Remove Rear Sway Bar to Change Differential Fluid?

[TomL1960]

Hi,

I'm going to change the rear differential fluid on my 2010 KK. I see that the sway bar traverses the front of the differential cover. Should I remove the sway bar to make the job easier? Also, looks like differing opinions regarding whether I should use a gasket or RTV. I'd appreciate any additional thoughts on that.

Thanks!

 

[John P.]

I was able to sneak mine out without removing the sway bar. I chose to use the gasket but mine had RTV prior and it didn't leak.

 

[Hec In Omaha]

I did the rear diff oil change on our 2009 KK. You can get the cover on and off by carefully sneaking it past the sway bar. While the cover is off, I used two cans of brake cleaner and cleaned all the moving parts inside Then I took clean rags to mop up what may have dropped down below due to the spraying of the brake cleaner. Thoroughly pressure wash the diff before you start so that when you take the cover off dirt and crap doesn't fall inside.

Here is the sealant I used. I had zero leaks! I let it cure for 24 hours before I filled the diff with oil.

Permatex Green RTV Differential Gear Oil Gasket Maker 3 oz | AutoZone

Permatex® Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker is a specialty gasket maker that is specially formulated to withstand the harsh gear oil environment found in differentials and transfer cases, ensuring a leak-proof seal. Because gear oil has friction modifiers that break down normal RTV and cause leaking...

www.autozone.com

Hec