Frequently Asked Questions about Differential Repairs

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a car is learning how to perform repairs on it. However, if you are not a professional mechanic, then regardless of the number of times you have personally carried out repairs on your car, you will always have something to ask regarding differential repair. The reason is that most vehicle owners go through their vehicle's entire life without the need for differential repairs. The longevity can be attributed to the resilience of the component. You are better off understanding some of the most critical questions just so that you are better prepared when your diff needs fine-tuning. This article, therefore, explains some of the frequently asked questions relating to differential repairs.

How Can I Estimate the Cost of Rear and Front Diff Repairs? -- As a rule, differential repairs for vehicles weighing more than 750 Kilogramms will cost more compared to cars that wight below 500 Kilogrammsgs. Notably, if you have a 4x4 vehicle, then the cost of repairing the front and rear diffs is the same. The best way of approximating the value is by having an idea of the services involved in the differential rebuild. For example, inspection, diagnostics, installation of a full bearing kit, and quality of oil used dictates the cost of differential repairs. Therefore, the price will depend on the type of service to be carried out on the differential.  

How Often Should I Change Differential Fluid -- As the main component in the lubrication of the unit, differential fluids need to be of superior quality, and they need to be changed regularly according to the manufacturer guidelines. The lubricant prevents damage to the transmission gears through friction and wear. Most importantly, you should change your differential fluid when your vehicle hits the 12,000 miles mark. Whichever time you choose to change the fluid, just make sure that you do not go past the 36,000 miles mark. The differential fluid change will also depend on the amount of work the vehicle is put. For example, cars that are primarily used for commuting will use the oil for longer compared to load trucks.

Can Driving In High Water Affect My Differential? -- One of the reasons you need lubrication in your differential is to protect it against rust. However, when you drive in high waters frequently, there are chances that the water will enter the gasket and emulsify the lubricant. Consequently, the reduced protective capabilities of the oil lead to rusting. Therefore, avoid high waters as much as possible.

For more information, contact companies like Precision Automatic Transmissions.