Use Transfer Pump To Change Diff. Fluid? - Dodge Diesel

mr. ed · 11-05-2008, 12:21 PM

Here's a quick question: If I don't want to remove the cover from the differential is it possible to use a hand-operated transfer pump to do the job? I see that these pumps are available at auto parts stores. I realize this method wouldn't be as thorough as actually removing the cover but I would prefer to change the fluid this way. Any thoughts? Thanks...

johnh · 11-05-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. ed

Here's a quick question: If I don't want to remove the cover from the differential is it possible to use a hand-operated transfer pump to do the job? I see that these pumps are available at auto parts stores. I realize this method wouldn't be as thorough as actually removing the cover but I would prefer to change the fluid this way. Any thoughts? Thanks...

i've done it before, but as you said not as thorough.
i would prefer to remove the cover to get all the "junk" out

ratlratl · 11-05-2008, 03:49 PM

Alot of techs these days do that exact thing, especially on axles that use RTV as a sealant. In your case, you have reusable gaskets, so I'd still pull the covers to do the job right.

Chris

snoyes · 11-05-2008, 11:10 PM

I agree with Chris... I'd pull the cover and do a thorough job. Doesn't take long, and allows you to see the condition of the differential.

haftrek · 11-06-2008, 01:16 AM

Why not use a suction gun?

Hillbilly Delux · 11-06-2008, 03:28 PM

snap on 3/8 impact the covers off in less than a minute, takes much longer with a pump, i like to take a look at things also

mr. ed · 11-07-2008, 03:14 PM

Thanks, guys. I think I will have the cover removed after all. I'll have the dealer order a gasket since I feel more comfortable with one just in case. However, the original gasket should be good to go, is that not correct? Thanks again...

Oh, another quick question. I'd like to wait a while before doing the front differential (truck has a little more than 26k on it, towing occasionally). Am I right in assuming that the rear differential gets hotter because it is the one that is propelling the vehicle when not in 4WD and the front diff is just "coasting"?

ratlratl · 11-07-2008, 03:37 PM

That is correct, however the hubs are always engaged. So just like a transfer case that is never put into four wheel drive, it is always spinning with some load. Use your best judgement, and don't be suprised when the old fluid comes out looking almost new. I wait till 40k on my trucks since 03 and it has always looked about the same as what went back in.

Chris

11-05-2008, 03:49 PM	#3
ratlratl MMMmmmm.... Grits!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HEART OF, NC Posts: 1,031 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Alot of techs these days do that exact thing, especially on axles that use RTV as a sealant. In your case, you have reusable gaskets, so I'd still pull the covers to do the job right. Chris __________________ 07.5 2500 4x2 5.7 HEMI Khaki *MANVAN* Yeah, It's a HEMI :-( SILENCE IS GOLDEN...BUT DUCT TAPE IS SILVER CHEAP....FAST....GOODYou get your choice of two, but it won't be the third

11-05-2008, 11:10 PM	#4
snoyes Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,528 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	I agree with Chris... I'd pull the cover and do a thorough job. Doesn't take long, and allows you to see the condition of the differential. __________________ 2006 3500 Inferno Red Mega-Cab 4x4, 4.5" Tuff Country Lift, 35" Toyos, 18" Ultra's, South Bend DD Clutch, Brushwacker Flares, Firestone airbags, Painless wiring kit, Autometer Phantom, Boost, Pyro, Fuel Pressure, Bully Dog Monitor, Jacobs Brake, Smarty, 5" Diamond eye exhaust, Mag-Hytec front/rear diff, E-Z Down, Spray in Bed liner 2011 Honda CRV 2011 PJ Tilt 2007 Haulmark 27' V-nose 2002 Ford Powerstroke 1998 Corvette

11-06-2008, 03:28 PM	#6
Hillbilly Delux Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Stoutsville, Mo Posts: 308 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	snap on 3/8 impact the covers off in less than a minute, takes much longer with a pump, i like to take a look at things also __________________ 05 2500 qc g56 5.9 II silver 62, hot juice, ats exh manifold and int, FASS 95, air lift, K&N intake,duall 4" into 5" tips, sb 3400# dual disc, 20's &35 mickey atz's, srt 10 hood, leveling kit, and the list goes on *07 84" red slt cab chassis,hillsboro aluminum bed, exhaust brake and g56 91'000 miles & pain in the rear 6.7, dpf delete

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11-06-2008, 01:16 AM	#5
haftrek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 65 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Why not use a suction gun?

11-07-2008, 03:14 PM	#7
mr. ed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 361 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Thanks, guys. I think I will have the cover removed after all. I'll have the dealer order a gasket since I feel more comfortable with one just in case. However, the original gasket should be good to go, is that not correct? Thanks again... Oh, another quick question. I'd like to wait a while before doing the front differential (truck has a little more than 26k on it, towing occasionally). Am I right in assuming that the rear differential gets hotter because it is the one that is propelling the vehicle when not in 4WD and the front diff is just "coasting"?

11-07-2008, 03:37 PM	#8
ratlratl MMMmmmm.... Grits!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HEART OF, NC Posts: 1,031 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	That is correct, however the hubs are always engaged. So just like a transfer case that is never put into four wheel drive, it is always spinning with some load. Use your best judgement, and don't be suprised when the old fluid comes out looking almost new. I wait till 40k on my trucks since 03 and it has always looked about the same as what went back in. Chris