Caution with first change of differential oil
12-30-2009, 08:37 AM
#1
JK Freak
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Caution with first change of differential oil
Hey guys,
I took my '07 to the dealership the other day to have them check up on a few things and do an oil and lube. They called me and told me it was time to change the diff fluid. Apperently, they smoke large amounts of crack there and wanted $400 just to change the fluid without removing the covers.
Anyways, I decided to take the covers off and change the fluid myself yesterday. Well the oil smelled incredibly foul as I drained it out so I opened the garage door for a bit to air it out. Last night as I got back inside I got incredibly dizzy, couldn't see straight, had a high fever, and my entire body ached badly. I felt better this morning, but I can still taste the oil in my mouth.
So I don't know if it was the oil they used or an additive that was in there, but I would caution everyone to keep proper ventilation while changing your differential oil out the first time!
Micah
I took my '07 to the dealership the other day to have them check up on a few things and do an oil and lube. They called me and told me it was time to change the diff fluid. Apperently, they smoke large amounts of crack there and wanted $400 just to change the fluid without removing the covers.
Anyways, I decided to take the covers off and change the fluid myself yesterday. Well the oil smelled incredibly foul as I drained it out so I opened the garage door for a bit to air it out. Last night as I got back inside I got incredibly dizzy, couldn't see straight, had a high fever, and my entire body ached badly. I felt better this morning, but I can still taste the oil in my mouth.
So I don't know if it was the oil they used or an additive that was in there, but I would caution everyone to keep proper ventilation while changing your differential oil out the first time!
Micah
12-30-2009, 08:47 AM
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JK Enthusiast
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Gear oil is notoriously smelly. But it shouldn't make you sick. Certainly shouldn't give you a fever. I'm thinking you just happened to catch a bug at the same time you changed the fluid. Coincidence, not cause.
12-30-2009, 10:18 AM
#7
JK Super Freak
How many miles were on your 07' when you changed the fluid? Hopefully you never went through water or wheeled it hard. It is suggested that you change or at least check the fluid more than once every 2-3 years! 
Don't ever go that long without checking it. It isn't a car.
Don't ever go that long without checking it. It isn't a car.
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12-30-2009, 10:41 AM
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A few years ago my dealership wanted $300.00 for the diff fluid change as well. I thought they were joking at first, turns out they were serious so I did it myself for about $12.00 and 30 min.
