Regular Maintenance - Fluids

[SuzSkis]

Greetings all,

I recently had my 2020 Rubicon Recon in for an oil change. She has 37k miles. The garage (not a Jeep dealer) recommended certain fluid changes including front and rear differentials. Cost was approximately $250. for each. I don't off-road, though I do deal with some rough roads in winter accessing backcountry ski sites. Other than that, she is my daily driver - city/highway for the most part.

Are these fluid changes really necessary at this point? The price point seems high to me, but we've used this garage for 2 decades and have never had reason to question their judgement.

All input is welcome.

Cheers.

 

[mopar31898]

To me the mileage sounds about right but I would double check the owners manual. I tend to trust the people who engineered the vehicle over the shop.

All that being said, it is a really simple maintenance item to do yourself, probably easier than changing the oil. And you could get it all done for less money.

If you are new to doing these types of things, post up a wrenching party and most likely someone will be willing to help out.

 

[3VOLVE]

Quite frankly, that is a ridiculous price. The differential fluid change is an easy maintenance item you can do by yourself or we could help you with, as @mopar31898 mentioned above, all for the cost of diff fluid, some cleaning supplies, and your time; I’ve done both axles in my previous JL & JTs in about 30 mins. It also allows you to inspect for any wear (i.e., metal flakes or sludge). Happy to help if I am available.

 

[R3]

Oil changes, the fluids break down over time and if you don't drive enough to rasie oil tempatures enough to burn off condensation you will end up with issues. Regualr oil changes are not something that is qualified by offroading or not. I tis simple wear and tear from operation.

Having someone do maintenance you will pay $125/$150/hr for work. Add to that fluids , tax and that maintenance number get to $300 easy. so No that is not out of line for a dealear or shop to do the work. Labor costs drive 50% - 75% of the cost or more.

AS adam and Joe said, this is not a hard task to do. You Tube has lots of video on how to. A wrenching part either hosted or atteending you, Yes You can do this oil change with little to no mechanical expirence with teh help/supervision of those of us who do this type of work all the time.

If you go to a dealer or a shop you have to pay the shop for their labor. Parts for this kind of work is realitively cheap.

As Joe and Adam have said happy to help out is available.

 

[OneArmedSaint]

I'll second everything said about cost of shop work vs. DIY.
With fairly frequent wheeling, many folks agree on diff fluid at 30k. I'm doing both of mine and t-case this week. Simple job if you don't have diff skids and really makes a difference in life of your driveline.