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Differential fluid change fair price?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by OTX, Sep 10, 2020.

  1. Sep 10, 2020 at 10:39 AM
    #1
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    A local mechanic who deals primarily with Toyota’s said he would change the rear and front differential fluids on my 2018 4x4 Crewmax for $210 but there was no mention of changing the fluid in the transfer case. Is this something I can do myself or shall I just pay him?. He will be doing a transmission fluid change for $120 which I think is fair. From what I have read, the rear differential seems easy to change but not sure about the others. Can someone who has done it, please let me know. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2020
  2. Sep 10, 2020 at 10:50 AM
    #2
    Zero One Actual

    Zero One Actual Member among Members

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    I’m curious as to how one defines the difference between seepage and leakage post Taco Bell? Is it the amount in your underwear after the sneeze? Is it the rate of flow during the sneeze? Or is it measured by moisture content and overall total? Hmmmmm.
     
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  3. Sep 10, 2020 at 10:53 AM
    #3
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    All the above :)
     
  4. Sep 10, 2020 at 12:36 PM
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    TemujinNomad

    TemujinNomad New Member

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    For $210, it should be all three, plus new gaskets/washers for each drain and fill plug. It’s a straightforward job; if you are physically able to, can knock it out in an hour. You would save a lot of money.

    There’s a guy on YouTube you does all three.
     
  5. Sep 10, 2020 at 12:41 PM
    #5
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    Thanks for the response. Guy said since I don’t tow or use drive 4x4 much, the transfer case oil should be in super nice shape so I shouldn’t worry about it. From what I have read, I think I’m going to do it myself. Doesn’t seem complicated.

    I’ve been trying to research the different fluids and it’s confusing. Do you happen to know which fluids are specifically made for the 2018 Tundra. I don’t have the user manual as it didn’t come with one when I bought it. I’ve seen 75w90 and all kinds of numbers. The guy said he was going to use 80w90 but online many say 75w90??. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2020
  6. Sep 10, 2020 at 1:04 PM
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    TemujinNomad

    TemujinNomad New Member

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    This is a link to a video for the rear diff. https://youtu.be/Q2Aq3rqsxJo

    Same channel has video for the transfer and front as well.

    Don’t know about 2014+, mine (2nd gen ) takes 75w90 for all three.
     
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  7. Sep 10, 2020 at 2:32 PM
    #7
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    Thank you sir!. Very helpful. I’m going to buy Amsoil 75w90 for both the front and rear and do it myself!. I’m guessing the transfer oil can wait as it doesn’t get much use. From my research, Amsoil is some serious stuff and I should be good for 50k-100k. Thanks again!!!
     
  8. Sep 10, 2020 at 2:45 PM
    #8
    TemujinNomad

    TemujinNomad New Member

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    Just a suggestion, might as well just do the transfer case, since you’re going to be under the truck anyway.
     
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  9. Sep 10, 2020 at 2:48 PM
    #9
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    I was going to do that but from my research it seems like no one makes an exact match to Toyota’s TC fluid for 3rd gen Tundras so I’m scared to get the wrong oil and mess something up. I might just get the oem oil and do it even if it’s expensive. I don’t have to worry about a thing for at least 50k so might be worth it!. You have experience with these things so I would appreciate your insight.
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2020
  10. Sep 10, 2020 at 8:08 PM
    #10
    Big_Ed

    Big_Ed New Member

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    Whatever you do, do NOT let them 'flush' the transmission. It will only stir up sediment and cause premature transmission failure.
     
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  11. Sep 10, 2020 at 8:15 PM
    #11
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

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    Unless you do heavy offroad or other 4wd use you probably don’t need new fluid in the TC on a 2018

    edit: holy crap you have 87k miles? Never mind go ahead and change it, every 60k is a good interval
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2020
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  12. Sep 10, 2020 at 8:18 PM
    #12
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    TEXAS!
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2020
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  13. Sep 10, 2020 at 8:27 PM
    #13
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    this aligns with everything i've read. do a search for the drain / fill procedure.

    the advanced algebra equation above still applies.
     
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  14. Sep 11, 2020 at 3:28 AM
    #14
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    Yes it will only be a drain and refill. They put down 2.5 quarts on my estimate as the amount they will be refilling. I used to be one of those people that believed in “lifetime” transmission fluid but after my experience with my FJ, I could have definitely prolonged the life of the transmission if I would have done a drain and refill a few times.

    My truck has 87000 miles now so it will be getting its first transmission service and every 50k after that.
     
  15. Sep 11, 2020 at 3:31 AM
    #15
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    that’s what the guy I’m taking my car to also said. He told me not to bother with it as it’s probably in excellent shape.
     
  16. Sep 11, 2020 at 4:38 AM
    #16
    Ace402

    Ace402 New Member

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    Not necessarily. You can hook a hose up to the “out” line on the transmission cooler. Start the truck and let the transmissions internal pump, pump out about two quarts. Add two quarts back in, then pump out two more. Rinse and repeat for the capacity of the transmission. I’ve done this on three Toyota transmissions without issue. Have logged over 50k on one of the transmissions and it works fine. They were all done at well over 100k.
     
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  17. Sep 11, 2020 at 4:39 AM
    #17
    Ace402

    Ace402 New Member

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    I used Amsoil for one of the transmissions and Valvoline for the others.
     
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  18. Sep 11, 2020 at 7:54 PM
    #18
    Vector W8

    Vector W8 Old guy with a lot of expensive habits.

