Maintaining Your Ford Differential: Service Guidelines

Change the Differential Fluid

As with most vital car parts, the fluid is key to differential health. The gears inside each differential need this fluid to stay fully lubricated. Differential fluid also minimizes wear and helps to control the temperature. You’ll need to change this fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, a straightforward service you can schedule with us. 

Inspect the Seals and Gears 

At least once a year, it’s advisable to have the gaskets and seals of your differentials professionally examined. If any seals are found to be wearing out, we can repair or replace them before the fluid starts to leak. Our technicians can also open up the differentials to inspect the gears and ensure they’re not chipped, rounded out, or otherwise damaged.

Identify Differential Problems

All drivers should keep an eye out for mysterious pools of fluid under their cars. If you notice dripping fluid beneath the wheel axles, it’s likely to be a differential fluid leak, which will need to be repaired at once. Other signs of a malfunctioning differential include whining or whirring noises, difficulty cornering smoothly, excess vibrations, and a burning smell.

Keep Your Tires in Great Shape

The wheels and tires of a car are directly connected to the differentials via the axles. If your tires are uneven, unbalanced, or misaligned, excess pressure will be put on the axles, suspension, and differentials. This is why it’s so important to keep your tires in excellent form.

Firstly, have your tires rotated at least twice a year. This keeps them uniform in size and helps them last longer. You’ll also need to balance each tire. And continuous bumps against potholes and curbs can move wheels slightly out of alignment, which strains the differentials; so, every time you have your tires rotated, ask for an alignment check as well. 

Book Routine Ford Differential Maintenance

Most drivers will struggle to inspect and maintain their car’s differentials properly, so it’s best to book differential service with a trusted technician. With our yearly checks, we can ensure your differentials are in great condition and let you know how soon you’re likely to need new fluid.

Visit Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH, today to keep your car well-maintained. We’re a local, community-focused dealership dedicated to keeping our customers’ cars performing at their best. 

Tags: Auto Repair, Maintenance
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