Changing the differential on a semi truck is a complicated process that requires knowledge of the truck’s inner workings and a good set of tools. For those who are unfamiliar with the differentials, they are essentially what allow the wheels to turn at different speeds.
This is especially important for vehicles that are designed to be able to turn or maneuver easily around tight corners. To ensure that your truck is running optimally, it is important to replace the differential when necessary.
The first step in changing the differential on your semi truck is to loosen the lug nuts on each wheel and then remove them. You will then need to lift each wheel off of the ground and secure them in place with jack stands. Once all four wheels have been lifted off, you will need to locate and remove the differential cover from the bottom of the axle tube.
Next, you will need to drain out any remaining oil from inside of the differential by using either a hand pump or siphon pump. Then you can begin to unbolt any additional components such as spider gears, side gears, pinion gears, thrust washers, and bearings that may be attached inside. Once these components have been removed you can access and remove the old differential using an axle puller.
Once this has been done you will be ready to install a new differential. It is important that you take your time while doing this so that everything lines up properly and fits snugly inside its casing.
You may need someone else’s assistance during this step as well if necessary. After all of these steps have been completed you can add new oil if needed and reinstall any additional components before placing back on each wheel and tightening up all lug nuts.
Conclusion:
Changing the differential on a semi truck requires knowledge of its inner workings along with a good set of tools. It’s an involved process but one that must be done regularly in order to keep your truck running optimally. With patience, attention-to-detail, and assistance if needed, anyone can change their own semi truck’s differential.
