This blog article will provide the necessary steps and information on how to change the rear differential fluid on a 2003-2018 Porsche Cayenne. We will also briefly discuss the correct Porsche Cayenne rear differential fluid specifications, the change interval, proper fluid capacity and why is changing your Porsche Cayenne rear differential fluid so important.
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Step-by-Step Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Change Instructions
These how to differential fluid change procedures apply to Porsche Cayenne models as listed below.
- 2003-2018 Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Gear Oil Change (9PA and 92A Chassis)
Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Be Changed?
Your rear 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.
Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Specification
The Porsche Cayenne models were optioned with two different types of rear differentials. A locking rear differential (Limited Slip) and a non-locking (Torsen) rear differential. Depending on which differential your vehicle is equipped with will determine which fluid specification you will need.
To confirm which type of rear differential fluid you need will require you to visually inspect which rear differential you have. The locking rear differential has an electronic servo motor unit with 2 electrical plugs located on the driver side of the diff. The standard non-locking rear differential is not going to have an electronic servo motor unit and no wired plugs located on the driver side of the differential. Please confirm your rear differential type before ordering.
Non-Locking Rear Differential Fluid Specification
- Rear differential gear oil compatible with Porsche part number 000 043 205 30 (RAVENOL VSG J1C1109)
Locking Rear Differential Fluid Specification
- Rear differential gear oil compatible with Porsche part numbers 000 043 300 37 / 000 043 305 03 (RAVENOL MDL J1C1126)
Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
Non-Locking Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
- 2003-2010 Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Change Capacity - 1.4 Liter (1.47 US Quart)
- 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne Rear Differential Fluid Change Capacity - 0.8 Liter (0.84 US Quart)
Locking Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
- 2003-2018 Porsche Cayenne Locking Rear Differential Fluid Change Capacity - 1.4 Liters (1.69 US Quart)
Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche 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 Porsche Cayenne 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 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 Porsche Cayenne with a floor jack, jack stands or by an approved automotive hoist isn't necessarily required when changing the rear differential fluid. The Porsche Cayenne 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 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 drain plug and allow the old dirty Porsche Cayenne differential gear oil 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 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne 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 gear oil 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 vehicle 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 gear oil 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.
Copyright © Blau®, Blauparts® LLC. All rights reserved. The content (text, images etc.) in this blog article are the exclusive property of Blauparts LLC and its subsidiaries and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without our express written consent. Read our copyright and trademark policy by clicking on our “Terms of Use” link below.
