To ensure the safe movement of a car, it is necessary to periodically replace the transmission, power steering fluid, transmission oil, and oil in the differential. One of the transmission units is the differential, whose task is to increase or decrease the torque that comes from the crankshaft.
The flawless operation of a car largely depends on the regular performance of technical maintenance. Each detail of the mechanism requires regular checks, lubrication, or replacement. To prevent serious problems, it is important to strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Modern car models have two types of differentials: front and rear, located in their respective axles.
Device of the Differential
The car's differential consists of the following elements:
- Casing, which serves to protect against external influences;
- Mountings that provide a strong connection of the casing to the base;
- Rear regulator, consisting of a driving and driven gear. The driven gear is larger with a huge number of teeth and is needed to handle high torque.
Replacing the Oil in the BMW E90 Differential
To prevent premature failure of the differential, the correct option would be to replace the fluid. This requires the use of a pit, a ramp, or a lift. Before draining the lubricant, the car's power unit should be well heated.
During the procedure, protective measures should be taken to avoid burns from hot oil.
The oil replacement process consists of the following steps:
- Unscrewing the fill plug, checking the condition and level of the fluid;
- Placing a container under the drain to collect the used fluid;
- Unscrewing the drain plug and waiting for the old lubricant to drain. There is a magnet on the drain plug that attracts metal shavings. The drain plug should be thoroughly cleaned. The drained used oil should be inspected. If there are any foreign impurities, the radiator should be flushed with a special liquid;
- After completing this procedure, the plug should be tightened, replacing the gasket, and new transmission fluid should be added. The oil is poured using a syringe, with simultaneous checking of the condition of the seals, as damaged seals will result in oil leaking from the differential.
All drained used oil should be disposed of properly after completing the work. The procedure should be carried out in a timely manner, and to prevent serious breakdowns, only the fluid recommended by the manufacturer should be used.
Replacing Oil in the BMW E60 Differential
The actions for oil replacement should be carried out in the following sequence:
- Position the car at the edge of the pit or lift it up;
- Locate the fill and drain plugs, and unscrew them in that order. Be prepared for the plugs to be stubborn, so they may need to be tapped with a hammer, and in particularly difficult situations, WD-40 can be used;
- Start by removing the fill plug and checking the oil level, which ideally should be level with the neck;
- After unscrewing the drain plug, quickly move it aside, ensuring the oil drains into the container placed underneath;
- Tighten the drain plug back in place, and begin pouring oil through the top neck;
After filling, carefully wipe away any oil leaks and periodically check under the car for their possible appearance.
