differential oil change

[nmikes]

Heard that you are supposed to change the oil in the diffs every 15,000 miles. It was quoted from 'American Axel' whoever they are... got my attention because I just passked 15K miles a few days ago.

[NEOCON1]

'American Axel' whoever they are

they build our axles , what does the book say ? if its listed " git r dun "

[Desert Dan]

Keep your fluids clean.
Oils is cheap Gears and Bearings Are Not!

Change the fluid espessially after break-in

[f5fstop]

Synthetic fluid. I won't change mine till around 50K.

[HummBebe]

I would say, and I am no expert, like f5fstop, but if you are spending anytime wheeling in water and mud...a diff oil and t-case oil change can't hurt. Tis a little pricey, but could be worth it.

[nmikes]

ah, thanks... would ask the dealer but they don't have alot of my confidence for these type questions.

[HummerJim]

As long as you stay out of deep water, changing axel fluids more often than every 40K is a waste of money IMHO. I think dealers are sometimes overzealous for this business, the small, drive-in oil change shops are even worse.

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by HummerJim:
As long as you stay out of deep water, changing axel fluids more often than every 40K is a waste of money IMHO. I think dealers are sometimes overzealous for this business, the small, drive-in oil change shops are even worse.

Overzealous That's being nice. Dealers will try and sell someone any service even if not required.
I would say even if wheeling in deep water, and there are no leaks into the case, and you stay well below the vent hose, why would it become contaminated. If you have a slight leak out, then yes you could have a slight leak in; but there is some small pressure inside the case built up from the movement.
If someone feels safer doing this, then go ahead, it certainly can't hurt.
When living in TN, I primarily off-roaded in mud and water, and had no water intrusion into either axle. However, I constantly checked to make sure it was filled, and there were no small leaks.

Overzealous for sure, trying to rack up big service bills. My dealer tried to sell me a 15K $399 service. I didn't even ask what type of crap that included. Just told him I order a la carte per the maintenance schedule in the manual.

S.

[f5fstop]

Just in case no one has checked, the rear diff vent hose runs up to the top of the fuel tank, and the front axle vent hose runs up to the rear of the engine compartment.

[Hi-Cap Hummer]

When you change fluid, you fill to bottom of the filler plug hole, put plug in, and add how much more fluid? When you check level, fluid will run out of fill hole. This is one thing I do not like about my H3. f5fstop, let us know how much fluid to add after filler plug hole level, and how to do it. I used synthetic fluid last time, so I have some to until this needs to be done. f5fstop, thank you for post, we learn good information from you.

[Hi-Cap Hummer]

I found the information, after you install filler plug, add 250 ml (8.45 oz) "Fill hole was correct for all other applications, angles a bit different on the H3"

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by Hi-Cap Hummer:
I found the information, after you install filler plug, add 250 ml (8.45 oz) "Fill hole was correct for all other applications, angles a bit different on the H3"

Sounds like you did it correctly; however, be careful, this additional fluid is only for early vehicles.

Subject: Inventory Upgrade - Transfer Case Fluid Fill #05550 - (06/01/2005)

Models: 2006 HUMMER H3

From Start of Production to 5GTDN136968105387
Attention: This upgrade should be performed on affected vehicles currently in your inventory prior to sale or delivery.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition
The four-wheel drive transfer case fluid fill specification has been revised to improve performance.

Upgrade
Dealers are to add DEXRON®III fluid to the transfer case.

Make sure your vehicle falls inside this VIN range.

For anyone else, if you fall into that VIN range, call the dealer and have them check your VIN history to make sure the fill was adjusted. If not, have the dealer add fluid. If you are too far from a dealer, or hate going to the dealer, just crawl under with a few wrenches and some fluid.

Procedure is simple, pull the fill plug, make sure the fluid is at the bottom of the fill plug hole; if not add until it is.
Install fill plug and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
Remove vehicle speed sensor at top of T/case, then add 250 ml (8.45 oz) of DEXRON®III fluid.
Install VSS and tighten to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

Before anyone asks, this added fluid is for the shift fork and high/low range sleeve that engages the input shaft to the mainshaft in 4-lock modes. So, if not doing a lot of 4-lock there will never be a problem. Even if doing Moab once or twice, it should not affect the shaft or sleeve. If, after a few years of doing the Moab area a few times, you might have some premature wear, and I say "might."
Unless someone has been driving up and down Hell's revenge everyday for the past six months, I cannot see any problems. So, check your VIN, and if required, check with the dealer or check it yourself.
At least you don't have to jack up the vehicle, and put it on jack stands to slide underneath.

[dochummer]

interesting....

[wpage]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Just in case no one has checked, the rear diff vent hose runs up to the top of the fuel tank, and the front axle vent hose runs up to the rear of the engine compartment.

This is worth refreshing from a expert source...Water & mud running.