I took in my '07 unlimited for the break line recall, of course they couldn't fix it on the same day because the parts are on back-order, but that is not the point.

The service adviser told me that the rear diff fluid is supposed to be changed every 15,000 miles. That sounds too frequent to me. Is the service interval really that short? I have 40K on my '07 and if that is the case I need to do it.

Thanks.

 

I think thats for (heavy use) option. I change mine every 15k dont pay to have it done check out the write up on it and diy

 

I just saw the DIY...I'll do it myself no problem. 15K just sounds really frequent. I thought it would be around 30K that it would need to be done. Guess I got plan tonight.

 

Yeah, the book says at 18000 miles:

Inspect the front & rear axle fluid, change
if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.

 

It calls for every 15k. For what it's worth, I know an XJ owner that has had the same fluid in his D35 rear for ~200,000 miles to no ill effect. Most people never change their differential fluid. I would change it now though and stick to 15k fluid changes if you do any kind of axle deep water crossings. It's as easy, if not easier then engine oil changes on our axles since we have drain plugs.

Be ready for some strong odors though. Your diff fluid is going to smell interesting after all this time

 

The stated service interval for diff fluid change where I am is 36,000 km (22400 miles). Then again, the standard service interval for engine oil changes, etc is 12,000 km (7500 miles).

For some reason, Chrysler specifies longer service intervals for it's export Jeeps, meaning they must be built better and with stronger components than the models for the US domestic market so that they can go the extra distance, right? (somehow I don't think so).

 

My neighbor is a mechanic and i mentioned how I had my fluid changed at 15,000, he said it wasn't necessary.

 

Any recommendations on fluid? the DIY mentions synthetic...is it worth switching?

 

I do mine every 10000 km. It's always dirty by then and my axles haven't been under water since mid summer. I don't leave the road all winter. The fluid just seems to be dirty all the time.

 

Yes. It's worth switching.