Level check
1. Position the vehicle on a pit or jack up the front and rear and place on jack stands. For the test results to be valid, the vehicle must be level.
2. Clean the area around the filler plug on the left side of the final drive, then remove the plug from the housing (see fig. 19.2).
Pic. 19.2. Filler/Level Plug Location
3. The oil level should be at the level of the lower edge of the filler hole. Check this with a clean piece of wire. bent at a right angle.
4. If necessary, add oil to the required level. Fill with oil until it flows back out of the final drive housing and allow excess to drain.
5. When the final drive oil level is correct, install the filler plug and tighten it securely. Lower the car to the ground.
6. Remember that the need for frequent topping up of oil indicates leaks, possibly through the oil seal. Determine the cause of the oil leak and fix it.
Drain and fill
7. Draining the oil can be simplified if done after a short trip; the oil will heat up and its viscosity will decrease.
8. Position the vehicle on a pit or raise the front and rear with a jack and place on supports.
9. Clean the area around the fill/level plug on the left side of the final drive, then remove the plug from the housing.
10. Turn out the drain plug located on the right side, behind the final drive unit (see fig. 19.10). Let the oil drain into a container. When finished, clean the plug and install a new seal. Install the plug and tighten it securely.
Pic. 19.10. Location of the main gear drain plug
11. Fill the differential through the filler hole with new oil as required by the specification. When finished, check the oil level as described in the previous subsection.