This blog article will provide the necessary steps and information on how to change the rear differential fluid on a 2007-2015 Audi Q7. We will also briefly discuss the correct Audi Q7 rear differential fluid specifications, the change interval, proper fluid capacity and why is changing your Audi Q7 rear differential fluid so important.
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Step-by-Step Audi Q7 Rear Differential Fluid Change Instructions
These how to differential fluid change procedures apply to Audi Q7 models as listed below.
- 2007-2015 Audi Q7 Rear Differential Gear Oil Change (4L Chassis)
Audi Q7 Rear Differential Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Audi Q7 rear differential gear oil? We recommend changing the fluid around 80,000-90,000 miles. However, this can change depending on your driving style. If the vehicle sees spirited driving, you can service the rear differential fluid as early as 50,000-70,000 miles. Abiding by these recommended differential fluid change intervals can eliminate and minimize rear differential issues.
Why Should Audi Q7 Rear Differential Fluid Be Changed?
Your rear Audi Q7 differential has a good amount of moving internal components. This includes bearings, pinion gears and crown gears. These internal components rely solely on the diff fluids lubrication film strength for protection and longevity. Through use the diff fluid experiences excessive shear loads and various heat cycles. In time these heat cycles and excessive loads deplete the lubricating properties and film strength of the differential fluid. Continued use of old differential fluid will result in differential bearing, pinion gear wear and failure. Therefore, having regular rear differential fluid changes is important. Changing the rear differential fluid as regular routine maintenance will greatly extend the life of the rear differential, minimize driveline noises due to wear, and ensure the bearings and gears receive reliable clean lubrication.
Audi Q7 Rear Differential Fluid Specification
- Audi Q7 rear differential fluid compatible with Audi part number G 052 145 S2 (EUROL Fultrasyn J1C5002-001 or RAVENOL VSG J1C1109)
RAVENOL VSG or EUROL Fultrasyn J1C5002-001 is equivalent and compatible with Audi differential fluid part number G 052 145 S2. G 052 145 S2 is the most up-to-date part number for this application and is the same as part numbers G 052 145 A1 (500 ml) and G 052 145 A2 (1 Liter).
Important Rear Differential Fluid Specification Note: From our information all 2007-2015 Audi Q7 models available in America were never optioned with the locking rear differential. It is possible that some models might have been converted or imported into the United States with a locking rear differential. If your model does have a locking differential, then the correct rear differential fluid is RAVENOL MDL J1C1126.
Non-Locking Rear Differential Fluid Specification
- Rear differential fluid compatible with Audi part number G 052 145 S2 (EUROL Fultrasyn J1C5002-001 or RAVENOL VSG J1C1109)
Audi Q7 Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
Non-Locking Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
- 2007-2015 Audi Q7 Non-Locking Rear Differential Fluid Change Capacity - 0.9 - 1.3 Liter (0.95 - 1.37 US Quart)
Audi Q7 Rear Differential Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Drive 8mm Hex Bit Socket (6 point)
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Racket (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Extensions (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- Waste Oil Drain Pan Container
- Fluid Pump Tool (Optional - Its always easier with a pump and a flexible hose. Keep in mind the RAVENOL bottles have a built-in flex hose in the cap and can work for most applications. Possible fluid pump solutions are SKU part numbers J91001 or T2A0129.)
Disclaimer: Blauparts recommend having a factory trained A.S.E. certified Audi mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Always refer to the owner's manual and factory service manual for Audi axle differential fluid changing procedures. Always wear protective gloves and wear safety glasses when handling fluids and oils.
How To Step 1
Since the rear differential fluid gear oil is thicker it is best to get the differential fluid warm before draining it. This can be done by taking your car for a quick 10-15 minute drive. This will allow the rear Audi Q7 differential fluid viscosity to get thinner and flow more easily from the rear differential when drained.
How To Step 2
Lift the vehicle using an approved automotive hoist or a floor jack and jacks stands so that the vehicle is in a perfectly level position. To confirm you are lifting the vehicle correctly refer to your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and procedures. The vehicle needs to be in a level position to confirm the correct differential fluid level when refilling. If the vehicle is not level this can cause the differential fluid level to be incorrect and could cause differential damage.
