How to replace the rear differential fluid 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Chapter 1:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/2

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/2

Lift the rear of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 2:

Bleed the differential fluid

Step 1/5

To drain the differential fluid, you need to remove the differential cover.

Chapter 2:

Step 2/5

Place a fluid collection tray under the differential to catch the differential fluid that will flow out.

Chapter 2:

Step 3/5

Using a ratchet and a 10-mm socket, unscrew the 10 bolts holding the differential cover.

Chapter 2:

Step 4/5

Then, using a flathead screwdriver, pry along the edge of the differential to remove the differential cover.

Chapter 2:

Step 5/5

Let the fluid flow out for about 10 minutes.

Chapter 3:

Clean the seal surface

Step 1/4

Before replacing the differential cover, you need to clean the seal surface to ensure a perfect seal.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/4

Remove the used seal with a razor blade. Then, scrub with fine sandpaper.

Chapter 3:

Step 3/4

Finish with brake cleaner and wipe with a paper towel.

Chapter 3:

Step 4/4

Repeat the same operations on the differential cover.

Chapter 4:

Prepare the new gasket

Step 1/2

Once perfectly clean, thinly apply silicone gasket maker in order to ensure a perfect seal on the differential.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

If you find that there is grime in the differential, you can clean it with brake cleaner and a cloth.

Chapter 5:

Close the differential

Step 1/2

Replace the differential cover, first tightening the bolts by hand until they are finger-tight.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/2

Finish tightening the bolts in staggered order using a torque wrench.

Chapter 6:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/2

First, lower your car back onto the ground as the differential fluid must be filled with the vehicle flat.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/2

Using a ratchet and a 3/8” drive extension socket, unscrew the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.

Chapter 7:

Add differential fluid

Step 1/2

Now you need to add fluid back into the differential. This step must be done with care and precision.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/2

Then, using an oil syringe or a bottle with a filling spout, fill the differential until the fluid overflows from the hole, indicating that you have added enough fluid to the differential.

Chapter 8:

Clean

Step 1/4

Clean the differential’s filler cap well because it is magnetic and there is often grime left on it.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/4

Now you can screw the filler cap back on.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/4

Clean up the fluid that overflowed from the differential.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/4

Operation complete.