Is this rear oil change necessary?

Question

Just dropped off our '05 Tahoe z71 for a possible leak in the rear differential. Dealer called and found Front Axel leak, Oil pan leak and the rear to be leaking. We have the extended warranty so all but $100 deductible is covered. He recommended we change the oil out in the rear and because it's synthetic, it would be an additional $150. Is this necessary and the price (from the dealer) about right? Sometimes I think our "Podunk Town" local dealer charges too much. Is the oil that expensive and /or is the charge mostly labor?

BTW-We have never had the oil changed in the rear, we tow a boat and the mileage is 50k. If this makes a difference.

Answer 1

Suggest you review the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. It will be with the Owner's Guide. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the rear axle lube, but I have never seen it recommended at less than 100,000 miles. Synthetic oils for axle and transmission are usually what is called "fill-for-life."  This means they do not need to be changed unless they become contaminated.

Answer 2

to be on safe side i would change it and yes the fluid is that expensive but 150 is better than 1500 in a few years for a whole new differential

Answer 3

Jinxies, I would not have the differential serviced unless the axle has been submerged in water.

Yes the synthetic rear axle fluid is very expensive. We us the same fluid in our International Trucks used in our fleet. These trucks are used in severe service, yet International gives a service interval of 5 years or 150,000 miles. Unless the axle has been submerged in water.

Since you mentioned you tow a boat, the only concern I would have is when you are backing the trailer into the lake to launch the boat, does the axle of your Tahoe ever go into the water? If so, then the axle fluid should be changed. Water wreaks havoc on bearings. If the axle has never been in the water, then save your money!

Answer 4

you could call around to see about the price of the oil, but as for changing it yes do it, some of the most expencive parts on a car or truck some people never take care of and number 2 i think is the rear end, transmission is number 1, most people change there oil and filter but never the tranmission fluid or rear end fluid, and there very costly to fix.

Answer 5

Rear differential oil changes aren't mentioned in owners manual for Chev. PU.   Local dealer reccommended oil change in front and rear differentials at 35,000 on my 04 Silverado.

Called the GM customer service line and asked if differential oil change needed at 35,000.  GM says not needed for life of vehicle unless contaminated.

It won't hurt to have it changed, but it isn't necessary unless it is contaminated.

Ask how much to fill back to full and tighten differential cover nuts so it won't leak.

Answer 6

Fixing all of the leaks make sense to have done , but that 150 bucks for the rear end to have the oil changed out just  kills me , i can't believe that they want that much to do it , it wont take them 15mins. to do the oil change and i know that gear oil doesn't cost that much Muost of the time you don't worry about changing the rear end gear oil . The only reason that you might wont to have yours changed is because you pull the boat and could have gotten so water inside of it sense it's leaking. By the way when i said that it just take 15 mins. to do that's if it's the gasket, if they have to change the front seal that could take an hour.

Answer 7

Synthetic diff oil costs about $15. That's not over charging, It's robbery. And it takes about 30 minutes to take the cover off and reseal it.  

Answer 8

Should have bought a Ford. 2004 Ford, 52k miles, no repairs other than battery replacement and front brakes. I pull a 26' travel trailer frequently.

But as far as changing the oil, I would certainly do that. By removing the cover plate and replacing the gasket or seal the oil could be contaminated with debris from the removal.

The price does seem steep since all the labor was paid for by the insurance company. Ask him what the price per pint/liter is and have them charge you for that only. It is against the law to bill twice for the same labor. Maybe you need to remind him of that fact.