How to Add Front Differential Fluid to a Car

Front differentials are a set of gears that transmit power from the engine and transmission to the front wheels. They are typically filled with a lubricant or gear oil commonly called differential fluid. Front differential fluid must be maintained to the correct level for proper lubrication of the differential gears and bearings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Jack
• Jack safety stands
• Allen wrench
• Wrench
• Socket wrenches

1. Raise the car on jacks and support with safety stands to gain access to the differential.
2. Remove the filler plug from the differential. Depending on the make of your car, this might be located on the inspection cover or on the differential housing.
3. Check the level of the front differential fluid. It should be at the bottom of the fill hole or just below the fill hole no more than 3/16 of an inch.
4. Add fluid to your car's front differential to bring it up to the proper level if necessary. This is easiest to do using a differential fluid pump or squeeze tube and hose. Use care not to overfill.
5. Install the filler plug back onto the differential.
6. Jack up the car, remove the safety stands and lower the car to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect around the differential housing and axles for any signs of fluid leaks. Repair any leaks found and wipe off any differential fluid that leaked.
• Be sure to use only approved differential fluid for your vehicle make. Adding an improper fluid could seriously damage your car's front differential.