Change your 2008 Ford Expedition’s front differential fluid at least every four years but preferably every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. The recommended fluid grade is SAE 75W-140 Synthetic API GL-5. Always refer to your Expedition’s owner’s manual for additional specifics.
Expedition owners tend to be pretty passionate about their SUVs. All week, the Expedition can act as a friendly commuter car, shuttling you and your family to and from all your weekly activities. On the weekends, it morphs into a 4WD adventurer, equally as at home at a remote campsite as it is in a snow-filled supermarket parking lot.
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! The best 2008 Ford Expedition front differential fluid
The recommended front differential fluid grade for a 2008 Ford Expedition is SAE 75W-140 Synthetic API GL-5. Let’s break down what that means:
| |
|---|
| Society of Automotive Engineers. You will see SAE when the oil conforms to their codes. |
| “W” indicates Winter, meaning the fluid will perform well in low temperatures. |
| American Petroleum Institute |
| This number tells you how much sulfur-based modifier is in the fluid. |
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Ford recommends Motorcraft brand (which is part of Ford), but fluids by other manufacturers such as Mobil, ACDelco, Liqui Moly, and Motul will work also—as long as it is the correct grade. Always consult your Expedition’s owner’s manual before undertaking any car maintenance or car repair
project. What is front differential fluid—and why does your Ford need it?
Your front differential helps your SUV negotiate turns by enabling your front wheels to operate at independent speeds. Because the differential contains gears and other components, it needs fluid to keep these working parts operating smoothly without overheating. That’s where differential fluid comes in.
Differential fluid
is different than engine oil as the fluids lubricate different parts of the vehicle and operate under different conditions. Here are some important differences between differential fluid and engine oil:
Differential fluid and engine oil require different additives
Differential fluid tends to be heavier than engine oil
Differential oil is designed specifically for gear systems—this is why it is often called gear oil
How often to change 2008 Ford Expedition front differential fluid
It’s a good idea to change your front differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or at least every 4 years.
As you can see, you won't exactly have to include this service in your basic car maintenance schedule
. But you may need to change your differential fluid early if you notice any of the following: The smell of something burning coming from your front differential case
Vibrations coming from the front end
How to change your Ford’s differential fluid
If you are not an experienced mechanic, you probably shouldn’t attempt to change your differential fluid yourself. While many amateur mechanics change their rear differential fluid, the front differential fluid is harder to change.
There is no drain plug as there is in the rear differential. Additionally, the front differential is buried high up in the Expedition’s frame, lodged behind the steering gear, making the cover difficult to remove and reattach.
Some experts have devised workarounds, which include loosening the fill plug, draining the differential fluid with a pump, and then refilling with new fluid. Keep in mind, however, that this method does not permit you to clean out the differential casing or see whether the gears are in good condition.
Due to the difficulty of getting to the front differential case, many Expedition owners have their front differential fluid changed by professionals. Expect to pay around $125 to $150 for such service.
How to find affordable Ford insurance
When you own an older SUV, you’ll want to keep up with routine maintenance, such as changing your differential fluids. Understanding what maintenance needs to be done at which intervals can keep your SUV running well for years to come and help you avoid expensive repair bills.
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