Maintenance for Differentials and Transfer Cases

By Vyscocity Inc. | July 20, 2024

performing maintenance on a vehicle's differential and transfer case.

The Importance of Maintaining Differentials and Transfer Cases: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, differentials and transfer cases often don't get the attention they deserve. However, neglecting these components can lead to catastrophic failures and expensive repairs. Maintaining the fluids in your differential and transfer case is crucial for the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Let's delve into why this maintenance is so important and how AMSOIL can protect your vehicle.

What is Differential and Transfer Case Maintenance?

Differentials and transfer cases are vital components of your vehicle's drivetrain. The differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, essential for turning corners smoothly. The transfer case, used in four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles, transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear axles.

Proper maintenance of these components involves regularly checking and changing the fluids. These fluids lubricate the moving parts, reducing friction and heat. Without adequate lubrication, the metal parts grind against each other, leading to wear and eventual failure.

The Consequences of Neglect

To illustrate the importance of maintaining these fluids, let's look at some real-world examples. Consider a transfer case from a front-wheel-drive GM vehicle and a differential from a Ford truck. Both units failed due to lubrication problems. Here’s what happened:

Differential Failure

In the case of the Ford truck differential, significant damage occurred on the ring and pinion gears. Scarring on these gears, which should have been smooth, indicated excessive heat and friction. This damage resulted in loud gear noise and eventually led to the differential's failure.

Transfer Case Destruction

The transfer case from the GM vehicle showed even more severe damage. Overheating caused the teeth of the gears to chip and break off. These broken teeth circulated through the transfer case, causing extensive damage to every gear. The bottom of the transfer case was littered with metal particles, a clear sign of catastrophic failure.

Why Choose AMSOIL?

To prevent such failures, it's crucial to use high-quality fluids. AMSOIL Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube is designed to provide superior protection for your differential and transfer case. Here are some reasons to choose AMSOIL:

Superior Protection

AMSOIL Severe Gear is formulated to withstand extreme conditions. It reduces friction and wear, ensuring your differential and transfer case operate smoothly. This protection is especially important for vehicles that tow heavy loads or operate in harsh conditions.

Thermal Stability

AMSOIL fluids have excellent thermal stability, meaning they resist breaking down at high temperatures. This property is crucial for preventing the overheating that can lead to gear damage and failure.

Extended Drain Intervals

With AMSOIL, you can extend the intervals between fluid changes. This feature saves you time and money on maintenance while providing continuous protection for your vehicle.

Real-World Benefits

Using AMSOIL Severe Gear in your vehicle can save you from the costly repairs seen in the examples above. A transfer case replacement can cost around $2,500, while a front differential for a Ford truck can run up to $1,500. Investing in quality fluids now can prevent these hefty expenses down the line.

Expert Recommendations

Industry experts emphasize the importance of maintaining differential and transfer case fluids. Regular checks and timely fluid changes can make a significant difference in the longevity of these components. Here's a quick guide on how to maintain your vehicle’s differential and transfer case:

Regular Inspections: Check the fluid levels and condition every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and driving conditions.
Timely Fluid Changes: Replace the fluids according to the manufacturer's recommendations or sooner if you notice signs of wear or contamination.
Quality Fluids: Use high-quality lubricants like AMSOIL Severe Gear to ensure optimal performance and protection.

How to Change Differential and Transfer Case Fluids

Changing the fluids in your differential and transfer case is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare Your Tools: You'll need a socket set, fluid pump, drain pan, and the appropriate AMSOIL Severe Gear fluid.
Drain the Old Fluid: Locate the drain plug on the differential or transfer case and remove it. Let the old fluid drain completely.
Inspect for Damage: Check for any metal particles in the drained fluid, which could indicate internal damage.
Refill with AMSOIL: Use a fluid pump to fill the differential or transfer case with AMSOIL Severe Gear. Make sure to fill to the manufacturer's specified level.
Reinstall the Plug: Secure the drain plug and clean up any spilled fluid.

Additional Tips for Vehicle Longevity

Maintaining your vehicle's differential and transfer case is just one part of a comprehensive vehicle care routine. Here are some additional tips to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition:

Regular Oil Changes: Use AMSOIL synthetic motor oils for extended protection and performance.
Tire Maintenance: Regularly check tire pressure and rotate your tires to ensure even wear.
Brake Inspections: Check your brake pads and fluid regularly to ensure safe stopping power.
Battery Care: Clean your battery terminals and check the charge to prevent unexpected failures.

Maintaining the fluids in your differential and transfer case is essential for avoiding costly repairs and ensuring your vehicle's performance. By using AMSOIL Severe Gear, you provide superior protection, thermal stability, and extended drain intervals for these critical components.

Call to Action: Protect your vehicle today by investing in AMSOIL Severe Gear. Visit Vyscocity to buy AMSOIL products and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

Proper maintenance of your vehicle's differential and transfer case is crucial. Neglecting these components can lead to catastrophic failures and expensive repairs. By using high-quality fluids like AMSOIL Severe Gear, you ensure optimal performance and protection. Don't wait until it's too late—maintain your vehicle with AMSOIL and buy from Vyscocity.