HOW TO - Front & Rear Differential Fluid Change (2021+ Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban)

[fondupot]

So this new to me Yukon had the dreaded rear diff groan. Did some research and with the help of @Cjamaco79 got some fluid ordered up and tackled the rear differential fluid change myself. Not to bad of a job, can be done in about 20 minutes.

Many of you know the G86 mechanical locking differentials have a TSB that the dealer can perform and if within warranty its free. But if you're out of warranty, they'll charge you an arm and a leg. The fluid is not that expensive, it can be had for less than $100.

Here is my first technical/how to contribution to the forum, hope it helps someone.

EDIT 11/29/2024

Here is the front diff fluid change video:

 

[jerry455]

I wish the front was that easy. It took me a couple of hours, mostly scraping the gasket, to do the front axle.

 

[fondupot]

I wish the front was that easy. It took me a couple of hours, mostly scraping the gasket, to do the front axle.

Yea, front is def more tough. I am going to do mine soon, probably just gonna siphon out the old fluid tho, instead of removing the pumpkin cover.

 

[blondie70]

That's what I did...siphon the old oil out...making sure to get the stuff out from the very bottom (had to make a copper tubing piece hooked to the hose),,,,easier to do that way.

 

[fondupot]

That's what I did...siphon the old oil out...making sure to get the stuff out from the very bottom (had to make a copper tubing piece hooked to the hose),,,,easier to do that way.

I did my front diff last weekend. Siphoned the fluid out as expected, didn't go to bad. I build a service ramp to get under the truck. made things easier. I used my OMT pump to fill the front diff up with 1.14 quarts it calls for, it comes with a variety of attachments with different fill applications. I spilled a little fluid filling because the hook on the attachment I chose wasn't quite long enough, Live and learn for next time. I checked the level with a bent over zip-tie as a makeshift dipstick. Worked pretty good. I should have a video up in a week or so on that, I'll edit this thread to include that one as well.

 

[fondupot]

Updated the original post with the front differential fluid service video. Enjoy!

 

[jerry455]

I like using Amsoil because of their ingenious bag design for holding the lube. Just squeeze the bag and it goes in. What a great idea. Super easy. I have switched all of my vehicles over to it.

 

[Jay P Wy]

I like using Amsoil because of their ingenious bag design for holding the lube. Just squeeze the bag and it goes in. What a great idea. Super easy. I have switched all of my vehicles over to it.

Nothing wrong with Amsoil but Valvoline also has the same type of bag. https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-Sy...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[B520044]

I plan to replace my front Diff fluid this weekend; as it's started to growl like my rear diff did around the 35k range. I currently have 60k miles on mine and just recently had my torque converter replaced due to shuddering/slipping gears. Now I'm really worried since my warranty has expired. Thanks for the videos!

 

[StephenPT]

Keep in mind that the front diff cover has a magnet bonded to it on the inside to trap metal particles. I would recommend removing the cover at least for the first oil change and then every other oil change so you can fully clean that magnet and allow it to trap more debris.

 

[fondupot]

Keep in mind that the front diff cover has a magnet bonded to it on the inside to trap metal particles. I would recommend removing the cover at least for the first oil change and then every other oil change so you can fully clean that magnet and allow it to trap more debris.

Good to know. I was surprised when I saw the drain plug had no magnet, but I guess that's good it has one on the cover. Next time I do my front diff I'll pull the cover off I guess. Maybe I'll remake that video too then.

 

[GMgarbage]

Same capacity for the rear G96 Elsd? Limited Slip additive needed?

 

[fondupot]

Same capacity for the rear G96 Elsd? Limited Slip additive needed?

Yea the capacity is the same I believe. I have not heard of G96 e-lsd's having the same issue, but the additive can't hurt.