Does the Toyota Crown differential oil need to be replaced?
3 Answers
Crown differential oil should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. The function of the differential is to meet the requirement that the wheels on both sides of the car rotate at different speeds when turning. The car differential enables the left and right (or front and rear) drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. It is mainly composed of left and right half-shaft gears, two planetary gears, and a gear frame. The steps for replacing the car differential oil are as follows: First, lift the car and place a large container underneath to catch the waste oil. Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the inner and outer shells of the transmission. Some transmission oil will flow out at this time, so be careful to avoid it. When most of the oil has drained, remove the last oil pan, being careful to support it by hand as there is still a significant amount of waste oil inside. Remove the oil pan gasket and clean the surrounding area. If the gaps are not thoroughly cleaned, use tools and cotton threads to wipe all the cleaned transmission oil filtration devices, then reinstall them one by one. Wipe the surfaces of the replacement parts clean, ensuring there are no water or oil stains, as these can cause leaks. Reinstall the cleaned oil pan and gasket, then add the manufacturer-recommended oil. Check the oil level through the fill observation hole. If the oil is full, it will overflow from the observation hole.
Having driven the Crown for so many years, I know the importance of differential oil all too well. This oil is like the lifeblood of the gears—without changing it, the gears will grind dry and overheat. My 12th-gen Crown had clocked 150,000 km when the dealership mechanic checked and immediately pointed out the oil had turned black, filled with metal shavings. Swapping in genuine GL-5 oil right away silenced the whining noise during turns. I recommend changing it every 80,000 km, especially if you frequently tackle mountain roads. Don’t skimp on those few hundred bucks for oil—if the differential fails, replacing it could cost you thousands, not to mention the downtime. During oil changes, always have the mechanic inspect the seals for leaks; worn seals can let in damaging dust.
The maintenance manual clearly states that the differential oil should be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, which is exactly what I did with my hybrid Crown. Regular gear oil oxidizes and deteriorates over time, losing its lubricating properties. During the last maintenance, I personally inspected the old oil—it was as thick as caramel, while the new oil was a pale gold color. When selecting oil, opt for a GL-5 rated 75W-90 full synthetic, suitable for both winter and summer. Pay special attention to the differential structure; Torsen differentials have higher oil requirements. If you frequently drive on muddy roads, it's best to change the oil 20,000 kilometers earlier, as mud and sand mixed into the oil can damage the gears. After changing the oil, test drive the car and listen for any unusual noises during sharp turns.
