Forum Discussion

dodge_guy's avatar
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Sep 28, 2019

F53 rear diff service

Hello. Planning on changing the gear oil on my new to me 2012 F53. I've got the fluid, not the issue. I can't find anywhere on what is needed to change it. I'm assuming there are drain no fill plugs, but can't verify it, the RV is in storage right now so I can't climb under and look at it. Just wondering if anyone has physically done it and can verify!

Yes I know it's filled for life, but I have never bought into that, especially after seeing trans fluid that's filled for life after 50k miles! BTW I am doing my trans and brake fluid also. And probably PS fluid. Coolant has already been done.
Class A
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2019
    Well there is no cover on these rear ends. It has a drop out center section. I looked up ford parts and there is a drain plug in the bottom of the axle housing, and a fill plug up higher.
  • Home_Skillet's avatar
    Home_Skillet
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2019
    Pirate wrote:
    or maybe some folks don't know what they are talking about.


    Key word is "most".
    Sheesh. :h
  • amxpress's avatar
    amxpress
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    If your differential does not have a drain plug, check this out before you go pulling off the cover:
    Oil pump
  • Pirate1's avatar
    Pirate1
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    Home Skillet wrote:
    77rollalong wrote:
    most diffs dont have a drain hole, the fill on most is on the back of the diff cover, some are also on the side of the diff case..


    Correct.
    The rear cover will need to be removed to drain the fluid.
    You would need some RTV silicone to reseal the cover.
    Gee, my 2006 has a drain plug, perhaps they got cheap with the 2012 or maybe some folks don't know what they are talking about.
  • Home_Skillet's avatar
    Home_Skillet
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2019
    77rollalong wrote:
    most diffs dont have a drain hole, the fill on most is on the back of the diff cover, some are also on the side of the diff case..


    Correct.
    The rear cover will need to be removed to drain the fluid.
    You would need some RTV silicone to reseal the cover.
  • 77rollalong's avatar
    77rollalong
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    most diffs dont have a drain hole, the fill on most is on the back of the diff cover, some are also on the side of the diff case..
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2019
    Ok thanks. I'm a tech and some trucks have them and some don't. However this is the first time doing it on an axle this big. I was figuring it had 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive plugs but wasn't sure. And yes I plan on doing it in the driveway immediately when it comes home from storage (when it's warm).
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2019
    Lou hit it on the dot. I change out all my fluids. The new synthetic gear oils last longer, and you see it when you change them out. No where as black as the old stuff.
  • sailor_lou's avatar
    sailor_lou
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    I can't speak specifically on a 2012 chassis, but typically there is a drain on the bottom and a fill on the side at the correct height level. They both should be a 1/2" square drive plug in which you simply use a ratchet to remove and reinstall. If possible, drain when warm and then refill until the level is at the bottom of the fill plug hole. Simple, easy and I agree, replacing lubricants is always a good idea. Good luck.

    Lou
    05 Travel Supreme Envoy

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