What kind of oil does a 2018 Colorado diff take?
The 2018 Chevy Colorado uses a rear differential that requires a specific type of oil. According to the owner's manual, the recommended differential oil for the 2018 Colorado is an SAE 75W-90 gear oil. This is a common type of gear oil used in many automotive differentials.
Differential Oil Requirements for the 2018 Chevy Colorado
The 2018 Chevy Colorado is equipped with a rear differential that needs to be serviced periodically with the proper gear oil. The manufacturer specifies that the differential should be filled with an SAE 75W-90 gear oil. This is a multi-grade, synthetic-blend gear oil that provides good lubrication and protection for the differential gears and bearings.
Some key points about the differential oil requirements for the 2018 Colorado:
- Recommended oil: SAE 75W-90 gear oil
- Oil capacity: Approximately 2.5 pints (1.2 liters)
- Change interval: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
- Use only a gear oil that meets the GM 9986150 specification
It's important to use the correct gear oil and to change it at the recommended intervals to ensure proper differential operation and longevity. Failure to use the right oil or neglecting differential maintenance can lead to premature wear and potential failure.
Differential Oil Change Procedure
Changing the differential oil in a 2018 Chevy Colorado involves a few basic steps:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake
- Locate the differential fill and drain plugs, usually on the differential housing
- Using the proper tools, remove the drain plug and allow the old oil to fully drain out
- Once drained, replace the drain plug and fill the differential with the recommended 75W-90 gear oil up to the proper level
- Reinstall the fill plug and torque both plugs to the specified values
- Dispose of the old oil properly and reset any maintenance indicators
Refer to the owner's manual or service information for the exact fill capacity and torque specifications for your 2018 Colorado. Performing this maintenance properly will help ensure the long-term health of your vehicle's differential.
How much oil does a 2018 Colorado differential hold?
(Front differential fluid capacity is 1.3 liters or 1.37 quarts. Rear differential fluid capacity is 1.5 liters or 1.58 quarts.)
What kind of gear oil does a 2018 Chevy Colorado take?
75W90 GL5 gear oil is used for 2015 - 2022 Chevy Colorado front differential fluid change. 75W90 GL5 gear oil is also used in the Chevy G80 rear end differential (aka Eaton MLocker G80 locking differential). General Motors recommends the used of transmission fluid Dexron VI in the Chevrolet Colorado transfer case.
What oil should I put in my rear diff?
Any 75W-90 is fine for an open (non-LSD) diff.
How often should I change the differential fluid on my Chevy Colorado?
The Chevy Colorado differential fluid change interval varies depending on usage, but a general recommendation is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, with some sources suggesting a higher mileage interval like 70,000 miles for normal driving. For severe driving conditions such as frequent towing or using 4WD, a shorter interval like 30,000 miles may be more appropriate. The most accurate interval can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual or by consulting a Chevrolet dealership.
This video demonstrates the process of changing rear differential fluid on a Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon: 59sDoing Dave StuffYouTube · Apr 21, 2024
Interval guidelines
- Normal driving: 50,000 to 70,000 miles
- Severe driving: 30,000 miles (e.g., heavy towing, frequent 4WD use)
Important considerations
- Owner's manual: Always consult your specific owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended interval.
- Driving conditions: The interval can vary significantly based on how you use your truck. If you drive under harsh conditions, a more frequent change is advisable.
- Professional service: It is a challenging job, and many recommend having a certified technician perform the service.
