How to do a diff oil change

Hi everyone i'm looking to do a diff oil change tommorrow but I can't find any info about how to do it, if anyone could help that would be great. I have a j-spec N/A manual.

 

Thanks

Undo the bolt on the side of the diff (approx half way up it) some oil may leak out depending on previous overfilling and the level of your car.

 

Then unbolt the drain plug on the bottom of the diff and allow to drain. Refit this and then refill from the side hole until it begins to seep out (you'll need a syringe / pump / or plastic bottle with flexi nozzle for this).

 

Get yourself one of these.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Laser-Multi-Purpose-Pump-Brake-Fluid-Gearbox-Fluids-/160421743819?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2559e18ccb

 

They may not hold much but there extremely useful

To re-fill the diff, i use a 500ml pop bottle, and a length of 5-6mm vacum hose.

 

Just drill a hole in the bottle cap, slightly smaller than the hose od. Then force the hose into the drilled hole, so it's nice and tight. And Roberts your fathers brother

As Steve said always undo the FILLER bolt first,and then the DRAIN plug .If you do it the other way round and have a problem with the FILLER bolt,you have no way to put the oil

back in.

As Steve said always undo the FILLER bolt first,and then the DRAIN plug .If you do it the other way round and have a problem with the FILLER bolt,you have no way to put the oil

back in.

 

Good advice that

Thanks everyone all the info has been a massive help! I'll probally have to do it next weekend now as I have to get a pump Also does anyone know how much oil the diff should have?

Approx 1.6/1.7L. So 2 litres will cover it mate

Approx 1.6/1.7L. So 2 litres will cover it mate

Thanks dude!

And use quality tools, I broke a pair of 10mm allen keys trying to get the plugs out

Get yourself one of these.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Laser-Multi-Purpose-Pump-Brake-Fluid-Gearbox-Fluids-/160421743819?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2559e18ccb

 

They may not hold much but there extremely useful

or even one of these.

 

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Oil-Syringe-with-200mm-Suction-Tube-Sealey-AK46

If you feel that the allan key is moving but yo can not see it moving stop what your doing, as this is a good sign that its about to round. If it does round don't panic just knock a torx bit into it and heat it up a bit .

Is it a 10mm allen key?

... If it does round don't panic just knock a torx bit into it and heat it up a bit .

... and buy a new plug so it'll be removable next time? Edited October 20, 2010 by Need4Speed
Added quote & comment (see edit history)

Is it a 10mm allen key?

... and buy a new plug so it'll be removable next time?

 

I have no idea what allen key size is needed, I still havnt done it yet . As for the plug as lon g as the thread is alright I can't see any reason to replace it.

 

Would it be a good idea to put some cooper slip on the thread though?

It is a 10mm allen key, yes. I would'nt bother with copper grease personally, as the thread stays lubed with the diff oil.

As for the plug as long as the thread is alright I can't see any reason to replace it.

I was referring to the suggestion that

If it does round don't panic just knock a torx bit into it and heat it up a bit

You might want to put in a new plug if you experienced that.

 

I'll find out what size allen key it is tomorrow when I top up my diff oil.

It is a 10mm allen key...

You posted as I was composing - thanks Hoppy (nice car you have there; very unassuming from the outside) Edited October 20, 2010 by Need4Speed (see edit history)

JamieP has a novel way of quickly draining the oil.

Fortunately a 10mm socket allen key and an impact wrench got the plug out (the value of good tools). I dare say it's easy with a breaker bar but I haven't got my car lift installed yet so access and leverage were a sod... hence the impact wrench.

 

JamieP has a novel way of quickly draining the oil.

I assume this involves his substantial engine trashing the diff and casing? Edited October 22, 2010 by Need4Speed
added quote from CW (see edit history)

And Roberts your fathers brother

 

lol you mean 'Bobs your uncle!' ahahahahah

JamieP has a novel way of quickly draining the oil.

 

yeah, sideways till you hear a massive bang and the lovely big crack now formed sends the fluid out in seconds! lol

yeah, sideways till you hear a massive bang and the lovely big crack now formed sends the fluid out in seconds! lol

 

I'll make a mental note of that as i dont have a 10mm Allen Key

lol you mean 'Bobs your uncle!' ahahahahah

 

That's the one

On 9/19/2010 at 6:32 PM, Swampy442 said:

And use quality tools, I broke a pair of 10mm allen keys trying to get the plugs out

Here's a thread revival! Cheers for the correct allen size, after getting the crud out of the diff allen filler/empty sockets, smacked in a 10 mm hex bit, and using my breaker bar (ratchet wouldn't budge them), both bolts cracked off nicely. Glad I did it, as the diff oil was a tad thick. Some nice castrol in now. 

I use a breaker bar now lol