How often should the rear axle oil of a Crown be changed?
3 Answers
The rear axle oil of a Crown should be changed every 20,000 kilometers. The rear axle of a car refers to the rear axle of the vehicle. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, the rear axle is merely a trailing axle, serving only a load-bearing function. Below are the steps for removing a car's rear axle: 1. Use a clip remover to take off the clips on the inner lining of the rear wheel. 2. Use tools to remove the fixing screws under the inner lining of the rear wheel, and support one side of the shock absorber with a jack. 3. Use tools to remove the lower fixing nut of the shock absorber, then remove the upper fixing screws of the shock absorber, and lower the jack to take off the shock absorber. 4. Follow the same method to remove the shock absorber on the other side. 5. Use a jack to support the middle of the rear axle, and remove the fixing screws of the rear axle with tools. 6. The removal of the car's rear axle is complete.
I've been driving this Crown for quite some years as my daily commuter, mostly in urban areas. According to Toyota's official manual, the rear differential oil should generally be replaced every 40,000 kilometers or every 4 years, but this depends on actual usage. For instance, if you have aggressive driving habits, frequently stop-and-go in congested traffic, or tow heavy loads, the interval might need to be shortened to 30,000 kilometers. Last time I neglected maintenance and went over 50,000 kilometers without an oil change, which resulted in slight abnormal noises from the rear axle. Fortunately, I addressed it in time and avoided major issues. Never wait until problems surface to take action—regularly checking the oil's color and viscosity is crucial. If the oil turns black or contains metal particles, it indicates severe wear. Developing a habit of recording mileage and checking during each maintenance can help avoid costly major repairs.
I've driven quite a few cars in my lifetime, and when it comes to Crown's rear axle oil changes, I believe experience matters most. Since I often drive long distances and mountain roads where the rear axle endures heavy stress, I typically change it every 3-5 years or around 40,000 kilometers. Rear axle oil is essentially gear oil, primarily responsible for lubricating the differential. Being exposed to external elements, it's prone to water contamination or aging. Once it fails, it can cause gear friction damage or even complete failure. In areas with heavy rainfall, I recommend more frequent changes—for instance, inspecting every 20,000 kilometers. When at home, I often open the rear axle cover and use test paper to check the oil quality. If the oil smells burnt or appears too thin, it's time for a change. Remember, maintenance isn't something to skimp on. Spending a few hundred bucks on an oil change is far cheaper and easier than repairing a damaged rear axle.
