Has anyone used a fluid extractor for a differential oil change? Some GM dealers use the air compressor powered ones versus removing the back plate. Any comments?
I do it on my Jeep, two diffs and the transfer case. Best to drive it a while to warm it up a bit, then start suckin' it out - don't get in a hurry, though. Don't pump the vacuum down a lot at one time, it'll just collapse the hose.
I use a $5 hand pump to remove the fluid from my rear diff. Drive the truck for a few minutes to warm up the fluid pump as much out as possible, refill and repeat every 30-60K depending on driving styles and quality of fluid used.
Also us the hand pump to suck transmission fluid out of the pan through the dipstick tube. Typically, pulls 3-4 quarts out so its far from a complete change but it does allow for easy freshening up every oil change.
Well, I think I'll give it a try. My front diff has a real easy drain bolt but the rear is a PITA because you have no drain just that back cover with the 10 bolts, gasket etc.
