4x4 shop changed my diff fluid differently

[Jeep Junkie]

Guys, in the YouTube videos they just drain and fill it. But my 4x4 shop opened the pumpkin, cleaned it with brake parts cleaner, put it back on and then filled it with fluid. I'm confused

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[X35]

I only use brake clean to clean off the cover. From there I’ll use a rag to push out the remaining fluid from the bottom of the axle housing. I’m not a fan of spraying brake clean near the ring and pinion gears and bearings as the potential to force dirty fluid places you don’t want it is high. As always, only my preference, YMMV

 

[Jeep Junkie]

I only use brake clean to clean off the cover. From there I’ll use a rag to push out the remaining fluid from the bottom of the axle housing. I’m not a fan of spraying brake clean near the ring and pinion gears and bearings as the potential to force dirty fluid places you don’t want it is high. As always, only my preference, YMMV

But is it necessary to open it? Why not just drain and fill?

 

[X35]

On my ‘25 Willy’s M210 front and M220 rear axles you must remove the covers as the drain plugs have been eliminated. Crawl under your Jeep and look for drain plugs on the bottom of the axle housing under the differential area. If no plugs then the only way to get the fluid out is pulling the covers. I believe the change to no plugs was made with the ‘24 model year.

 

[NJJeep Guy]

Because they eliminated the drain plug on the bottom of the diffs. People were rubbing the drain ports on rocks and other shit offroad to the point of damage. So, Jeep removed a possible failure point.

 

[BXFXJeep]

But is it necessary to open it? Why not just drain and fill?

I think some assume that is what you want done, my new mechanic was going to do the same.

He told me that is what he was going to do when he quoted time, and price, I said I just want it drained, and fill, he said ok, he also adjusted the price down accordingly.

 

[PatrickIvan]

Guys, in the YouTube videos they just drain and fill it. But my 4x4 shop opened the pumpkin, cleaned it with brake parts cleaner, put it back on and then filled it with fluid. I'm confused

Did you get a quote first for the service asked for? That sounds a little more expensive than a simple drain and refill.

I suppose it depends on all the facts associated with how this came to happen. What you asked for. What they said they would be doing. What the time and cost are.

How old is the Jeep and what are the miles on it to warrant a fluid change versus that kind of inspection service?

If it's your first Jeep / 4x4, then it's an understandable "mistake".

 

[X35]

I think some assume that is what you want done, my new mechanic was going to do the same.

He told me that is what he was going to do when he quoted time, and price, I said I just want it drained, and fill, he said ok, he also adjusted the price down accordingly.

This is fine if your axles have drain plugs. The newer ones don’t, so the traditional cover pull and refill applies.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

Did you get a quote first for the service asked for? That sounds a little more expensive than a simple drain and refill.

I suppose it depends on all the facts associated with how this came to happen. What you asked for. What they said they would be doing. What the time and cost are.

How old is the Jeep and what are the miles on it to warrant a fluid change versus that kind of inspection service?

If it's your first Jeep / 4x4, then it's an understandable "mistake".

He did it as part of the regear job.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

I have the 2024, so this means that the fluid change is not easy for a rookie like me

 

[Jeep Junkie]

He opened it like that

 

[X35]

OP, it’s easy. Remove the cover and let the fluid drain. The gasket is re-usable. Clean the cover and get the residual fluid out of the axle housing without spraying brake clean or compressed air around. Bolt the cover back on following the tightening sequence and torque specs. Re fill with fluid until it runs from the fill hole. Crack a beer, you’re done.

Then go do your transmission like the guy in the video you posted.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

OP, it’s easy. Remove the cover and let the fluid drain. The gasket is re-usable. Clean the cover and get the residual fluid out of the axle housing without spraying brake clean or compressed air around. Bolt the cover back on following the tightening sequence and torque specs. Re fill with fluid until it runs from the fill hole. Crack a beer, you’re done.

Then go do your transmission like the guy in the video you posted.

 

[CptFloridaMan]

I think my 18 also has a drain hole but if it’s there I’ve never used it, I always take the cover off, take a gander and fill er’ up again

 

[bjm00se]

He did it as part of the regear job.

So, I *think* what you're talking about here is the first diff fluid change done roughly 500 miles after a re-gear.

In which case it is entirely appropriate as part of that fluid change to pull the cover and inspect the new gears to check the wear pattern and make sure they're breaking in properly. I wouldn't trust a shop that didn't do that.

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