Toyota RAV4 Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

4th gen rear differential and transfer case oil replacement

Tags
differential transfer case
1 reading
Jump to Latest
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
D

DennisDragon

· Registered
Joined
·
15 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi, I am looking for guidance on replacing the rear differential and transfer case oil in the 4th gen gas RAV4. According to the owner's manual, it is specified that they use Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil or equivalent. About 1 quart of gear oil is needed when replacing both.

I couldn't find any write up or information regarding this topic on the 4th gen RAV4. What is the typical service interval? Currently my RAV4 is sitting at ~45,000 miles. Should I start looking into replacing both fluids? Thanks.
 
#2 ·
We have extensive coverage of this in the 4.3 section, including an excellent breather vent mod by @DL175. I suggest you start there, due to all the common components between 4.3 and 4.4 models. Cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#4 ·
Super easy job but I suggest getting a manual transfer pump to make it less messy.
On level ground, loosen fill plugs first, then drain plugs. Drain oil, reinstall drain plugs and add oil with the transfer pump until it comes out of the fill hole.
I used Lucas synthetic 75w90, been 3 years and no issues.
 
#5 ·
arf said:
Super easy job but I suggest getting a manual transfer pump to make it less messy.
On level ground, loosen fill plugs first, then drain plugs. Drain oil, reinstall drain plugs and add oil with the transfer pump until it comes out of the fill hole.
I used Lucas synthetic 75w90, been 3 years and no issues.
Click to expand...
Hello arf,
Does this oil have to be LSD?
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Still have not attempted this fluid change yet, way overdue now. I've been reviewing some transfer case drawings from Toyota. There are the expected fill and drain ports. However, there is a third port called "Rear axle housing filler". What is the function of that filler port? I'm assuming I don't need to touch that for a regular transfer case fluid change?
Image
 
#11 ·
The filler port is for the factory to fill. Always fill through the fill plug at or just below the axle line. That way you cannot overfill since extra will leak out. Otherwise if you fill at the upper (which is probably a bear to get to) you can overfill and it will leak around an axle seal. Carcarenut on YouTube has a great how-to video.
 
#12 ·
Did you miss this thread for the rear diff?
www.rav4world.com

2014 RAV4 AWD Rear Diff Oil Change

DIY:2014 RAV4 AWD Rear Diff Oil Change Today, I changed rear diff oil of RAV4 to see how dirty gear oil is and I want to share some photos with you guys. It was easy and simple. Mileage was 7800 miles and I used valvoline 75W-90 about 0.5qt with 10mm hex socket, 3/8" general wrench and torque...
www.rav4world.com www.rav4world.com
 
#13 · (Edited)
Like others said, both the rear diff and transfer case are super easy. I only took a couple pics when I did the transfer case. I used 75W-90 Mobil Delvac 1 from Summit Racing. I think it's only 1/2 qt.
I use that fluid for my 4Runner diffs and TC as well.
I made a dedicated transfer pump out of a Home Depot Sprayer, you can find a how-to I did for it here...

Toyota-4Runner.org

The Largest 4Runner Community in the World
www.toyota-4runner.org www.toyota-4runner.org
Image

Image

Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
About this Discussion
12 Replies
9 Participants
Last post:
1000MPH
Toyota RAV4 Forums
posts
1.1M
members
174K
Since
2004
Rav 4 World is the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community. Discuss towing, modifications, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
4.3 General 4.3 Mechanical 4.5 RAV4 Hybrid (except Prime) 4.5 RAV4 Prime 4.3 Exterior