MarvinB.

How about using Synthetics when the diff. fluid is changed? (Trany too?) Marv

Big Al

Do it yourself for $10!

cdelena

I do both the transmission and the diff every spring, so that makes it every 8K miles or less for my car. I use Mobil-1 gear oil in the diff and Honda MTF in the tranny. Early changes are ok, just don't over or under fill.

WRS2K

I have 8K on my car and would like to change the diff. oil myself. Can any of you give me detailed instructions on how to do this? Tools I need? Can I find the diff. oil at any local auto parts store?

Thanks, guys.

Utah S2K

Hey Space.....Utah here:

1) With the vehicle off the ground, inspect the differential oil with engine OFF.

2) Remove the oil fill plug and sealing washer, then check the condition of the oil, and make sure the oil is at the proper level (i.e. just to the bottom of the fill hole as in most cars).

3) The oil level must be up to the fill hole. If it is below the hole, add the recommended oil until it runs out, the reinstall the oil filler plug with a new sealing washer (available from Hand-A_ Accesories I might add).

4) If the oil is dirty, remove the drain plug (bottom of diff) and drain the oil (might want to send a sample to Blackstone Labs).

5) Clean the drain plug, then reinstall with a new washer, and refill the differential with the recommended oil to the proper level.

Oil Capacity .74 liters(0.78 US qt, 0.65 Imp qt) at oil change
.77 liters(.081 US qt, 0.68 Imp qt) at overhaul

Recommended Oil
Hypoid Gear OIl
API Classification GL5 or GL6
Viscosity SAE#90

6) Reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer.
Oil Capacity .74 liters(0.78 US qt, 0.65 Imp qt) at oil change

Big Al

As I remember, a 23 mm box end wrench is big help!

SilverFog

Hey, Mindcore -- how early? I just passed 4000kms on my car, and thanks to this thread, I am inclined to have it done every oil change (6000kms), especially since my car is a daily-commuter and is therefore in the "extreme conditions" category.

I suppose that, keeping an eye on how less-disgusting it becomes after successive changes, that it may not be necessary to do it that frequently, eventually?

<aside>

I am surprised at how dark my engine oil has become in the last 1000kms as well. Getting antsy to get it the hell out of there. Wisdom is still to run non-synthetic up to 12,000kms? That is, until the end of the second fill of oil? Or just until my oil consumption stops?

</aside>

xviper

23mm for the fill, 24mm for the drain.

S2K4ever

I might do mine also. What is the washer size? Its a different size than the one used for the oil plug?

xviper

The diff washers are much bigger than the oil pan plug washer. When I did mine the dealer didn't have any in stock so I used the old ones over again. As long as you dry and clean them off properly and make sure they stay the same side facing the bolt and you tighten them to the proper torque, they should be OK. Mine's been done for over a month and neither leaks. BTW, I changed mine @ about 5000 miles and it wasn't needed but I changed to Mobil 1 synthetic. There was no filings on the drain plug.