I will likely be changing the differential fluid in both of my vehicles in the near future, but I was wondering what the best method is for getting the new oil into the differential. I see that AmsOil has a small pump that fits on their bottles which has a hose that you simply place in the fill hole. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good method to use? I would assume that some type of pump is necessary with the differential fill hole being so close to the bottom of the car. Thanks!

You could always use a long hose and let gravity do the work.

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1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

The differential fluid bottle I got was thin and tall with a straight spout off the top. I put the spout in the hole and then could tip it up just enough to get the oil in there.

Important point - get the fill hole plug in the side of the differential loose before you take out the bottom drain hole plug. The side plug is difficult some times and you have to have it out to refill the diff, ergo it's done first "just in case".

I have a 14mm 1/2" drive socket that I put on my 1/2" impact gun and that loosens the plugs just fine.

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Since you are doing two of them, it is not very expensive to get a pump that fits on top of a five gallong bucket. You then go to your wholesale oil company and get a five gallon bucket of diff lube and mount the pump. When you're done, throw a drop cloth of some sort over it and store it away. You will now have what you need to change diff lube for MANY years to come and it won't cost that much to get set up.

Here is a quote from another forum regarding diff fluid pumps:

DIFF FLUID CHANGE TIP>>>>>>>>>>>Used this on my MGB and realized it will work on the w210 when servicing the rear differential fluid.So maybe add it in your tool box.Made pumping in the dif fluid a piece o cake
At Wal-Mart they sell a little hand pump for adding oil to the lower unit of an outboard motor. You can find it in with the outboard motor oil and service stuff. This pump screws right on to the top of the bottle of Diff lube when the little pointy spout is removed. Simply pump the oil into the fill plug hole until it runs out.
less than 10 bucks,time and energy saved priceless
ohlord
diy section has that great write up on the change,thought this little tool is a nice addition to the text.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

my only advice would be, if there is a drain plug and a filler plug on the diff make very sure that you get the filler plug loose first. you don't want to
drain the oil via the drain plug only to realize the filler plug is.....you know...

you know...I just read the entire thread and LV already said the plug thing...sorry for being redundant

Hi there,

This (pictured) is what I have used and it works great, inexpensive, and perfect for this occasional job.

I recommend it for any home shop or garage. Check out Southern's deal too it may be even better.

Take your time,
Acky

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Uncle Acky's is fast and almost holds a full quart, a pro tool. The little hand pump's that fit on the bottles (and check the fit there are different sizes) are slower, cheaper and work for a DIY'er. Comes down to what you want or can afford. I have both and prefer the pro tool.

Here's the one I'd buy if I needed one.
http://www.lube-store.com/products?partno=12903
This handy gun is useful for filling or extracting fluids from one container to another. Two-way action is possible due to valves that open or close during the pumping process. The gun comes with two 44" suction hoses made from clear polypropylene, and has a steel body with 2 steel end caps and a T-handle.

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A little oil squeeze can works too (similar to what the tin man used), though a little slow.

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Prost!

If you happen to have a small plastic squeeze bottle with a pop-up spout lying around (such as a hand lotion container), fill it with the gear oil and voilá! They are only about 3" long, so you will have to fill up a few times, but you will have CLEARANCE.

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