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    A little tid bit. If you are changing the Transfer case oil. The tundra uses a very specific 75 weight factory oil that has additives to prevent the Solenoid from sticking when selecting between two and four wheel drive. This oil from Toyota is around $100 a quart and you will need two of them. The tech at my Toyota dealer had no idea this specific oil was required and had to look it up. I would not recommend using any others. He wondered why he was getting customer complaints of the solenoid sticking on other trucks he changed T-case oil in. He thanked me for pointing this out and I change mine myself.

    Differentials are a different story, do it yourself. Its cheap to buy good quality synthetic lube and just do it in the driveway.

    20200911_224536.jpg 20200911_224546.jpg
     
  19. Sep 12, 2020 at 5:13 AM
    #19
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    Thanks for the reply. I think I’m going to do what you suggested. I need 1.5L for the transfer case and the cheapest I’ve found if $65 a liter so I would have to buy 2 liters. So with the 6 quarts of Amsoil 75w90 For the front and rear differentials and the 2 liters of OEM 75w fluid for the TC, total cost would come out to $238. Not bad when I don’t have to worry about it for 50k-100k miles. I’m thinking closer to 75k since I don’t tow.

    From what I have read, looks like I can change all 3 myself without issues. I really don’t like anyone working on my truck if I have a choice as no one will care more about my truck than myself.
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2020
  20. Sep 14, 2020 at 2:15 PM
    #20
    kevine0001

    kevine0001 New Member

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    There's a 75w off Amazon, made in germany, that a lot of guys are using instead of the Toyota 75w for the t-case. I think it was like $18/quart. Way cheaper than the toyota stuff, and it works just fine. 75w/90 for front and rear diff is fine. Either way, that guy is charging you a lot, IMO
     
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  21. Sep 14, 2020 at 2:48 PM
    #21
    Porkchop Express

    Porkchop Express Its all in the reflexes

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    I did mine about 5 K miles ago and I was really disappointed.
    The fluids were all clean and clear, not even the slightest hint of discoloration. Seriously , the oil looked great.
    That was on my 2017 at 70K miles.
    I went ahead and put in the Lucas synthetic 75w/90 in all 3 and its doing great since.
     
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  22. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:01 PM
    #22
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    Thanks for the tip about the 75w Ravenol. I’ll google it. I’m guessing it’ll take me a couple of hours to do all 3 and I enjoy working on my own truck!.
     
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  23. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:07 PM
    #23
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    I watched that video but it still scares me a little to do the transmission fluid. Looks a little more complicated than doing the differentials. The shop wants $120 to do it and that includes 2.25 quarts of WS fluid. They deal with mostly Toyota’s and when I called around, they were the cheapest. I just hope they do it right!.

    If you don’t mind me asking, what color were the fluids when you changed the differential oils?. Mine has only seen light towing and 4 wheel drive action. It has 87k miles on it.
     
  24. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:11 PM
    #24
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    This exactly why I’m hesitant to do it too. My truck has 87k and 4wd hasn’t been used much. Not even that much towing. I don’t want to waste money on changing the fluids if they don’t need it. I wish there was a way to check before I do it.
     
  25. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:24 PM
    #25
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

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    Pull a sample out of the check/fill plug and have a look.

    Have you owned our truck since it was new? Your rear diff oil should have come out dark, stinky, and with the drain magnet full of metallic paste at that mileage if it was the original oil.
     
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  26. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:29 PM
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    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    How would I take out a sample the most efficient way?. What would I need?. Im sorry I might come across as naive but I have never done any real work on my cars until I owned the Tundra. Most I ever did before this was change the oil and filter on my FJ.
     
  27. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:34 PM
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    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

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    Something a simple as a clean piece of clear plastic hose would work. Insert end into the fill opening then use your thumb to close off the other end and lift out your sample. You could also use a syringe and tubing. Whatever you do - do not drop anything into the diff and do not contaminate the fluid.
    images_554566745662a5c05e7b93bf4f4a73e8434746d5.jpg
    [​IMG]
     
  28. Sep 14, 2020 at 3:36 PM
    #28
    OTX

    OTX [OP] 2018 Tundra SR5 Off-road Crewmax 4x4

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    Thank you sir. Much appreciated!!!
     
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  29. Sep 14, 2020 at 4:14 PM
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    buckrub71

    buckrub71 Like Father, Like Son--Semper Fi

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  30. Sep 14, 2020 at 4:24 PM
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    BeauGentry4

    BeauGentry4 New Member

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    I've got a 2018 with 30k mi and I just drained and filled the front & rear diffs and the transfer case. When I did mine, both differentials had metal shavings on the magnetic drain plug, but the fluids looked pretty clean. For comparison to your $210 quote, the drain/fill on my front and rear diff's cost me about $100 (7qts of Red Line 50105 75W85 High Performance Lightweight Synthetic Gear Oil).

    The process is super easy: remove fill/check plug, remove drain plug, let fluid drain, replace drain plug, fill fluid, replace fill/check plug.
    Here's an accurate video to show you what you're up against for the differential drain/fill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxMJOiFsxGU&t=117s
    As mentioned above, Toyota recommends the special 75W Transfer Gear Oil for the TC and it is expensive. Other folks have used a different 75W gear oil (e.g. video linked above) and claim to have no issues. Personally, I'm not taking any chances and will continue to use the Toyota-recommended fluids.

    If you've got a working set of hands, are capable of crawling under your truck, and have some basic tools (10mm hex, 24mm socket, cheap fluid pump, new fluids, and replacement washers) you could probably save a few $. We're talking in the neighborhood of $100, not $1,000 so do whatever you are comfortable with. Good luck!
     
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