wrx_yank

how do i get fluid into the rear diff whilst changing it.

911

Easy:
Assuming it is an Impreza...

Park the car on level ground and if you jack the back end up, make sure the front is up too to ensure the car is level.

Get a 1/2'' socket set. Take the short or long extension and ratchet.
There are 2 sump plugs in the alloy rear diff cover, one above the other and easy to see/get at.
Get a catch tray with a minimum of 2 pints capacity. (Clean around both plug very well.)
Place it under the diff (with the diff preferably hot from a drive)
Undo the bottom sump plug. Oil will drop out quickly so be ready!
With the oil draining, open the upper plug and remove.
Clean both plugs very well.

With all the oil dripped out replace the lower plug snugly (not too tight!)
Now refill the diff with fresh oil slowly until the oil starts to drip out of the upper plug hole.
Diff is now full (about a pint).
Replace the plug snugly.

Job almost done.

If you want to be very careful, take the car for a short run (1/8 mile) and park. Wait 5 mins and remove the upper plug. If no oil drips fron the hole add a little till it does. Replace the plug!
Now the task is done.

Good luck.

wrx_yank

wow that was very informative, i owe you a pint sir!!!! thankyou


steve

AndiThompson

One tip I read, remove the top plug first. That way if its completely and utterly stuck, you haven't got a diff with no oil in

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

That was a good description. Just a couple of things to add which might help.
The capacity is 0.8 litre so get 1 litre of 75w/90 semi or full synthetic fluid.
Before you start to re-fill, practice getting the bottle into a suitable position! Use a short extension to the tube if necessary.
The plugs (tapered thread) can be very tight.
JohnD

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

That is a very good point

911

Yes it is.
I had to use a Snap-on Breaker bar to free the LOWER plug, top was stubborn, but the bottom one....
Quite scarey as if you **** it up it is a diff out job, not nice (just replaced my diffs.)

Graham

Shark Man

I'll never fathom why they self tighten like that I've had to swing off it with a 2ft long breaker bar before now, yet it was orginally tightened with a 1/2" ratchet

911

Corrosion?
Cast iron in alloy = galvanic corrosion, and look where it is!
Add to that some heat cycles and off we go.

Graham.

Shark Man

You, know I never though about that Still, gives passers by plenty of perverted thoughts when they hear me in the workshop making straining and grunting noises when trying to undo it with a 1/2" ratchet