I have changed the rear a couple of times and noticed it was discolored, but I don't know that I would call it gray.

Why does the rear end call for synthetic and front non-synthetic?

And, as far as I can tell, there is no way to change the front axle fluid with some type of sucker OR take the cover off.

Thanks

 

To service the front axle remove the cover.

Remember when you're under warranty there are services that are REQUIRED. This means if you don't do them and something does go wrong the dealer could say that you voided your warranty on that part by not doing the service. Does this mean that you have to go to the dealer for this no. Just keep records of what you do when you do it.

 

I'm interested in the answer to this as well. I'm guessing it's because:

1) While the "severe" serve schedule calls for 15k maintainance on the front and rear diff, the "normal" schedule does NOT, so Chrysler errs on the side of caution in case the fluid isn't changed; and

2) There is likely more stress/use on the rear axle, which would cause regular dino oil to break down quicker (scientific wild-assed guess).

I had the dealer replace front and rear with full synthetic, and they didn't bat an eye - that's apparently the standard request.

 

75W140 is all we use any more its fully synthetic

 

I ran into this issue yesterday at the dealer when I arrived for one of my "free" 3 year oil changes that cost $3.75 for disposal fees and they wanted to change my rear axle fluid for another $130. I balked and they made me sign a notice on the work order thatI refused the service. The maintenance schedule B Severeshows "Change front and rear axle fluid (4x4)". My vehicle is a (4x2). WhatI don't understand is if you look at the 2 maintenance schedules on Chrysler's website for the 2007 Aspen there is no mention of ever changing the fluid in the rear axle under the "normal" schedule A or any mention of required service on the (4x2). I paid the $750 for the extended lifetime Bumper to Bumper warranty when I purchased the vehicle so is Chrysler trying to find a way to deny that in the future?

My Daily ride is a 4.5 liter 348HP rear driveInfiniti that gets rear end service every 60K.

Is this easy to drain and fill yourself? I will do it for the cost of 3 quarts of synthetic vs $130.