That’s a great option if you have front and rear differentials and want to save money. In addition, some shops actually charge a flat rate for differential service, no matter what type of vehicle you have.įor example, YourMechanic sometimes advertises a flat rate of $94.99 for a differential fluid change no matter what the vehicle. However, it does mean you’ll pay a larger fee. This minimum rate makes doing small jobs worth their time. So, mechanics charge their minimum rate for a job. In most cases, filling differential oil only takes a few minutes. And, with more ports to fill, you spend more money. You’ll have to buy different types of oil for each. E.g., the Ford F series has a front and rear differential. You can also see that pricing difference on the chart above. Still, the job can often be completed in 15 minutes or less. That’s because the parts are more difficult to access.įor example, you’ll usually have to go around the steering rack and you’ll be closer to the engine. In most cases, front differentials cost more to fill than back differentials. In addition, others have a front and a rear differential. Some vehicles have a front differential instead. This is why topping up differential fluid is often synonymous with “filling up the rear end”. Most vehicles have a single differential in the back. We’ll look at some of the reasons in detail below. Here, the largest ones are the brand, the number of differentials in your vehicle, and where you get the work done.Īlso see Drum Brakes Replacement Cost: Your Money Saving Guide (2023) There are a lot of factors that could affect the cost of replacing your gear oil. Changing Differential Fluid Price Factors Cost estimates may have changed since, our figures should be used as a starting point for your own research. *Note: Prices are estimates and were correct at the time of writing (February 2022). The chart below shares estimated costs for changing the differential fluid on 10 popular vehicles. In addition, different vehicles have different gear oil capacity. They might also take over half an hour, depending on the housing placement and the bolts. Your mechanic might be able to do the work in 10 minutes. Here, getting to, draining, and then refilling a differential can be a dirty job. In addition, labor costs are almost always the larger part of the expense. For example, if you buy the cheapest option from Walmart, you pay $20 for a gallon buying it by the quart and $13.94 by the gallon. However, buying 1- or 2-gallon bottles of gear oil will save you money over buying smaller bottles. Here, some vehicles only have a rear differential, and some have a front and rear differential. However, if you’re replacing or changing the differential fluid in your vehicle, you normally need about a gallon per axle with differential oil. For example, it often sells for $6 a quart. How Much Does Differential Fluid Changing Cost?*ĭifferential fluid is usually relatively cheap. What kind of noise does a bad differential make?.How often does the differential fluid need to be changed?.How To Replace Differential Fluid: 6 Steps.How Do You Know If Your Differential Fluid Is Bad?.Changing Differential Fluid Price Factors.How Much Does Differential Fluid Changing Cost?*.The table below shows a quick price comparison of differential fluid changing cost estimates from reputable suppliers: SupplierĬompare Car Warranty Quotes For Free & Save Big! If you only have to fill up the rear end, you’re probably looking at something closer to $75-$100. That includes new oil and a front and rear differential fluid change. Luckily, the average cost of replacing differential fluid is usually around $180. With no gauge and access bolts that are sometimes hidden inside the housing, changing front and rear differential fluid can be confusing. However, changing differential fluid isn’t always as straightforward as changing motor oil. This oil lubricates parts like the clutch packs, gears, bearings, ring and pinion gears, etc.Įssentially, you need it to keep your vehicle’s steering and suspension in good condition. Differential fluid, gear oil, or differential oil lubricates the suspension and steering system in your vehicle.
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