96 camry transmission / differential oil

If the manual said check it that to me means it is different. You are surely past due for a change. For me it was to hard a lift was needed to refill it.

are

to

So the differential oil and tranny oil are separated into two different reservoirs?

Mike

In my 94 that is true. I don't know if that changed some time. Replacing the differential fluid is a bitch without some sort of pump. The filler hole is on the side of the casing and because of obstructions a flexible tube is neccessary for refilling. I got transmission fluid everywhere and had to throw my clothes away.

pump.

obstructions

fluid

Ok, that makes sense that there are two reservoirs if there is a separate plug...

My plug is really stuck on tight. I couldn't turn it, plus there was a metal support bar of some sort in the way. Any suggestions? Thanks,

Mike

I took mine to a quick change, even with the car jacked up there is no room to work on it to remove the filler plug and filling it is even tougher. It is only DIY if you have a lift

I used a ratchet with extensions and u-joint to get it past the support bar where I could turn the handle. Still, it is a bitch to refill it without a pump. Don't use the hand squeezing type you get at auto parts stores, they're worthless and fall apart easily, leading to massive messes like I had. If you can get it done at a service station that may be worth it.

Maybe if that fill plug is giving you trouble, best just take the car to a mechanic. IIRC takes a 17 mm wrench. I just use two combination wrenches linked together to apply the extra torque required. Comes right off. No clearance problem because the wrenches are thin. Proto brand. Quality tools are a joy each time you pick them up. Found no problem doing this work with a floor jack and jack stands. Lift and support the subframe at the spherical center point and tubular side sections.

a suction pump - a blue metal cylinder with knurled sections for grip that has a plunger handle at the back and can be used to suck up fluid then eject it through a flexible snout into the differential fill hole. I understand the easier method is to use a funnel from above with a two foot length of flexible hose. Still, a lot easier pumping ATF than 90W gear oil. :-) Filling is a bit messy, but I'm still using the same mechanic clothes. Just put them in the washer when done.

I bought a cheap oil-pump to fill the diff in mine,..from memory there wasn't much room at the front due the subframe. Tried using the plastic-extension filler on the oil-bottle,..but no-go

If you are going to work on cars,...a decent 1/2" drive (ratchet plus straight with T bar) and sockets is essential. Those cheap socket sets are junk.

Jason