Rear Differential Service

WHAT IS A REAR DIFFERENTIAL?

The rear differential in your Chevrolet is positioned in the center of the rear axle between the two rear tires. If you look, you’ll probably recognize it as that bulging center thing with the drain plug centered on your axles. It has a plug to release fluid and likely has another plug in the top to allow fluid level checks and refilling after draining. But, that’s not the important thing to know. Your differential might be out of sight, but it has an important job.

WHY DO I NEED REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE? 

Your Chevy’s rear differential’s job is to facilitate the turning of the drive wheels at different speeds when you corner. While turning, the inside wheel moves within a smaller circle diameter than the outside wheel. Since the path of least resistance is where the engine’s power flows, it generally flows to the inside wheel, because the car’s weight is transferred to the other wheel when you corner. Your vehicle runs best when the drive wheels are able to turn at different speeds. Changing differential fluid is generally fairly straightforward.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON'T GET REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE?

Failing to change the rear differential oil on schedule will result in the same disastrous consequences as it would if you forgot to change your engine or transmission lubricants. The rear differential’s gear oil lubricates and prevents wear and tear to the rear end gears. Without regular maintenance, excess friction over time will result in the metal wearing away, which increases the clearance between gears. When differential oil gets contaminated by grime and metal shavings over time, it loses the ability to provide a lubricating cushion between potentially meshing gears. Once that happens, the gears will lock up and destroy themselves.

DO YOU KNOW IF IT'S TIME FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE? 

Your vehicle’s differentials probably aren’t on your mind much and are easy to forget about while they're working. But if you continue to get regularly scheduled maintenance for your Chevrolet, you won’t have to think about it. If you live in the Livonia, Redford, Wayne, or Plymouth, MI communities, stop by or give us a call at Chevrolet of Livonia today to schedule a checkup. You’ll see why our service and quality have people talking about us.

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