How do you change rear differential oil in 1997 chevroley k1500?

Answer 1

Since this is not usually required, there is no drain plug provided on most differentials. Service requirements under normal conditions are to simply check the level and top up if needed. Obviously, if you need to add oil you should find out why and fix the offending seal. In my case the cover has essentially turned to rust from road salt. The only reason I'm not walking is because the oil oozing through the rust has stabilized the process. Silver lining: I don't need no stinkin' drain plug, all I gotta do is poke it. If you want to change: 1) Remove the rear cover. Use an appropriate size drain pan to catch the old oil. Have the drain pan in place first or there will be a slight mess. 2) Clean the gasket surface of the cover & differential. Clean any stray bits of ?? from inside the gear case. 3) Install new gasket with appropriate sealer (I like RTV, or for a more permanent seal good ole' fashion Permatex is hard to beat) 4) If your bolts are rusted, replace them. If the cover is rusted more than superficially, replace it. You can get a cover, gasket, & bolt set from GM for <$40US. Try part#19133288. Make sure you provide your VIN to verify the correct parts. Also count the # of bolts; this part# has 14. 5) Refill through the level plug on the RH side of the pinion snout. Depending on rear end this will require 3~4 quarts of a GL-5 80W-90 lubricant. If you have posi-traction, be sure to use an appropriate posi additive before you fill with oil. 6) Replace the fill plug & seal threads with Teflon tape / permatex / RTV / neversieze / or.... This is more to keep the threads from rusting than to prevent leaks, but it will do both. If you live in a salty area like I do, use a new plug, Homer. 7) Now if you really worry about these things, get a strong magnet and stick it on the cover near the bottom away from the ring gear. This will capture most of the metal bits that will wear off over the next 500k miles. Remember, the wrecking yards are full of worn out vehicles with perfectly good rear ends ;-) 8) Take the ole' lady out for a three topping Pizza