question on differential fluid exchange

[chrisl757]

I have a jeep commander and just got a letter from the dealership with a discount for a diff fluid exchange ($99/axle). They claim this is recommended every 12,000 miles. Is this really necessary?

And my next question is should I be doing this in my 96 Cherokee 2wd? I haven't ever done it before.

Thanks,
chris

[1996Chreokee]

yes you should change it.... Look through the owners manual for the vehicle and it will tell you the intervals to do it at...

I know with my new Chevy truck the regional rep told us that the manufacturer puts an additive in the diffs to polish the gears at break in... I don't know if thats true for other brands or not...

and 99 seems cheap

as far as the 1996 if you have not done it before, and its not leaking or giving you any trouble I would leave it alone..

good luck

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by chrisl757

I have a jeep commander and just got a letter from the dealership with a discount for a diff fluid exchange ($99/axle). They claim this is recommended every 12,000 miles. Is this really necessary?

And my next question is should I be doing this in my 96 Cherokee 2wd? I haven't ever done it before.

Thanks,
chris

This sounds like a massive scam to me.

Generally there is no recommended service interval for differential fluid on most vehicles. Often it will last the life of the car, so long as the level is maintained.

The exception here is limited slip diffs, or vehicles that are off roaded often and severe trailer towing. Even then, a 50k mile change is fine, unless you have contaminated the fluid with water (IE deep water crossing off road.)

12 k miles is WAY WAY too frequent. IMO this is simply a money grab.
BTW, $99 per diff is pretty expensive. It's an easy job, about $50 is plenty to pay.

[fredjacksonsan]

I agree that a maintenance letter from the dealer should be viewed with some skepticism.

Check your owner's manual and see what it says there.

On your 96, do the same...if it's a normal open differential the previous post is correct - unless you are doing something extreme it doesn't have to be changed.

[SirXJ]

I have a 94 Cherokee and a 98 Grand... I've never changed the diff lube.

I checked the XJs level about 2 months ago (Along with the T-case oil) and both were full, so I have no worries.