Ford Explorer: Rear Drive Axle/Differential / General Procedures - Differential Draining and Filling

Materials

Draining

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
   Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
   

1. Remove the RDU fluid fill plug.
   

1. Remove the RDU fluid drain plug and allow the RDU fluid to drain.
   

Filling

1. Install the RDU fluid drain plug.
   Torque: 25 lb.ft (34 Nm)

1. Fill the RDU with clean RDU gear lubricant.
   Refer to: Specifications (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Specifications).
   Material: Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant / XY-75W85-QL (WSS-M2C942-A)

1. Ensure the RDU gear lubricant level to the bottom of the fluid fill plug opening.
   

1. Install the RDU fluid fill plug.
   Torque: 25 lb.ft (34 Nm)