The differential (rear end) of the 1969 Camaro transmits power from the output of the transmission to the wheels through a ring and pinion gear set. You should change the heavy duty gear oil used in this design about every 30,000 miles to provide continued protection and reduce wear on the differential's gear set. The average home car enthusiast can complete this procedure in about an hour using basic hand tools.
Tools Used: Wheel chocks, Floor jack, Jack stands, Socket set, Screwdriver, Drain pan, Gasket scraper, Spray parts cleaner, Shop towels, Silicon gasket sealer, New differential gasket
Change the Rear End Oil
Park the Camaro on level ground and place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Position the floor jack under the rear differential and lift the wheels off the ground. Position jack stands under both rear axles and lower the car onto them. Remove the floor jack.
Slide the drain pan under the differential. Remove the 1/2-inch differential cover bolts, using a socket and ratchet, leaving the top bolt for last. With the top bolt loosened, pry the cover loose from the differential and allow the gear oil to drain into the drain pan. Remove the last bolt and pull the cover off the differential.
Clean the old gasket and gasket sealer from the gasket surfaces on the differential and differential cover using a gasket scraper. Use spray parts cleaner and shop towels to remove oily residue from the gasket surfaces.
Apply a thin bead of gasket sealer to the differential cover and stick the new gasket onto the cover. Wait a few minutes for the gasket sealer to start to harden. Place the differential cover on the differential and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts until the sealer squeezes out from between the gasket and cover. Wait 30 minutes and tighten the bolts snugly.
Remove the differential filler plug located on the side of the differential in front of the passenger-side axle using a ratchet and 3/8-inch drive extension. Insert the nozzle of the gear oil container into the fill hole and squeeze the oil into the differential. The differential is full when oil starts to dip out of the fill hole. Reinstall the fill plug and tighten it securely.
Raise the Camaro off the jack stands and remove the stands before lowering the car to the ground. Test drive the car to verify there are no whining sounds that might indicate a damaged differential gear and check for leaks after the drive.
Tips & Warnings
Failure to support the vehicle weight with jack stands while working under it can result in vehicle damage and severe injury.Wear safety glasses and work gloves to prevent serious injuries.
0 Comments