abechien

Hey guys,

I just got a differential fluid change at the dealership (Honda of Pasadena), and I've heard horror stories of Honda using the wrong fluid (for CRVs or whatever).

I was wondering if you guys could tell me if they're using the right fluid. On my receipt, it says that a differential service was completed, and parts used were "010 Gearoil" with a description of "80w90" and a unit price of 2.95 (3 bottles were used). I can't find this part anywhere, so I was wondering if anyone knew more about it. On the bright side, driving back from the dealership, the shifts felt a lot smoother...

Thanks. I'm scared to drive my car around until I get a definitive answer on this.

DocS2000

Have you considered calling the Dealer Service Dept? Ask them Specifically what fluid was put in your car, and as a follow-up question: What fluid would you put in a Pilot differential.

If the answer is "the same stuff." Make sure the conversation is recorded and they will pay for your new rear-end.

My answer should not be the be-all-end-all, but a phone call can't hurt. Even ask to speak with the tech who worked on your car.

abechien

So I called and they said that they used the bulk fluid that they have in the shop. I asked for more details and they said that it was "GL-5 or -6" and it was "SAE 90." According to the manual, I guess this is fine. Does anyone else have any other experience with this?

Robert O

Sounds like your good to go IMO.

zeroptzero

Honda dealers are now carrying Honda hypoid gear oil 80w90 which works in our diffs. They must be using it in other vehicle applications as it seems to be plentiful now. Hopefully the days of misapplications are behind us with the S2k diff and dealers. It shouldn't really affect your vehicle's shifting characteristics unless you had a tranny fluid change as well.

starchland

wow, your diff holds alot! Or maybe the mechanic poured out 2 litres on the floor.

I would call them and ask them for a refund of 2 bottles based on principle!

flyingtoaster

When I asked for gear oil from the parts counter, the parts guy told me that Honda specifies an 80w90 GL-5 gear oil. He said that they don't stock it and the techs use 75w90 Mobil 1. My differential took less than one quart. This makes sense because according to the service manual (I have the 00-03 book), differential oil capacity is 0.78 quarts at oil change and 0.81 quarts at overhaul. The service manual specifies Hypoid Gear oil, GL-5 or GL-6, SAE 90.

zeroptzero

I hope they didn't put gear oil in your tranny, the tranny has to take a GL4 fluid, the GL5 or 6 gear oil used in the diff. could be problematic for the synchros of the tranny if they put the same fluid in the tranny.

The diff. takes less than 1 quart, and the tranny takes almost 2 quarts, which would total 3 quarts total if they put the fluid in the diff and the tranny. Makes me suspicious that is what they did. Maybe that's why he felt a difference in the shifting of the tranny. I would double check that with the dealer and make them swap out the tranny with Honda MTF if they put 80w90 gear oil in there.

CitadelBlue

what did they charge you ?