Is gear oil and differential fluid the same?
No, gear oil and differential fluid are not the same. While they serve similar purposes in a vehicle's drivetrain, they have distinct properties and applications.
What is Gear Oil?
Gear oil, also known as transmission fluid, is a specialized lubricant designed to protect the gears and bearings in a vehicle's transmission. It is formulated to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated within the transmission, as well as to prevent wear and tear on the moving parts. Gear oil typically has a thicker, more viscous consistency compared to other automotive fluids.
What is Differential Fluid?
Differential fluid, on the other hand, is a lubricant specifically designed for the vehicle's differential, which is the component that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when the vehicle turns. Differential fluid is formulated to protect the gears and bearings within the differential, and it is typically less viscous than gear oil.
Key Differences
The main differences between gear oil and differential fluid are:
- Application: Gear oil is used in the transmission, while differential fluid is used in the differential.
- Viscosity: Gear oil is typically thicker and more viscous than differential fluid.
- Formulation: Gear oil and differential fluid are formulated with different additives and base oils to meet the specific requirements of their respective components.
- Compatibility: Gear oil and differential fluid are not interchangeable and should not be mixed, as they can cause damage to the components they are designed to protect.
It is important to use the correct fluid for each component, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer, to ensure proper lubrication and prevent premature wear or damage.
What are the symptoms of needing differential fluid change?
Feeling unusual vibrations, like a chatter, which is caused by a number of mechanical issues, including needing diff oil. A light, olive-green colour, grey or black/dark brown colour, which can indicate the oil is contaminated, dirty or has oxidised.
What does a bad differential feel like?
A properly functioning differential ensures that your vehicle can corner the way it was intended. If you need a differential repair, it will be apparent in the cornering and handling. The vehicle may pull hard to one side or feel “loose” when turning corners.
What kind of oil goes in the rear differential?
75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil.
What are the symptoms of low differential fluid?
Hearing a whirring, whining or howling sound, which may indicate the parts, clutches, gears and diff are not properly lubricated through insufficient clean oil. Feeling unusual vibrations, like a chatter, which is caused by a number of mechanical issues, including needing diff oil.
What happens if you put the wrong gear oil in your differential?
It very rapidly synchronizes the speed between the input shaft and the gear you are selecting. If you use the wrong fluid, these rings might work less effective. This can cause the shifter to feel stiff, or you cannot get the shifter into gear. It might even grind as you try to put it in.
Can I use diff oil in my gearbox?
The short answer is no. The differential oil and transmission fluid are not the same. While both are types of lubricants used in your vehicle's drivetrain, manufacturers designed them for different purposes and have other properties.
What happens if gear oil is not changed?
Gear oil's lubricating quality will be harmed as a result of these circumstances. As a result, if the gear oil is not drained and replaced on a regular basis, the transmission's service life will be limited.
What is another name for differential fluid?
Differential oil is sometimes referred to as gear oil and is found in the axle housing. It's designed to perform under high-pressure situations, rather than high temperatures like engine oil.
What happens if I don't change my differential fluid?
Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.
What is the difference between gear oil and differential fluid?
While differential fluid navigates your car smoothly around corners, gear oil ensures the transmission and other related components function properly. Just like differential fluid, gear oil is also a lubricant that reduces friction and heat in your vehicle's drivetrain.
