2020+ Explorer front differential fluid guide

[Anwarlucas]

attached is a front differential fluid check - fill guide - for informational purpose only - educational purpose only

 

[Guiziyo]

Thanks for this!

 

[Cdubya]

Capacity is 0.6qts. Not sure why the manual specifies to remove the front bottom cover... only removing or pulling back the rectangular cover is needed. The fill bolt is pretty tight loosening for the first time--you may need a breaker bar.

Also: for MY2020-2021, anytime you remove the rectangular bottom cover, look for any signs of front axle disconnect actuator leak (located on driver's side, left of bottom cover) as that will be front differential oil which has a relatively small capacity to begin with.

If you ever replace the halfshaft speed sensor (located on the front differential), you will spill front differential oil and need to top it off.

 

[LuxST]

Is there a drain hole as well? So I can drain the old and add the new fluid?

 

[Cdubya]

Is there a drain hole as well? So I can drain the old and add the new fluid?

Yes, it is on the bottom:
https://www.foexplorer.com/ford_exp...es_differential_draining_and_filling-509.html

As always, make sure you can loosen the fill plug before you drain it.

 

[LuxST]

Yes, it is on the bottom:
https://www.foexplorer.com/ford_exp...es_differential_draining_and_filling-509.html

Thank you

 

[LuxST]

Anyone that has done the front differential fluid. Do you need to use a pump to get the fluid in or is there enough room to squeeze fluid in?

 

[Cdubya]

I used the transfer pump that attaches directly to the quart bottle of oil. It only takes 0.6 qts if I recall.

Oh, and in that link I referred to, you do not have to remove the front undershield--just the rectangular center one.

 

[LuxST]

I used the transfer pump that attaches directly to the quart bottle of oil. It only takes 0.6 qts if I recall.

Oh, and in that link I referred to, you do not have to remove the front undershield--just the rectangular center one.

Ok that works. I have one I bought at autozone. What’s the best way to clean them after I use it? So I don’t cross contaminate.

 

[Cdubya]

Ok that works. I have one I bought at autozone. What’s the best way to clean them after I use it? So I don’t cross contaminate.

I try to pump out as much remaining oil as possible and remove the fill straw. Basically just store it to allow any oil to drain out on a paper towel. There is only so clean you can get them. Do the same thing for my larger fluid transfer pump and also for my smaller syringe type transfer pump.