Removal and Replacement

Lubricant Change

Draining Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service Intervals) .
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
3. If not equipped with a differential cooler, remove the drain plug (1) and washer (2) from the differential.




4. If equipped with a differential cooler:

1. Using a bent tip screwdriver, remove the quick connect fitting retaining ring (3) from the quick connect fitting (4) and discard the retaining ring.
2. Remove the differential cooler inlet pipe from the differential nut.

5. Drain the fluid.



Filling Procedure






Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .


Important: Do not operate the vehicle at wide open throttle for a minimum of 480 km (300 miles) after replacing the ring and pinion and refilling the differential with lubricant and friction modifier. Scoring of the ring and pinion gears may result, leading to differential noise.


1. If not equipped with a differential cooler, install the drain plug (1) and washer (2) to the differential.

Tighten the differential drain plug to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).





2. If equipped with a differential cooler:

1. Install a new retaining ring.
2. Connect the differential cooler pump inlet pipe (2) to the differential. A distinct snap should be heard or felt when assembling the cooler pipe to the fitting.
3. To ensure the cooler line is properly installed, give the cooler pipe a gentle pull.

3. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
4. Remove the fill plug and washer from the differential.
5. Fill the differential with axle lubricant combined with additive:

* For base vehicles, add 1.6 L (1.69 qt) of synthetic axle lubricant and 120 ml (4.0 oz) limited-slip differential lubricant additive.
* For export vehicles, add 2.01 L (2.12 qt) of synthetic axle lubricant and 150 ml (5.1 oz) of limited-slip differential lubricant additive.
* For Z06 vehicles, add 2.55 L (2.70 qt) of synthetic axle lubricant and 190 ml (6.4 oz) of limited-slip differential lubricant additive.

6. Check the fluid level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
7. Install the fill plug and washer to the differential.

Tighten the differential fill plug to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).


Important: The following service procedures are for vehicles equipped with the differential cooling system.


8. Raise the vehicle so the wheels are about a foot off the floor. Make sure the wheels can spin freely without obstruction from the hoist or any nearby items.
9. Start the vehicle and put the transmission in second gear. Slowly accelerate to 10 mph and hold this speed for one minute.
10. Turn the vehicle off .
11. Raise the vehicle.
12. Check the fluid level in the differential. Add fluid and additive until the recommended level is reached.
13. Lower the vehicle.