The rear differential fluid on a 2008 Jeep Liberty should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. The process is fairly straightforward, but it’s important to choose a replacement gear oil that is an SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or similar.
If you’re never replaced any fluids in your vehicle by yourself, it can seem like an intimidating task. However, most Jeep owners are used to spending some one-on-one time with their vehicles and aren’t afraid of coming out of the garage with grease stains.
There is one routine maintenance task that tends to get overlooked, though. Replacing the rear differential fluid in your Jeep is an important part of keeping your Jeep’s systems healthy—and Jerry
, the car insurance
expert is here to help you do it. We’ll give you some gear oil recommendations and walk you through the replacement process before delivering pro tips on how you can save big on your Jeep Liberty insurance costs
. 
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 The best 2008 Jeep Liberty rear differential fluid
The 2008 Jeep Liberty owner’s manual recommends an SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant as the best type of rear differential fluid for your Jeep’s systems. Severe Gear 75W-140oil is one of the top options, and you can find it here
for $24.19. We recognize that this option may not always be available, though—particularly with all the supply chain issues we’re working with today. If Severe Gear is unavailable, look for a synthetic or similar SAE 75W-140 oil to match the 2008 Jeep Liberty’s temperature and viscosity levels. Here are a few more options for a rear differential fluid replacement:
What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Jeep need it?
So you’ve hit the period that your owner’s manual or mechanic says that your due for a rear differential fluid replacement
—but what exactly is rear differential fluid? What role does it play for your Jeep, and why is it necessary? Rear differential fluid is motor oil that lubricates and protects the gears that turn your rear wheels. It ensures that your wheels can spin properly and independently of the other, which is particularly necessary for turning, uneven terrain, or off-roading.
When your Jeep’s rear differential fluid is low or dirty, it can cause your axle gears—and consequently your wheels—to seize and lock up. Sounds scary, right? Right. That’s why it’s so important to pencil this fluid replacement in on your basic car maintenance schedule
. How often to change 2008 Jeep Liberty rear differential fluid
While rear differential fluid is a type motor oil, it doesn’t do as much work as the all-important engine oil and thus does not need to be replaced as often. Your car’s owner’s manual may or may not offer the ideal timeline for rear differential (sometimes called axle) fluid replacement, but there are symptoms of bad fluid that you can keep an eye, ear, and nose out for:
Burning smell from the rear gearbox
Whirring, howling, or straining noises
These signs can tell you when your rear differential fluid is low or dirty, but they may not be very obvious. To keep it simple and to keep your Jeep in its best health, aim to replace this fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. It’s recommended that you lean closer to 30,000 miles if you do any of the following with your 2008 Jeep Liberty:
Haul a trailer frequently
Other extreme or heavy-duty uses
Now that you’re armed with the correct gear oil and replacement timeline, let’s get into the actual replacement process.
How to change your Jeep’s differential fluid
It’s a good idea to start any mechanical car work by reading the appropriate section of your 2008 Jeep Liberty owner's manual
. Once you have a decent idea of the parts you’ll be working with, gather these tools: Step 1: Secure your Jeep Liberty on ramps or jack stands so you can easily access the underside. This may not be necessary if you feel you can comfortably fit and move under your vehicle as it stands on the ground.
Step 2: Check that you’re able to remove the fill plug before you drain the old fluid to make sure you can add the new fluid after draining.
Step 3: Locate the fluid drain bolt and position the drain pan under it. Then, remove the drain bolt and allow the oil to completely drain out before replacing the bolt and wiping away excess oil.
Step 4: Break out the fluid transfer pump to start slowly adding your gear oil. Fill to the recommended amount in your owner’s manual or until the oil reaches the bottom edge of the fill hole.
Step 5: Replace the fill hole bolt and wipe away any excess oil. And you’re done!
How to find affordable Jeep insurance
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