David 2002 WS6

iTrader: (7)

I checked my owner's manual to see how often the rear differential fluid should be changed but I only found change intervals for the transmission fluid when we have an automatic transmission. Now I have two questions!

1. How often should we change the rear differential fluid?
2. How often should we change the transmission fluid when we have a manual transmission?

S2002S

If you have the Auburn unit it is 6000-7500 miles. I couldn't find the schedule either but I did my first change at 5000 miles (stock rear axle) and will repeat it every 10K.

Manual tranny: if it were mine I would change it every 10K as well, depending on how you drive it.

Brad

Jorday

I usually change it once after break in and then wait a while.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

that a good way to do it.if the car is frequently raced it should be sooner.once a year for guys like us is highly recommened though. then pray it holds up.

98Z-6Speed

How hard is it to perform that? Does anyone know of an online "how to" or can you just explain it if you don't mind please? I drive mine pretty hard so I would like to do it.

IrateTA

iTrader: (4)

Good question... I didn't realize it had to be changed that often...

TWS

iTrader: (63)

It doesn't "have to" be changed that much. From memory, F-body owners manuals used to say change it once after a break-in of 7500 miles (from memory, could be off a bit) and then just leave it.

However, that is for "normal" people. To GM, "normal" people aren't adding power mods or going to the track.

I change the diff fluid in my "track cars" once a year.

98Z-6Speed

For the new guys like me wanting to know how to change the rear diff fluid, here is a link I found in the pinned "how to" thread on this board. This board is such a great resource.

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/lubeoil.htm

ChiefBrody

All Data claims 15k for the rear diff change.

2002z28

iTrader: (1)

The manual states 7500 mile intervals with standard oil. After the first 7500 miles I started putting full synthetic in, so I will change every 10k now. Like everyone says, its how you drive it......................

S2002S

For the differential, you can buy a cover ($30) with a drain plug to make the oil change task trivial.

02PHOENIX

But will it hold up with some power adders??

sscamaro02

The reason there isn't a drain plug in the rear,is it don't have to be changed.I have been driving for 53 years and have never changed rear end fluid. I have never had a problem either. The same goes for the stick trans.

IRACE2

You must not drive your car very hard.

Weezzer

Thats strange - No where in my 02 Helms manual or the manual that came with my T/A does it say anything about ever changing the differential fluid, tho I did change it about 7500.

Cheatin' Chad

iTrader: (3)

Read the owners manual. I believe the interval is in there.

David 2002 WS6

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for all of the good replies so far. All of them have been valuable.


I read the information at that web page. It looks good. If/when I change it I'll have a print out of that web page with me in the garage. I also found good information at Install University. The direct hyperlink to their "how to" instructions for changing the transmission fluid or rear differential fluid is TA Performance Rear Differential Cover/Fluid Install. I'll print this too!


Yes, I saw that at SLP and it is part number 65003. If we should be changing our rear differential fluid regularly then this should be a great thing to have. I was going to ask about this in another thread. I'm curious if draining and refilling is good enough - or is it really better to take the cover off, drain, wipe everything up really good, and put the cover back on with a new gasket and some RTV. After all when we change the motor oil we simply do a drain and refill - we don't drop the oil pan, wipe everything up really good, and put the cover back on with a new gasket and some RTV. So I'd guess that draining is good enough and this cover with the drain bolt is good enough.


I could not find it in my 2002 owner's manual either. Maybe it is in the owner's manual from other years or from the Camaro? I don't have the FSMs yet. The Pontiac Owner Center only has the following information regarding this area and they say to do it monthly:

One of my other cars is a 1996 Impala SS with the 4L60E automatic transmission and a rear differential. From memory I think the owner's manual told me to change the rear differential fluid at 1 year or 7,500 miles, whichever came first, and then not to do it again. This weekend I'll check that car's manual and see what it says...

Weezzer

Like I said before, nowhere in my manuals (including the $120 Helms Manual) does it say anything about ever changing the differential fluid.

Mike02Z

iTrader: (13)

My question is how much oil does the rear diff and manual gearbox hold in an 02? I'm planning on replacing both at my next oil change as the car has 22k and I have no idea if it was ever changed before I purchased it.
-Mike-

samz28

you've never smelt a skunky rear end ?