Guys, after changing the differential oil for the first time, I noticed that there was some leaks. I had to re-tighten the drain and fill bolt.

Now, I am a little worried about the oil level. How to check for low differential oil level? I'm thinking about opening up the fill plug and using my finger to check.

Also, what happens if I have been driving around with low oil to begin with? I know the worst-case scenario is total diff failure. but, are their signs in between? I notice that my hard turns are sloppy, but maybe it's just my imagination.

thanks for help.

 

if you lost just a bit of oil, i wouldnt worry, but you really have no idea how much you lost. the best thing you could do, would drain the old stuff out and measure it. compare it to how much you put in(hopefully you remember) and you can estimate how much leaked. if a diff were to run dry, i think that is definitley something that would be noticed RIGHT away(loud whining, grinding, clunking, etc.).

 

Or... you could simply unbolt the fill bolt and just top it up After you top it up, double check the torque on the drain bolt and leave it for a night to see if it still leaks.

Did you forget the washer on the drain bolt by any chance?

 

I thought about that, but rather not spend money for another bottle of mobile1 75w90. (What can I say, I'm a cheapskate.) I kinda want an each way to check the oil level first before spending the extra money to fill it up if I need to.

Anyways, I'll probably end up topping it off just to be on the safe side. What a PIA to fill this though because the fill bolt is mounted sideways.

 

Well, if you didnt leak too much diff fluid then just go ahead and buy a new bottle and top up the 50ml-100ml that you leaked out. You should be able to use whats left for your next diff fluid change.

If you ended up leaking a lot, then the 12 bucks just saved your diff.

Either way, i think you're looking at buying another bottle

 

i dont have trouble filling my diff. to me 10 bucks for another bottle is worth not having to worry. the level should be even with the hole in the diff. good luck, and hopefully no more leaks

 

If possible get the car a little higher on the driver side.
(for right hand drive => the passenger side )
That way you are able to get just a little more oil in the diff.
A little extra oil doesn't hurt at all

 

Get another quart of oil,and fill it up to the brim.!!
Peace of mind is well worth the price.!!

 

Spend the $8 and save yourself the worries and a possible destroyed diff. Buy another bottle, top off the diff, and save the rest for your next change.

 

I personally wouldnt worry about it if I only lost a few teaspoons, there is likely enough fluid left in there to do a fine job lubricating.