Differential Oil Change

[Don and Kim]

Curious how many of you have changed the differential oil as part of your normal maintenance?

[Luv2go]

I did on the old coach at about 80,000 miles.

Stewart

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don and Kim Curious how many of you have changed the differential oil as part of your normal maintenance?

Don & Kim, We have heard from member Oemtech who recently accomplished the change. In his valued opinion, he stated that given the opportunity to do it over again, he would not have changed the differential oil.

The differential oil on Workhorse chassis is synthetic and is capable of extended service intervals. The only maintenance requirement, check the differential fluid when the vehicle is on a level surface. (place a level on the floor of the vehicle and make sure it's level to - adjust as necessary)

The fluid level should be directly at the bottom of the fill hole when you remove the plug. In a perfect world, you might see a small amount of fluid work its way over the threads as it seeks level. That tiny amount is OK, put the plug back in and tighten.

If you remove the plug and fluid pours out, allow it to continue to pour out until it stops. The plug that we're talking about is located 1/2 way up on the pumpkin by the way.

The fluid should be dark in color with no traces of a milky tinge or foam.

Check "Yes" change "No".

[TandW]

I chose to have mine changed at about 15000 miles. I didn't want metal particles to circulate forever in an unfiltered sump. Good luck!!

[woodyk]

Driver,

I read the maintenance and inspection for the differential and it states that if you have been driving in a dusty, sandy or wet areas you need to change every 25,000 or six months--well this past summer it seems that every time I hit the road it was raining and i really went through some good puddles in the road--to be on the safe side I changed my fluid---13 qts worth of GL 5 75-90 syn gear oil--So if you all have been driving in the rain for extended periods I would change it.

Woodyk
2004 Allego Bay
W22

[DriVer]

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

The differential requires little maintenance; however, periodic fluid level checks are recommended to ensure smooth operation. The fluid level check and add if required should be performed at each engine oil change interval. In addition, the fluid should be changed periodically depending on the fluid type and usage.

Beginning on July 10, 2000, chassis VIN number last eight digits Y3325061, synthetic gear lubricate became standard. The Dana 80/M80/S110/S130/S135 axles with the synthetic gear lubricate has a service interval as high as 250,000 miles if not contaminated or driving in dusty, sandy, or wet conditions areas. If lubricate becomes contaminated change immediately or if driving in the listed conditions change lubricate every 25,000 miles or 6 months. The American Axles with the synthetic gear lubricate has a service interval as high as 100,000 miles if not contaminated or driving in dusty, sandy, or wet conditions areas. If lubricate becomes contaminated change immediately or if driving in the listed conditions lubricate every 15,000 miles. Prior to July 10, 2000, chassis VIN number last eight digits Y3325061, a petroleum gear lubricate was utilized. If driving in dusty, sandy, or wet conditions areas or towing it is suggested to drain the fluid every 15,000 miles with American Axle. If equipped with the Dana 70/80/S110/S130/S135 axle and driving the listed conditions change lubricant every 25,000 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first.

[TandW]

Nice, DriVer, thanks!!

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TandW Nice, DriVer, thanks!!

You're welcome!

[YngRvrs]

Check each oil change. I wont think about changing unless we sink in the mud or if differential is underwater. But with the UFO chassis if the Diff is under water that means the engine and transmission are drowning too.

Go UFO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cannon man]

my diff. does'nt have a drain plug!?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannon man my diff. doesn't have a drain plug!?

Maybe not but it does have a drain. You see you have to turn the motorhome upside down ....

Honestly if you don't have a drain plug you have to pull it out with a suction gun or break the bolts loose on the differential carrier. (the later option - not a great idea BTW)

[CoastieSCPO]

If I can't laugh at my self, then I'm in deep trouble. Here's my story during a time I had a serious brain f--t or a senior moment. Referring to DriVer's comment on post # 3 and the location of the drain hole on the differential and checking the level of the fluid. Well, I thought that my W-20, Dana differential may have needed fluid, so I (what an idiot) checked the fluid level, or so I thought at the time, by removing the vent plug on the top of the differential housing. I went out a bought some fluid, put it in, stuck my finger down the hole.......put more fluid in......stuck my finger down the hole again. Well, ya'll get the picture! Finally had a revelation (it was biblical) that it must have been the WRONG hole. So, I drained out the "test" fluid from the correct hole, brought it to the correct level and all is right with world!

Moral of the story # 1: Wow, that one ranks up at the top of the bonehead stuff that I've pulled. #2: we all need a good laugh!

PS; If I could have turned the rig upside down, then it would have been the right hole????

Bob

[TandW]

Ya might want to put that vent plug back in now!!!

[oemtech]

W22 drain plug


W22 Fill Plug


New Fluid/Old Fluid