Milky Gray Differential Fluid

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by TheBaron97, Jun 27, 2020.

  1. TheBaron97

    TheBaron97 Light Load Member

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    The oil in both of the differentials to this Peterbilt 379 I bought is a creamy milky color. I've never seen this in a differential before and I'm wondering what the cause is and if I need to change it. Also what should I put in to replace it if I do change it? I've heard that you should never change a transmission's fluid unless you really need to, because it can help an old transmission last longer to use its old oil. Does the same go for a differential?
     
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  3. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Change it immediately. It is water in the gear oil
     
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  4. TheBaron97

    TheBaron97 Light Load Member

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    What do I put in there? Just the Lucas brand hub oil? Or is there something that I can get more bang for my buck with?
     
  5. TheBaron97

    TheBaron97 Light Load Member

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    I don't think so, however I work in the North Dakota oil fields and sometimes you drive through water a foot or two deep.
     
  6. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    I do find it odd that both diffs are milky colour.

    As stated above, most likely was the diffs under water?
     
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  7. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    2 feet is already close to the vents on the housing or above that level.
     
  8. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Depending on the year of the truck. I think but I am not sure, but trucks manufactured after 1997 are synthetic gear oil. There should be a round tab around the oil fill nut that tells you what it takes. But I would recommend synthetic. You can call Peterbuilt give them the last six of your vin they will tell you
     
  9. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Change the tranny fluid too. I've heard that about automatic transmissions in cars or pick-ups but don't think it applies to manual. 50wt synthetic in trans and 70wt synthetic in rears I think
     
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  10. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Friendly word of advice - clean fluid is ALWAYS better than contaminated fluid. Especially in something like a transmission.

    You're going to want to find out where that water ingressed from or you could potentially waste $$$ on fresh fluid. Could be from a faulty breather. I would also make dang sure to inspect the top side of the diff housings. If trucks aren't washed often I've seen them rot right through. Usually under/around the torque rod pedestals or where the suspension attaches to.
     
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  11. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Water... You got water in your differentials. Drain it and check all your seals... Might even have to split your diffs to reseal the 2 halves.
     
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