What kind of differential fluid does a 2017 Toyota Tacoma take?
As a vehicle owner, understanding the maintenance needs of your car is crucial for its longevity and performance. One important aspect of vehicle maintenance is ensuring that the differential fluid is at the correct level and of the right type. In this article, we will explore the specific differential fluid requirements for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, a popular choice among truck enthusiasts.
Understanding Differential Fluid
Differential fluid plays a vital role in the operation of your vehicle's drivetrain. It lubricates the gears within the differential, allowing for smooth operation and reducing wear and tear. Using the correct type of differential fluid is essential to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential damage.
Recommended Differential Fluid for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma typically requires a specific type of differential fluid to ensure proper functioning. Here are the details:
- Type: 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil
- Specification: API GL-5
- Capacity: Approximately 1.5 quarts for the rear differential
It is always advisable to check your owner’s manual for the most accurate specifications, as variations may exist based on the specific model and drivetrain configuration.
Why Using the Correct Differential Fluid Matters
Using the correct differential fluid is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevents Overheating: Proper lubrication helps dissipate heat, preventing overheating of the differential components.
- Reduces Wear: The right fluid minimizes friction between gears, reducing wear and extending the life of the differential.
- Enhances Performance: Correct fluid ensures smooth operation, which is essential for handling and performance, especially in off-road conditions.
Conclusion
Maintaining your 2017 Toyota Tacoma includes regular checks and changes of the differential fluid. By using the recommended 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil that meets API GL-5 specifications, you can ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly and efficiently. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information and consult with a professional mechanic if you have any doubts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 kind of oil does a Toyota rear differential take?
The 3rd generation Toyota Tundra models introduced in 2022 also currently recommend a 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil for use in the rear differential. The gear oil part number is 08885-02506.
What happens if you never change 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.
When should the rear differential fluid be changed on a Toyota Tacoma?
When should you change your Toyota Tacoma rear differential fluid? Following the manufacturer's recommendations is always the best practice, but under normal driving conditions, changing the rear differential gear oil every 50,000 to 60,000 miles is generally sufficient.
How much fluid does a Toyota Tacoma rear differential hold?
These rear-end differentials had varying fluid capacities from 2.9 - 4.0 liters (3.06 - 4.22 quarts). Models without the differential lock will use 2.9 - 3.1 liters (3.06 - 3.27 quarts) and models with rear differential lock will use around 3.8 - 4.0 liters (4.01 - 4.22 quarts).
What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2017 Toyota Tacoma take?
75W85 gear oil
We recommend using only a high-quality synthetic based 75W85 gear oil specifically for these Toyota Tacoma trucks. See our online catalog to learn more about the performance and heavy-duty benefits of the truck specific Toyota Tacoma rear differential fluids.
What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?
Never, under any circumstances, put engine oil in your differential. This will result in devastating damages to your engine. Engine oil is much different than gear oil, mostly it cannot withstand high pressure.
What type of fluid goes in the rear differential?
Think engine oil but thicker; it's similar to fluid that's used to lubricate manual transmission gears. There are two basic types of differential fluid: Mineral oil, which is a natural, crude oil-based fluid. Synthetic differential fluid, which is created with chemicals and can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.
How often does Toyota recommend differential fluid change?
For top performance and reliability, we recommend exchanging the differential fluid every 30,000 miles.
What kind of rear diff fluid does a 2017 Tacoma take?
Currently, in the United States, Toyota recommends a 75W85 gear oil that also meets GL5 standards to be used in the rear differential of 2009-2023 Toyota Tacoma models.
