing my diff oil ?

[WokingWedger]

Diff is noisey ( I know they all are) but what are the chances of it being quieter if I change the oil.

Its a 93000 mile 97 500, so I think it is a BTR diff (no big cooling fins)

I removed the large dia plug half way up the offside and oil dripped out.
So assuming this is the filler it is full !

Is there a drian?

I couldnt see one.

Its disgusting smelling oil than lingers on you (ran all down my arm)for days, so only worth doing if I am likey to reep a benefit.

Any experience anyone ?

[chrispitman]

To change the oil you need a piece of pipe and suck it out, then refill to the bottom on the plug hole. Did mine when diff was out. Would be worth changing it it hasen't been done for a few years.

[daz the plumber]

you need to get the proper oil , it costs a fortune about £35, and you can`t get it from the local auto factors,if you put the standard stuff in you will be looking at a new diff in no time at all

[mdotrutherford]

WW see link got piccies of drain and recommendations of oil.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[WokingWedger]

Thanks Ian, usefull link.

[Hoover.]

If the car is serviced regulary to the schedule this should have been done, and shouldn't need doing.

However some garages don't do everything on the schedule, whilst others go to great lengths to let you know that have done the schedule.

[Pupp]

It was recently stated to me that it is not a good idea to change diff oil too frequently... this was from someone who is placed to know but I didn't get chance to ask the reasoning. Anyone else subscribe to this view?

[GreenV8S]

Pupp said:

It was recently stated to me that it is not a good idea to change diff oil too frequently... this was from someone who is placed to know but I didn't get chance to ask the reasoning. Anyone else subscribe to this view?

I haven't been advised either way but I can't think of any reason *not* to change the oil. The only thing I can think of is that unlike engine oil it doesn't suffer contamination from combustion products so many of the reasons for changing the engine oil frequently don't apply to the transmission. So it might not be a particularly useful thing to do, but I can't think of any reason NOT to, other than cost and time.

[cloggy]

So when does it need changing by schedule?