Diff Fluids after Taking Jeep for a swim

[MotherBear26]

So I went on a trail, and it was unexpected/not planned to go on a trail that was flooded with water. The trail started out fine then my Jeep dropped to where I was pushing water up to in between my headlights. (There was no way out other than to go through the water). I do not have a snorkel nor is my breather tube extended. I have a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys. During the trail ride, I was not motionless and kept moving so that we didn’t get stuck or anything. When we got back home, I washed the vehicle and sprayed down the axle areas to get rid of any residual dirt or dust. I also checked my oil dip stick to see if the engine oil looked ok to which it was. I didn’t bother with the transmission fluid as I didn’t know what to do there. My question is about the differential fluids. I have not done anything to see if the differential fluids are ok. I am a little worried that if I don’t verify the oil is ok as in water didn’t get into it then I will have issues in the long run. I was going to unscrew the bolt to see if the oil is a milk chocolate shake color but then after reading some various things about how it will not screw back in once it is removed. (I wouldn’t remove it fully but just enough to see the color and put back in.) How easy is it to do this and if I read my manual right it would be tightened to a PSI of 25 lbs, I believe?? Am I being overly worried? Any suggestions please.

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[agentdr8]

I don't recall how high the axle breather tubes extend upwards, but if the water line went above them, then it can allow water ingress.

 

[Terrymo]

Why not just change the diff fluid your self if you’re worried. The fluid is cheap and the gasket is reusable. When you’re done instead of worrying you’ll feel like this.

 

[MotherBear26]

Why not just change the diff fluid your self if you’re worried. The fluid is cheap and the gasket is reusable. When you’re done instead of worrying you’ll feel like this.

I would love to do it myself, but I have never done it before so I am apprehensive that I will screw something up. Do you know if what I shared above is accurate on the specs for the torque wrench?

Why not just change the diff fluid your self if you’re worried. The fluid is cheap and the gasket is reusable. When you’re done instead of worrying you’ll feel like this.

I would love to, but I have never done it before and apprehensive that I will screw something up. Do you know if the specs I called out above are accurate for the torque wrench?

 

[MotherBear26]

I also read that you need a new gasket as the current one is not reusable in a 2024

 

[bobchadwickga]

The breather tubes have a one way valve on them that prevents water from entering the diff.

 

[Terrymo]

Water intrusion is unlikely but not impossible.
I don‘t have any first hand experience with the gaskets on a 2024.
The torque specs are listed here
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/torque-values-for-jeep-jl-wrangler.17791/
Lots of youtube videos. Here is one and although it shows an aftermarket diff cover the process is the same

You will have to decide if this is within your abilities. If you have a local Jeep club there will be people who are willing to do, or help you through it.

 

[BobW]

My difs have drain plugs, the job was truly trivial. Here's his video with drain plugs.


Only thing I did different was use a hand pump for easier access to front dif.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CX4XKFH?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1

 

[flick2614]

2nd changing the fluid if you are worried about it. One of the easiest maintenance jobs you can do yourself on the Jeep. Biggest risk is dumping diff fluid on your driveway, pretty easy otherwise.

Get your Youtube certification and let er rip.

 

[hamiamham69]

If you don’t want to fully commit to a diff fluid change do this: Put a bucket or other container under one of the diffs and remove the fill plug. Using a small pump remove some fluid and examine it. I think it will be somewhat obvious if y have pure diff fluid in there or if it has been contaminated with water and dirt.

depending on the year they may not have a drain plug. I do on my. 2019 but I know other years require you to take the diff cover and the gasket off.

 

[jadmt]

I also read that you need a new gasket as the current one is not reusable in a 2024

they are reusable on 2024’s

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