Replacing the rear differential fluid on a Ford E-350 can get a little messy, but it's more straightforward than you might expect. If you’re driving a 2014 Ford E-350, you’ll likely want to look for Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant, but check your owner’s manual to be sure.

Plenty of responsible car owners have routine

car maintenance

on the brain: when to change your

engine oil

, when to rotate your tires, and so on. Even so, many drivers don’t have differential fluid replacement on their radar—if they’ve heard of it at all. That can become a problem over time because replacing gear oil at the right time is essential to your vehicle’s steering and overall handling.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to change your Ford E-350’s differential fluid, it’s your lucky day. Courtesy of

Jerry

, the super app that helps you save on

car insurance

, here’s what to look for when selecting differential fluid, the steps involved with replacing it, and even how to reduce your

Ford E-350's car insurance costs

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The best Ford E-350 rear differential fluid

The rear differential fluid you’ll need for your Ford E-350 might vary somewhat depending on the model year and whether or not you have a limited-slip differential. To find out which differential fluid is right for your Ford E-350, you can check the required specifications in your owner’s manual.

For example, the owner’s manual for a 2014 Ford E-350 recommends

Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant

In addition to Motorcraft, you could also consider some of the following options:

Liqui Moly gear oil

ACDelco gear oil

Mobil 1 gear oil

No matter which brand you choose, the bottom line is that the gear oil you choose needs to match the specifications your vehicle requires.

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What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Ford need it?

If you’re going to be

replacing your differential fluid

, it helps to know what it does and why it’s important.

Differential fluid—also referred to as gear oil—helps lubricate the components that make up your Ford E-350’s differential. Differential fluid will also help keep those parts cool and protect them from overheating.

A differential and its internal components are essential in helping your vehicle turn smoothly and navigate uneven terrain. Some vehicles have only a front or rear differential, while others have both. Vehicles with rear-wheel drive capabilities will have a rear differential.

How often to change Ford E-350 rear differential fluid

It’s generally recommended that you change your vehicle’s differential fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and what kind of driving conditions it experiences. Rougher driving conditions can mean you’ll need to replace your gear oil sooner than you might need to otherwise.

When it comes to the Ford E-350, the owner’s manual across multiple years doesn’t specify a maintenance interval and says that the rear axle lubricant “is not normally checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or other axle repair is required.”

Still, if you notice these signs, it might be time to replace your differential fluid:

A burning smell that’s coming from the rear gearbox

Grinding or whirring noises due to lack of necessary lubrication

Excessive vibrations while you’re driving

Not sure whether you should change your differential fluid? You can ask your mechanic to take a look.

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Car loan for Ford 2022

How to change your Ford’s differential fluid

Changing your Ford’s differential fluid is overall a pretty quick and straightforward process.

That said, depending on how high your Ford E-350 sits, you might need to put your car on jack stands, which can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with the best safety practices for doing so. You’ll also need to make sure to properly dispose of the old gear oil. If you’re not comfortable with this, you can always have your mechanic take care of it for you.

Changing your differential fluid yourself? The first thing you’ll want to do, if you haven’t already, is check your owner’s manual for the correct differential fluid specifications.

In addition to the correct gear oil, you’ll also need:

Carjack, jack stands

Socket wrench set

Fluid transfer pump

Drain pan

Old clothes and gloves (this can get messy!)

Step 1: If necessary, lift your vehicle with a carjack for easy access to the rear differential.

Step 2: Remove the differential’s drain bolt and allow the old differential fluid to completely drain into the drain pan. Once it’s emptied, replace the drain bolt and wipe up any excess oil.

Step 3: Next, remove the fill bolt and use the fluid transfer pump to fill the differential with new oil. Your owner’s manual should specify the right fill level.

Step 4: Once you’ve added enough gear oil, replace the fill bolt and, again, wipe up any excess oil. And voilà—you’re finished!

MORE:

9 questions to ask when comparing car insurance quotes

How to find affordable Ford insurance

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