What kind of oil does a Toyota rear differential take?
Most Toyota rear differentials use gear oil rather than engine oil, and the exact specification depends on model and year. In most cases, Toyota-recommended gear oil is GL-5 with viscosities around 75W-90, though some applications use 80W-90 or 75W-140, especially in heavy‑duty or severe service. Always verify the specification for your vehicle in the owner's manual or with a Toyota dealer using your VIN.
To help you navigate the variations, this article explains common options, how to determine the correct spec for your model, and practical steps for checking and changing the oil. The goal is to ensure you use the right lubricant to protect gears and maintain performance, especially if your vehicle has a limited-slip differential.
Differential Types and Oil Requirements
Common rear-differential configurations
Toyota uses several rear-axle setups. Understanding which one your car has helps identify the right oil.
- Open (non‑LSD) rear differentials typically use GL‑5 gear oil in viscosities such as 75W‑90 or 80W‑90. For modern Toyotas, 75W‑90 GL‑5 is a common default.
- Limited‑slip (LSD) or torque‑sensing differentials often require GL‑5 gear oil with a friction‑modifier additive. Some Toyota specs call for 75W‑90 with modifiers; use an oil labeled with friction modifiers if your car has LSD.
- Some Toyotas use viscous or torque-biasing differentials (including Torsen designs) that also call for GL‑5 gear oil, typically 75W‑90; always verify if your model specifies a different viscosity.
- Older or heavy‑duty rear axles may specify 80W‑90 or 85W‑90; check the owner's manual for the exact indication for your model year.
Bottom line: while GL‑5 gear oil is the standard, the exact viscosity and whether friction modifiers are required depend on your differential type and year. Always follow the official specification for your vehicle.
Finding the Exact Specification for Your Vehicle
How to verify your model’s spec
To avoid mistakes, use official sources to confirm the exact oil specification for your car. The steps below help you identify the correct specification quickly.
- Consult the owner's manual under the lubrication/axle section to find the recommended gear oil type and viscosity (for example, GL‑5 75W‑90 or 80W‑90).
- Check the rear differential fill plug or a tag/label on the differential cover for stamped oil specifications, service intervals, or region-specific notes.
- Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) on Toyota’s official site or contact your local dealer to pull the exact spec for your vehicle’s year and region.
- When in doubt, use a proven GL‑5 75W‑90 synthetic gear oil labeled as suitable for use with LSD if your car has a limited‑slip rear differential.
Following these steps will minimize the risk of using the wrong oil and preserve differential performance and longevity.
Changing Rear Differential Oil
Safe procedure and tool requirements
Changing rear differential oil is a straightforward maintenance task. The steps below summarize a typical service, but always refer to the manual for torque specs and capacities for your model.
- Raise and secure the vehicle on jack stands and chock the wheels for safety.
- Place an oil catch pan under the differential, remove the fill plug first to avoid trapping oil, then remove the drain plug to drain the old fluid completely.
- Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer if applicable, and torque to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Remove the fill plug and fill the differential with the recommended oil until it begins to run out of the fill hole, then reinstall the fill plug and torque to spec.
- Dispose of used oil properly and record the service interval for future maintenance.
Use the recommended viscosity and specification (for example, GL‑5 75W‑90, or 80W‑90) and ensure the level is correct to avoid underfill or overfill that can affect gear wear and LSD performance.
Summary
Oil requirements for Toyota rear differentials vary by model, year, and differential type. The broad rule is GL‑5 gear oil, commonly 75W‑90 (or sometimes 80W‑90 or 75W‑140 for heavy‑duty service). Always verify with the owner’s manual or a Toyota dealer using your VIN, and use an oil with the correct friction modifiers if your vehicle has an LSD. Proper selection and maintenance protect the differential and extend its service life.
What kind of gear oil does Toyota use?
Specifically formulated and tested by Toyota, this GL-5 75W-85 grade oil is designed for optimal performance in Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) and transfer cases. The 1-Quart capacity bottle provides precise lubrication and protection for your vehicle's vital drivetrain components.
What kind of fluid does a Toyota rear differential take?
Using the suggested Toyota Tacoma 75W85 GL5 gear oil will ensure the correct rear differential lubricating characteristics are met for the intended differential designed functions. Also, you can expect to achieve the best performance results and long-term reliability for all internal rear differential components.
Can I use 75w90 instead of 75W85 Toyota?
Yes, you can generally use 75W-90 instead of 75W-85 for most Toyota differentials, as the 75W-90 is a widely available and acceptable substitute. The main difference is that 75W-90 is slightly thicker at operating temperatures, but many mechanics and Toyota dealerships use it as a substitute because it's more common. It's crucial, however, to ensure the new fluid meets the correct GL rating (such as GL-5) for your vehicle's differential, as this is more important than the exact weight.
Key considerations
- Availability: 75W-85 is less common, making 75W-90 a practical alternative that is readily available at most auto parts stores.
- Viscosity: While 75W-90 is a bit thicker than 75W-85 at high temperatures, the difference is minimal and won't cause harm in most cases. Some sources even suggest that 75W-90 is preferable for heavy towing, although this is not always the case.
- GL rating: The most critical factor is the gear oil's GL rating, which specifies its suitability for different types of gears. Make sure the 75W-90 fluid you choose is compatible with your vehicle's requirements (e.g., GL-5 for most differentials).
- Additives: Be mindful of the additives, particularly for differentials with electronic lockers. Some oils may have anti-wear additives that can harm these components. It's best to stick to a fluid that is specified for your differential type.
- Performance: You might notice a slight decrease in fuel efficiency with the thicker 75W-90 fluid compared to the OEM 75W-85. However, this difference is usually minimal.
Recommendation
- If you can't find the 75W-85, a high-quality 75W-90 synthetic gear oil with the correct GL-5 rating is a perfectly acceptable substitute for most Toyota differentials.
- Some older or specific models might require a GL-4 rating for the transmission. Double-check your owner's manual to confirm the correct GL rating before making a purchase.
How much fluid does a Toyota rear differential hold?
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
Without rear differential lock: 2.9-3.1 liters (3.06-3.27 quarts) With rear differential lock: 3.8-4.0 liters (4.01-4.22 quarts)
