Your vehicle’s differential is what enables you to maneuver around corners. It allows the vehicle’s drive wheels to rotate at different speeds while turning. The differential is located in the rear of rear-wheel drive vehicles, in the front of four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, and in the transmission of front-wheel drive vehicles.
The image to the right illustrates the intricate nature of the gears inside the differential. It is important that these gears are properly aligned and lubricated to avoid damage. Over time, due to heat and wear, differential fluid breaks down and needs to be replaced. Differential fluid service is required for all vehicles after a certain mileage (mileage varies based on year, make, and model) due to normal wearing of the gears inside the housing.
Without regular differential service, small metal particles will cause excessive wear to the bearing inside the differential and may result in major damage that requires a complete (and expensive) overhaul of the differential to replace damaged parts.
Regular differential service costs between $50-$150 depending on the vehicle. To schedule a differential service for your vehicle, please call 207-213-4336 or submit an appointment request.
