Differential Question...Again...

So I changed my rear differential fluid today, and while doing it spilled a decent amount of oil. I filled as much as I could of the 3 qts, and called it done. If I were to guess how much oil spilled I'd say between a quarter and half a quart. When I finished I stuck my pinky in the fill hole, I didn't feel the oil.

Took it out for a test drive (20 Minutes, turning frequently) and didn't hear anything outstanding, but I have no clue what to listen for. I didn't really hear any grinding noises, but don't know if the sound would be loud or not....

What do I do? I am really afraid of damaging my differential. Help is appreciated

 

Only way to be sure is to get some more oil, pull the fill plug, and see if it will take more. Park on a level surface.

 

If I drive around in the mean time will I hurt anything if it's slightly underfilled?

 

No not if it is slightly under filled.

 

Alright, well I just wanted to make sure, wish there was a dipstick or something that I could tell how low it was. I bought another quart today, and am going to fill it tonight. For all I know I only need a tiny bit more.

 

No need for a dipstick, just fill 'til it spills. A little low is too low to leave it for long, but you're fine for the day.

 

Are differentials really oil sensitive? I'm very inexperienced and started this thread mainly to learn...

 

oil level sensitive most definitely.

Had an older ford that had a rear end that would get excessively hot and would fry the oil out of the diff.... low oil level caused axle bearings to go bad.

But your good to drive to the auto parts store to get another quart and fill her up.

 

Not particularly, give them the proper oil weight for your climate and usage (generally what's recommended by the manufacturer is good for the average user) and make sure there is enough of it for them to splash around and get everything all sloppy and lubricated. Some diffs have a mechanical limited slip module and may require a friction modifier to make sure the limited slip works but that is about it. There isn't an oil pump or anything in there.

 

Alright well thanks guys, hopefully I can make it back home today (17 miles away) without damaging my differential....

 

Alright so I just went in and added more fluid...an entire quart in fact, so now I am wondering if I overfilled it. I stuck my pinky in again and all I feel is the differential oil I just put in seeping down, not the fluid level. I am starting to get really worried about what to do.

I am afraid of damaging my truck big time...

Final stupid question I will post on this thread before calling it quits, can you over fill the differential on level ground? Please answer soon...

 

not typically, u drained from the bottom bolt then put it back in then poured it in the top bolt, u pour it in the top bolt until it starts to come back out, usually a slow drip and thats fine. It takes 3 quarts.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/