Should i change the differential fluid?

[wirry1423]

Hello again. I have a 1986 Volvo 240 DL sedan with automati
transmission and 187,000 miles. I had the trans rebuilt in 2002 bu
have otherwise had no major trouble. My question is that every time
get an oil change at my quick lube place, the technician pressures m
to have my differential fluid changed (along with other services lik
radiator, brake fluid flush, etc.) Now I have always had all of th
other maintance services at regular intervals since 2000 when
purchased the vehicle with 133,000 miles on the odometer. But I hav
never had a differential fluid changed nor have I had any othe
differential work performed. So I have no idea when or if differentia
service has ever been performed on the car. However the car is handlin
fine and I notice no indications that the transaxel/differential i
having any trouble (no unusual noises, etc) So my question is should
have the differential service performed, or is the differential designe
to be maintenance free? Are there any risks to having the differentia
service, ie could it/will it cause more problems then I had to begi
with (none yet)? Or should I definitly have the service. Any thought
on this item would be greatly appreciated as I know very little abou
the differential components of my car

 

[Al Dente]

about the only risk is that you might start a leak where there isn't one
already! That's a relatively small risk. Certainly, you should have the
level of fluid in the differential checked occasionally, and brought up to
the proper level if it's low.

I did change the fluid in my '89 240 about a year or so ago. The car had
about 210,000 miles on it. Easy to do, just unscrew the top (add fluid)
plug, then unscrew the bottom (drain) plug. I put in some synthetic
differential fluid from one of the local auto stores. Took maybe half an
hour, haven't had any problems since (or before, for that matter!)....

 

[John Horner]

Personally I like to change the coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid
and differential fluid at least once every two years.

The differential has no filter, and the only way to get wear particles
and contaminants out of there is by changing the fluid.

John

 

[John Robertson]

Why not it gets old and messy too ?But that is if you can open it ,I did
changed the oil all ok .Then when I went to check the oil after a Volvo
dealers free check day the bolt both in and out were so tight I cant open
them .Why oh why do people use brute force when a little teflon tape at the
most will stop any problems.My old Fairlane use a rubber bung in the filler
on the differential nary a worry ever .