Changing rear differential fluid - getting the cover off?
08-08-2006, 10:04 AM
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Changing rear differential fluid - getting the cover off?
I'm changing my rear diff fluid for the first time, looks like the last person to do it really glued the cover on with some type of red colored gasket maker. I don't want to try to pry the cover off since I don't want to ruin the mating surfaces. Any thoughts on the best way to get this cover off without screwing up the axle/cover surfaces?
08-08-2006, 11:02 AM
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Remove bottom bolts...loosen tops... see what happens. Might be surprised.... 'Red Stuff' isn't always permanent. If nothing...pry away, pointing chisel, screwdriver, etc aft!
If you screw up the cover (and even if you don't) add a Mag Hy-Tec and never worry again! They are well worth the price, IMHO!
RJ
If you screw up the cover (and even if you don't) add a Mag Hy-Tec and never worry again! They are well worth the price, IMHO!
RJ
08-08-2006, 11:07 AM
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I had the same issue on my first diff change. I got them off with a gasket scraper and a small hammer.
Something that might help is whacking the crap out of the thick part of the diff housing from underneath with a BFH. It seems to loosen things up a bit, like when you do ball joints and such.
jh
Something that might help is whacking the crap out of the thick part of the diff housing from underneath with a BFH. It seems to loosen things up a bit, like when you do ball joints and such.
jh
08-08-2006, 11:00 PM
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A screwdriver and a hammer work great. Just be sure you leave the bolts in loosely otherwise you'll have a mess on your hands.
I love it. Even with all of the electronics and technical advances we have on these trucks a screwdriver and hammer are still the tools of choice when working on them.
I love it. Even with all of the electronics and technical advances we have on these trucks a screwdriver and hammer are still the tools of choice when working on them.
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08-09-2006, 06:02 AM
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I used a razor blade and got it in between the cover and the diff and made a few passes doing that. Then I went to a putty knife once I could fit that blade in and just kept going around it prying as I went.
~Rob
~Rob
08-09-2006, 06:35 AM
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Yes, I used a putty knife; something with a fairly sharp edge. An old butcher knife works good too. Pry the bottom off first as the initial dump of oil is pretty messy.
08-09-2006, 08:23 AM
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If you don't want to spring for a Mag-Hytek cover you can easily equip your cover with a drain plug. Just takes a plug, a nut, a drill bit and a little welding.
08-10-2006, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by GAmes
If you don't want to spring for a Mag-Hytek cover you can easily equip your cover with a drain plug. Just takes a plug, a nut, a drill bit and a little welding.
Run a 1/4"NPT tap in there and plug it and be done....
08-10-2006, 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by HOHN
Heck, the cover is thick enough to tap some threads into it.
Run a 1/4"NPT tap in there and plug it and be done....
Run a 1/4"NPT tap in there and plug it and be done....
09-01-2006, 02:40 AM
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Use a vacuum Pump & hose and suck the fluid out thru the fill plug then refill till it runs out the plug hole and leave the cover on.Just like they do at the Jiffy lube place.