![]() When is it time to change your RAV4 differential fluid? We cannot give a straight answer here because it depends on many factors. If there are visible leakages or a significant color change, you may need to replace it. Ensure you have the quantity and density right. Visually inspect your RAV4 differential fluid every 15,000 miles or 18 months, whichever comes first. Fortunately, there is a fill plug that you can remove to inspect the fluid levels and confirm its density. The question is, how often should you do that to be in proper working condition? Visual Inspectionīoth the differential and the transfer case are sealed components. The differential or transfer case fluid breaks down over time and will need replacement. Gears grind against each other when there is poor lubrication. Low differential fluid levels can also trigger vibrations that get transferred to the cabin. Ignoring the problem can cause more damage. Inspect your differential or transmission to identify the culprit and change the fluid. This noise can become louder as you accelerate down the driveway. The grinding gears produce the whining or howling noise you can hear from the cabin. When your differential becomes noisy, the problem can be a low differential/transmission fluid that can no longer lubricate the moving parts. It may also need gasket or seal replacement if there are leakages. You can resolve the problem by replacing the old differential fluid with the recommended type. Check your car’s parking spot or garage if there are signs of reddish stains on the ground. But it can also come from the leaking fluids if the seals break. The smell can be due to high differential fluid temperatures caused by poor lubrication of the rotating components. So, check it out to confirm that your differential is the culprit. The transmission also has a fluid that can produce a burning smell. The differential fluid is not the only lubricating fluid in your car. These symptoms will help you know when to change differential fluid to avoid more damages. The following are the most common symptoms of low or inappropriate differential fluid: If you are running low on this fluid, the differential will show symptoms that should tell you when a fluid change is overdue. These gears are immersed in a differential fluid to reduce friction and make them run smoothly. Some vehicle models have an option to lock the transfer case so that power is distributed equally to the front and rear axles. This component works the same as the differential by appropriately dividing power between the axles to enhance traction. Its purpose is to transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. That’s the reason why it is sometimes called a center differential. But what is it, and what does it do?Ī transfer case is found between the front and rear axles. You will never find it in FWD or RWD vehicles. Transfer case’s role is to transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axlesĪ transfer case is an integral part of AWD and 4WD vehicles.
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