How about using a fluid transfer pump to drain gear oil?

[Yellow Cake Kid]

Hi,
I have been looking at some differential skid plates that may make changing differential oil a little less convenient, so I am considering the idea of using a transfer pump system to suck out the diff fluid from the filler port rather than utilizing the housing drain bolts, which might be obstructed by the differential skids.

Are you or have you used one of these tools for this purpose? What do you like or dislike about using this method?

Thank you.

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[Jebiruph]

Hi,
I have been looking at some differential skid plates that may make changing differential oil a little less convenient, so I am considering the idea of using a transfer pump system to suck out the diff fluid from the filler port rather than utilizing the housing drain bolts, which might be obstructed by the differential skids.

Are you or have you used one of these tools for this purpose? What do you like or dislike about using this method?

Thank you.

That's how my dealer does it.

 

[KevinD]

You actually change the gear lube?
The only times I've done that is when I've had the axles underwater...

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

I recommend removing the cover completely when changing fluid so you can inspect inside the differential housing. Which means you’re only removing a few extra bolts to take off the skid so it’s not a big deal.

 

[av8or]

I just changed mine and the amount of stuff stuck to the drain plug was substantially more than I anticipated. I wouldn’t want to leave that stuff in there.

 

[Bruce Willys]

I just changed mine and the amount of stuff stuck to the drain plug was substantially more than I anticipated. I wouldn’t want to leave that stuff in there.

Yep, this was the first change at 3000 miles, should have done it sooner

 

[Whiskey 13]

My rule of thumb is if there is nothing more on the magnetic drain plug than light fuzz I don't pull the cover but if I have metal shavings or a substantial amount of build up I pull the cover and inspect my gears and clean out the housing. Oil is cheap compared to gears so I always after draining put the plug back in add a little oil and pull the plug back out, kind of a mini flush.

 

[Yellow Cake Kid]

Hi,
Thank you to everyone for contributing ideas to the discussion.

I am just investigating the idea of using a transfer pump to change the fluid and am still hoping to learn the experiences of some who have actually done so.

I have never bothered to change gear oil, and if asked why, I would probably explain that I follow a if it ain't broke don't beak it maintenance regime with my personal vehicles.

Having said that, the internet says I should change gear oil frequently, so I am considering options for doing so, while considering the options for a choice of diff skid plates.

It seems like some sort of drain and fill procedure will be noninvasive and maybe could not hurt.

For my own use, I do not see much need to inspect the gears visually. If there is a problem that is not obvious, inspecting the gears is unlikely to make the outcome differ. If the gears are getting damaged and need some fixing, they are going to get fixed when the problem does become obvious.

If using a fluid transfer rig has proven effective for some other users then I think I would like to try that out rather than remove and replace the differential skids just because I can.

Have you used a fluid transfer system to drain your differential? If so, do you feel that the procedure has been effective?

Thank you.

 

[MarkY3130]

Hi,
Thank you to everyone for contributing ideas to the discussion.

I am just investigating the idea of using a transfer pump to change the fluid and am still hoping to learn the experiences of some who have actually done so.

I have never bothered to change gear oil, and if asked why, I would probably explain that I follow a if it ain't broke don't beak it maintenance regime with my personal vehicles.

Having said that, the internet says I should change gear oil frequently, so I am considering options for doing so, while considering the options for a choice of diff skid plates.

It seems like some sort of drain and fill procedure will be noninvasive and maybe could not hurt.

For my own use, I do not see much need to inspect the gears visually. If there is a problem that is not obvious, inspecting the gears is unlikely to make the outcome differ. If the gears are getting damaged and need some fixing, they are going to get fixed when the problem does become obvious.

If using a fluid transfer rig has proven effective for some other users then I think I would like to try that out rather than remove and replace the differential skids just because I can.

Have you used a fluid transfer system to drain your differential? If so, do you feel that the procedure has been effective?

Thank you.

Do you also not change engine oil? I mean if it’s still running, why bother right?

 

[Yellow Cake Kid]

Yes.

I change the engine oil every 3000+/- miles.

The filter too.

FWIW, I use the drain plug on the oil pan for that job, which is why I do not have any experience with, and am seeking informed insights about the efficacy of using a transfer pump to drain fluid.

Thank you!

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

It seems you’re learning a lot about doing maintenance yourself, which I think is great. Read up A LOT from different reliable sources, there’s a lot to learn and the Internet (forums in particular) can be one of your greatest resources and also one of your worst. People with much more experience than you have will give you bad advice on forums. It’s a fact. Usually not on purpose.

I saw you posted that you change oil every 3000 miles. That frequency of oil change interval made sense through the 80’s. Modern engines run much cleaner, lubricant quality is better, and filtration has improved. No new car made has a need for such frequent oil changes. 7500 to 10000 is reasonable in most circumstances and what Jeep recommends.

Gear oil absolutely does not need to be changed frequently unless you’ve got specific driving habits that require that (frequent heavy towing for example). 4 years or 40K miles is Jeep’s recommendation. Outside of problems or gear changes, this is something that normally happens only a handful of times in the life of a vehicle. Weigh that when considering if you want ease of oil changes to factor in what skids you choose or whether to pump it out or remove the cover completely.

 

[Yellow Cake Kid]

Hi,
I appreciate your thoughtfulness and helpful suggestions.

Thank you.

 

[donmontalvo]

I'm replacing my front (M210) and rear (M220) differential covers after a year or so of blue trails that scraped up the OEM bolts enough to make me cringe. I'm at 26K miles, and was thinking of re-using the oil if I don't see too much metal on the drain plug. I've been looking for a way to put the oil back if the plug is pretty clean.

But after spending hours looking for a pump won't set me back more than new oil, or that isn't a $15 "roll your dice and take yer chances" type of crappy imported plastic on Amazon, I decided to buy new oil and call it a day.

 

[grimmjeeper]

There's no good reason to reuse gear oil. It's a few bucks for fresh oil and you have peace of mind.

 

[donmontalvo]

There's no good reason to reuse gear oil. It's a few bucks for fresh oil and you have peace of mind.

Yeah, it makes sense, thanks.

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