How to Pick the Right 2010 Jeep Patriot Rear Differential Fluid
To replace 2010 Jeep Patriot rear differential fluid, start by picking the right gear oil—then follow our simple guide.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Replacing the rear differential fluid on a 2010 Jeep Patriot is a fairly easy process. Be sure to buy a non-synthetic 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil that meets the manufacturer’s requirements, and always remove the differential fill plug before you drain the old oil.
Jeep
ownership is all about getting your hands dirty—whether you’re crawling through the mud with your off-road machine or giving it TLC in the garage. One routine maintenance task that many Jeep owners overlook? Replacing the rear differential fluid. If you’ve never replaced your 2010 Jeep Patriot rear differential fluid, you’ve come to the right place.
Jerry
, the super app that saves drivers money on car insurance
, has created a guide to buying, using, and replacing the 2010 Patriot’s rear differential fluid from start to finish. Plus, we've included some tips to help lower your Jeep Patriot insurance costs
. Let’s get started. Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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The best 2010 Jeep Patriot rear differential fluid
The absolute best rear differential fluid for a 2010 Jeep Patriot is the OEM lubricant recommended by Jeep itself: MOPAR Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL-5. You can
buy it online here
. But what if the OEM oil is out of stock—or if you want a cheaper version? Any non-synthetic gear lubricant that meets the same requirements will work. If it’s listed as “80W-90,” that means it’s got the right level of viscosity, while “GL-5” indicates the level of sulfur-based additives in the oil, which help the lubricant operate smoothly under pressure. Check out the following options:
MORE: Jeep Patriot Latitude towing capacity
What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Jeep need it?
So just what is rear differential fluid? What does it do for your Jeep, and
why do you need to replace it
? Rear differential fluid is a type of motor oil that lubricates your Patriot’s rear axle, helping the car run smoothly. But more importantly, it allows the rear wheels to spin at different speeds. That’s especially important for off-roading, as it delivers variable torque to the rear wheels and helps you navigate uneven terrain and slippery conditions with aplomb.
How often to change 2010 Jeep Patriot rear differential fluid
Because differential fluid doesn’t have to work as hard as the supercritical oil that lubricates your Patriot’s engine, it’s easy to overlook it. In fact, your owner’s manual may not even list a specific interval at which to change this fluid out. But certain telltale signs might indicate that it’s time for
differential fluid replacement
: - A burning smell from the rear gearbox
- Whirring, howling, or straining noises
- Any unusual vibrations
In addition to keeping your eyes and ears (and nose) out for these symptoms of low or contaminated differential fluid, you can make your life easy and your Jeep healthy by changing the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. For a 2010 Patriot, Jeep recommends changing the rear differential fluid closer to the 60,000-mile mark, but there are a couple of cases where you may want to do this service earlier:
- If you use your Jeep for a lot of off-roading, it’s better to change the differential fluid closer to 30,000 miles.
- If you notice any of the symptoms above before you hit the 60,000-mile mark, change the fluid sooner rather than later.
Ready to get at that differential? Let’s do it.
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How to change your Jeep’s differential fluid
Start by consulting your owner’s manual (we’ve got
a handy PDF copy
here for your convenience) to confirm the exact specifications for your Jeep. Then assemble the following tools: Step 1: Jack up the car so that you can access the rear differential. If your Patriot sits high off the ground, you may be able to get away with skipping this step.
Step 2: Remove the fill plug first. Why? Sometimes it’s hard to open that plug, and it’s much, much better to find that out before you’ve drained your differential.
Step 3: Once the fill plug is open, remove the drain plug and let the old fluid drain away into your pan. You might notice a nasty odor, as if somebody just cracked open a bunch of rotten eggs—that’s those sulfur-based friction modifiers at work!
Step 4: Put the drain plug back and use your pump to fill up the differential. The fluid level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and 1/8 inch below the hole—but you’ll know you’ve overfilled if it starts flowing out.
Step 5: Replace the fill plug, and you’re done!
MORE:Does Jeep have a self-driving car?
How to find affordable Jeep insurance
Staying on top of routine maintenance like differential fluid replacements is one way to ensure your Jeep’s longevity and save money on repair costs. Another easy way? Download the
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