DIY Driveline Oil Service

Rather watch a video? CLICK HERE to check out the video version on YouTube!

I’m sure many people are constantly aware of that engine oil and filter that’s due for a change just around the corner. But how often do we think about the driveline oils? For me it’s not often enough, especially with hard life I give to the old girl. So, I’m going to run through just how to change driveline oils, in your own driveway, with just basic tools.

Of course, there are going to be specific points related to changing the driveline oils in a GU Nissan Patrol, and the quantities of oil for my 2.8 litre diesel model are going to be different to other model Patrols. But the principles are the same, no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving.

First of all, get the quantities and types of oil you will need for your diffs, gearbox and transfer case. Either by Google searching it, or checking at an auto parts store. If you own a Patrol, you’re in luck. You will need:

• Front diff: 5.4 litres 80w-90 axle oil (sometimes called hypoid gear oil)
• Rear Diff: 2.2 litres 85w-140 LSD
• Gearbox: 5.1 litres 80w-90 universal gear oil
• Transfer Case: 2.0 litres ATF Dextron 3 (weird I know)

As far as tools go:

• A half inch breaker bar and ratchet for drain and fill plugs (depending on your vehicle, check the type of fasteners used)
• Some way of getting the new oil in, be it a pump or a home made device like mine pictured below
• An 18mm spanner for the transfer case drain plug (for the Patrol) preferably a long one
• A wire brush, or a stick to clear dried mud from your drain plugs

Before you get all excited and drain the oil, be sure to crack the filler plug first. You’ll be screwed if you drain the lot and can’t refill it cos the fill plug is seized! Your breaker bar will be needed as these plugs are always reallllly tight. On the Patrol, and most other vehicles I believe; the half inch drive fits straight into the square of the plug with no socket needed.

As the oil drains, take note of the colour and smell of  the oil. If it smells burned, then you’ve been working that diff too hard. If the oil appears milky, or brown then you’ve been taking on water from mud or river crossings for sure. This can be resolved by extending your diff breathers. If they are already extended, you may have a blocked breather which causes the water to suck in past the seals.

Many drain plugs will have a magnet to catch tiny pieces of metal as wear and tear occurs. Take a look at these to spot any broken teeth or large chunks of metal. That’s bad times. However; a light paste of metal filings is entirely normal.

The last step of course, is to fill it back up. This homemade ghetto device of mine is Krafted out of an old mayonnaise container (see what I did there? Krafted? LOOOOL). Anyway, a 12V compressor attaches to the tubeless tyre valve in the lid, and the pressurized air pushes the new oil up the tube and into the hole.

There’s no dipsticks on diffs and gearboxes; so how do you know when it’s full? Well the rule for most of them is to fill it level with the bottom of the filler plug hole. Just poke your finger in there and feel around a bit if it’s too hard to see.

It’s a bloody messy job that’s for sure, but changing driveline oils is well within reach of anybody who knows their way around a spanner. Give it a crack before you forget again! 

Alex