[Brewder]

I will be changing the differential fluid my in '17 SS in the next few days (OEM fluid @ 28k miles). I've been scouring the web for a video of someone doing this service and haven't found one... I found a Camaro video, but nothing specific to the SS which I realize isn't terribly different.

I realize it's a simple job, but If anyone knows of a specific SS video of a diff fluid change I would appreciate the link!

//Brew

 

[16PB6MT]

I just did this on my 16 a few months ago. I don’t recall seeing an SS specific video anywhere. Pretty much just like any other RWD car. The plugs are facing the passenger side.

 

[Kevin0311]

Loosen fill plug first
get yourself a fluid pump screw it on quart container pump to fill

 

[Brewder]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.. I should receive the last of my supplies this week then will knock this job out.

 

[15SuperSport]

Loosen fill plug first

This^! Not because it will drain much more easily with the fill plug removed (it will), but because if you drain it, and then can't get the fill plug out...

 

[16PB6MT]

OH!!! My memory is so bad I almost forgot. I had to buy a stubby hex driver because nothing I had in my toolbox could get at the drain plug. It’s a tight squeeze with exhaust

Sunex 3646, 3/8 Inch Drive Low Profile Impact Hex Driver Set, 16-Piece, SAE/Metric, 1/4 Inch - 3/4 Inch, 6mm - 19mm, Cr-Mo Steel, Dual Size Markings, Heavy Duty Storage Case, Meets ANSI Standards - Impact Sockets - Amazon.com

Sunex 3646, 3/8 Inch Drive Low Profile Impact Hex Driver Set, 16-Piece, SAE/Metric, 1/4 Inch - 3/4 Inch, 6mm - 19mm, Cr-Mo Steel, Dual Size Markings, Heavy Duty Storage Case, Meets ANSI Standards - Impact Sockets - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

edit: there’s also the trick where you can slide a box end wrench over the end of a longer hex socket. Pics are somewhere on this forum. Again bad memory, I remembered that trick after buying the stubbies (new tools are always good though). Bonus: the stubby socket allowed me to get my torque wrench in there, for those who are into that sort of thing.

 

[Pinetree]

No video, but good info in this thread, especially the 8mm hex references.

Rear Diff Drain Plug Removal

Does anyone have any tricks for removing the rear diff drain plug without removing the exhaust? Any tools tips or suggestions? I know it requires a 8mm allen socket and probably a swivel. I tried removing the exhaust from the hanger that's behind the diff but would like to avoid removing it any...

www.ssforums.com

 

[JewaliciouSS]

This^! Not because it will drain much more easily with the fill plug removed (it will), but because if you drain it, and then can't get the fill plug out...

....happened with the Miata too....but I can just flip the Miata over real quick, fill it up thru the drain and put it back down......pretty much same with the oil and washer fluid.....

 

[16PB6MT]

....happened with the Miata too....but I can just flip the Miata over real quick, fill it up thru the drain and put it back down......pretty much same with the oil and washer fluid.....

For the washer fluid, on most cars, you can also purge the fluid onto your windshield and refill with new.

 

[Kevin0311]

Washer fluid is from 2017 in my ss wonder if i should change it😉

 

[oitdmser]

Did the fluid on mine recently. Take the car for a drive first. Warm fluid drains easier. I was able to access both plugs using a 3/8” 8mm hex socket, a wobbly short extension and long extension over top the exhaust with the ratchet on the wheel side of the exhaust.

 

[wilkin4]

Lefty loosey, righty tighty, all you need to know.....

 

[oitdmser]

If a hammer doesn’t work … you need a bigger hammer

 

[good2go]

....happened with the Miata too....but I can just flip the Miata over real quick, fill it up thru the drain and put it back down......pretty much same with the oil and washer fluid.....

Or just fill it through the shifter cavity

 

[oitdmser]

Or just fill it through the shifter cavity

Oh no, don’t do that!

The diff fill tube is that door on the passenger side above the wheel well.

 

[MIEngineer]

Yes make sure the fill is the first to be loosened.

Good reasoning - especially on other vehicles / T case etc in the rust belt - sometimes the drain in some aspects will come out, but the fill will not...sooooo yeah...hosed.

 

[SS WOT]

Fluid is very stinky, wear gloves! I'm not the greatest at this, and can't stand it while turning bolts. It's a must with this stuff. Especially when messing with pump.

 

[Brewder]

Well I'm a slacker. I don't have a lift and laying under the car while it was only a few inches raised was a bitch to see what I was doing. I found the drain plug I couldn't see the dang fill plug. I gave up... Taking the car, and the OEM fluid I purchased, to the dealer. Let them knock it out in 15 minutes with the proper tools.

Sometimes it's best to know your limits. This was a fun thread though for sure!

 

[FMOSRacing]

I had to loosen the muffler hanger, but kept the bolt in a few turns to support the exhaust, and pulled the rubber off the hanger at the differential to move the exhaust around enough to get to the fill and drain easily. I have the Solo 3" exhaust, so a little less room in there than stock, but it wasn't a lot of effort to get the space needed.

 

[DarkKn1ght]

What kind of LSD is in the rear? Does it need a friction modifier added to the differential fluid?