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Differential fluid change?

Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA TACOMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 149,000 MILES
I just drained the diff fluid and let it totally drip for a long time. It came to almost a full gallon. I understand it has a little over 3 quarts. I added 4 until it got close to hole. Is that accurate? Seems like it took more at adding than when drained and I thought it was 3 an 1/4 quarts? I don't think I can overfill it but I wanted to be sure.
Anything I should do at startup like let engine warm 1st and move it into each gear?
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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 2:10 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
The OE number is 3.5 quarts for full, but normally the better method is to remove the fill plug and check the level there. Full is level with the hole to 5mm below. I generally check it cold because the oil will expand as it warms up, so if you check it warm you may have some leaking out if it was up to the plug cold.
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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
Okay, maybe since I let it drain longer I got more out. I placed my finger right there cold and it was very close to hole. Is there an issue if it took almost 4 or if it's a tad higher than on graph?
And is the mobike 1 synthetic 75 90 good? Thats what I used.
I'm not sure if I have limited slià but that has the additive if it does.
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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
75-90 will be okay, they call for 80-90 for ones that may be operated in the cold so the 75-90 will be fine. As long as the truck was level when you checked it you should be okay. LS additive won't hurt if it doesn't use it, just makes it stink more.
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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
Thanks, I'm in TN so it doesn't get as extreme on cold temperatures. After driving does the level go any lower? As u check it next day cold?
So, I'm fine if it took 4 quarts?
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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
The only reason it might go lower would be if it leaks. Driving around the oil will get warmer and expand from the heat, so if you were to check it on a level surface with it cold and it was right at the fill plug, then you checked it after a long trip with it still hot, it would likely leak out a bit due to the expansion. But if you check it cold it would still be level with the plug. As long as the truck was level when you checked it and the oil is at the fill plug it will be fine.
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Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
Okay. One other question. Not related, what type power steering fluid- is it transmission fluid dex 3. An what about these synthetic ones [ I don't know if what I have is regular or synthetic or what].I'd like to slowly remove the old in the reservoir and fill with fresh. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 AT 9:03 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
You can use Dexron 2 or 3 but I would opt for 3 as it's the newer spec. As you want to replace it I would go for a synthetic Dex 3. Then to change it, use a turkey baster or suction device to remove as much fluid from the reservoir as possible. Now disconnect the power steering return line from the side of the reservoir and cap the fitting on the reservoir. Add a length of hose to the return line and aim it into a bucket. Now fill the reservoir with new fluid. Keep adding fluid while you have someone else start the engine and shut it off while you keep the reservoir topped up. Have them also turn the steering wheel from side to side to flush out as much old fluid as possible. Just be sure to keep the reservoir full.
When you see new fluid going into the bucket stop, use the suction device to remove the fluid from the reservoir and reconnect the return line. Top up the reservoir and start the engine, turn the wheel to each side until you hit the lock. Repeat turning the wheel a few times. You are finished.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
HIDDEN1
  • MEMBER
  • 107 POSTS
I looked at the old ps fluid an its a tan brown. So its likely last owner used regular ps fluid. Should I just leave it be as long as theres no issues?
I wouldnt want to mix any of the leftover ps fluid in line w trans fluid. An all I found in auto store was dex 4 upgrades. [ I guess thats bettwr an compatable]?
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Sunday, January 7th, 2024 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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Sounds more like it's a mix. The stock fluid would be red and most of the stuff tagged as power steering fluid is clear or red. Tan brown sounds like moisture in old fluid.
But it's your choice.
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Sunday, January 7th, 2024 AT 7:29 PM

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