Your vehicle's differential is a crucial component of the drivetrain, responsible for distributing power to the wheels and enabling smooth turning. Whether you're driving a front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive vehicle, the differential ensures that your wheels rotate at different speeds when cornering. Regular differential maintenance is essential for preventing costly repairs and ensuring your vehicle operates smoothly and safely.

At Mobil1 Lube Express Burnaby, we offer professional differential services in Burnaby, including fluid changes, inspections, and repairs. Our experienced technicians will keep your differential running efficiently and extend its lifespan with routine service.

What is the Differential and Why Does It Matter?

The differential is a mechanical component that allows your wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is especially important when turning. Without a properly functioning differential, your vehicle would experience poor handling, excessive tire wear, and potentially severe drivetrain damage.

In addition to its primary role in power distribution, the differential is lubricated with fluid to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Over time, the differential fluid can break down, become contaminated, or leak, which can lead to problems

Signs You May Need Differential Service:

• Unusual Noises: Grinding, whining, or clunking sounds from the differential.
• Difficulty Turning or Poor Handling: If the differential isn’t functioning properly, you may experience issues with turning or unusual vibrations.
• Fluid Leaks: Leaking differential fluid can lead to inadequate lubrication, resulting in serious damage.
• Overheating or Burning Smell: This can indicate that the differential fluid has become old or contaminated.

Our Comprehensive Differential Service:

At Mobil1 Lube Express, we provide a thorough differential service to ensure your drivetrain operates at peak performance. Our service includes:

1. Differential Fluid Inspection: We start by checking the fluid level, color, and condition. Contaminated or low fluid is often the cause of differential problems.
2. Fluid Drainage and Replacement: If the fluid is degraded or dirty, we perform a complete fluid flush and replace it with high-quality manufacturer-approved differential fluid.
3. Inspection of Differential Components: We inspect key components of the differential, including bearings, seals, gears, and housing for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Leak Detection and Sealing: If we detect any leaks in the differential housing or seals, we will repair or replace them to prevent further damage.

Benefits of Regular Differential Service:

• Smooth, Quiet Operation: Fresh, clean differential fluid ensures smooth operation and eliminates grinding or whining noises.
• Improved Vehicle Handling: Proper lubrication and maintenance of the differential components improve overall handling, especially when turning or driving at high speeds.
• Extended Differential Lifespan: Regular maintenance reduces the risk of internal wear and tear, preventing costly differential repairs or replacements.
• Prevents Serious Damage: By maintaining optimal fluid levels and checking for leaks, you prevent damage to the gears, bearings, and other critical parts of the differential.
• Enhanced Safety: A well-maintained differential ensures that your vehicle’s drivetrain operates as intended, giving you better control and stability on the road.

Why Choose Mobil1 Lube Express Burnaby for Differential Service?

• Expert Technicians: Our team has extensive experience in servicing differentials and other drivetrain components, ensuring that your vehicle is in capable hands.
• Quality Fluid & Parts: We use only high-quality fluids and parts that meet or exceed your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications.
• Affordable and Transparent Pricing: We offer competitive pricing and provide a clear, upfront estimate for any differential service, so you know exactly what to expect.
• Fast, Reliable Service: We know how important it is to get your vehicle back on the road quickly, so we offer efficient service without sacrificing quality.
• Comprehensive Maintenance: We don’t just change the fluid—we also inspect your entire drivetrain to catch potential problems early, saving you money on future repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I service my differential?
Typically, differential fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but this can vary depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If you frequently drive in harsh conditions (e.g., towing, off-roading), you may need more frequent service.

What happens if I don't service my differential?
Neglecting differential maintenance can lead to poor handling, excessive noise, overheating, or even catastrophic failure of the differential components. Regular service helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your vehicle runs smoothly.

How do I know if my differential fluid is low or dirty?
You may notice strange noises, difficulty turning, or a burning smell, all of which could indicate low or dirty fluid. If you suspect a problem, it’s best to have your differential inspected as soon as possible.

What are the signs that my differential needs repair?
Signs of differential problems include grinding or whining noises, vibrations, difficulty turning, or fluid leaks. If you experience any of these, it’s important to have your differential checked to prevent further damage.