Important Note: Lifting the Audi Q7 with a floor jack, jack stands or by an approved automotive hoist isn't necessarily required when changing the rear differential fluid. The Audi Q7 should have enough ground clearance in order to access the rear differential area. If you do desire to lift the vehicle for more working area under the vehicle, please proceed as follows. Confirm you are using an approved automotive lift or jack stands. Confirm you are lifting the vehicle correctly by referencing your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and procedures.
How To Step 3
Locate, loosen (Counterclockwise), and remove the 8mm hex bit rear differential fluid fill plug. This is located on the rear side of the rear differential. It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the Audi Q7 differential fluid. This will confirm you will have a way to refill the differential with fluid incase the fill plug is seized or can’t be removed. (Image 1)
How To Step 4
Locate the 8mm hex bit rear differential fluid drain plug on the bottom center area of the differential. Loosen, and remove the rear differential fluid drain plug and allow the old dirty Audi Q7 differential fluid to thoroughly drain out of the differential into a waste oil drain pan container. (Image 2 & 3)
How To Step 5
Once the old fluid has been drained use a clean rag to clean the drain plug and excess gear oil from around the drain plug area on the differential. Reinstall the drain plug and using a Torque wrench torque the drain plug to 26 ft-lb. (Image 4)
Confirm that the sealing o-ring is not damaged. Replace if desired.
How To Step 6
Using the correct rear Audi Q7 differential fluid specification, begin filling the rear differential through the fill port on the rear side of the differential. Fill the differential with fluid until you see the differential fluid flow from the fill port. Make sure you have your drain pan container handy in order to catch the flow of fluid. Once you see the fluid flow in a heavy stream from the fill port the rear differential fluid level is correct. This step should always be done with the vehicle and differential in a 100% level condition in order to confirm the proper fluid level. This step should never be done with the vehicle not level.
Once the fluid level has been confirmed I like to wait around 5-10 minutes in order to allow any air pockets to leave the rear differential. I Also like to rotate the axles several times. Many times, this will allow one or two more pumps (small amount) of differential fluid to still be added. To confirm your rear differential fluid capacity, see the above listed capacities. (Image 5)
How To Step 7
Once the Audi Q7 differential fluid level has been confirmed you can re-install the rear differential fluid fill plug and torque it to 26 ft-lb.
How To Step 8
Use a rag to clean and remove all excess differential fluid from the rear differential. The differential should be completely cleaned of all fluid. This will later help you to inspect and confirm that the differential does not have any leaks. (Image 6)
How To Step 9
If you lifted the vehicle with an approved automotive hoist or floor jack and jack stands you can lower the vehicle as highlighted and referred to in your factory owner’s manual. Confirm the correct vehicle lift point locations and procedures as highlighted in your factory owner's manual.
How To Step 10
Once you have the Audi Q7 on the ground you can take the car for a simple 5-10 minute test drive. After the test drive. Look at the rear differential and confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the differential drain plug.
How to Step 11
Dispose of your old rear differential fluid responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.
Side Note: It is good to note in your records the current mileage at the time of your rear differential fluid change, as well as, when you might want to change it next. We also recommend keeping detailed service records to keep track of your vehicle's true condition. Keeping good vehicle maintenance records can help improve your vehicle resale value.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® differential fluid change kits use high-quality, fully synthetic* gear oils and transfer case fluids. Our fluids are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. In turn, this can support the conservation of the environment through less driveline fluid changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, reduce exhaust/carbon emissions, and improve performance through reduced coefficient of friction and less driveline rolling resistance.
*For most kits, check the product description.
Technical Advantages:
- BLAU® differential fluid change kits conveniently include the correct fluids, gear oil, fluid specifications, and quantities for your vehicle's transfer case and differential fluid change needs
- All kits use differential and transfer case fluids that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific fluid specification requirements
- Advanced gear oil and transfer case fluid formulation technologies engineered with improved lubricating properties
- High-quality fully synthetic gear oils and transfer case fluid formulations allow for extended service life, conserving Earth's resources
- Better extreme pressure (EP) properties, shear stability, lubricating film strength, and oxidation resistance even when exposed to high temperature and high load pressure
- Optimize driveline efficiency and fuel-saving characteristics with higher-quality gear oils and transfer case fluids
- Excellent cooling capacity for better driveline performance and less wear
- Low foaming properties and resistance to internal differential and transfer case fluid cavitation
- Great cold-temperature lubricating properties and flow for added driveline protection and efficiency during the cold driving phase
