Hey folks - what's the concensus on how often to change differential fluid (2004 RWD)? Upon careful reading of the Infiniti Maintenance Manual, there is no prescribed interval for changing it, so I'm reluctant to buy-in to folklore. If it needs to be changed, then why wouldn't Infiniti recommend it outright, just like they do with engine oil, filters, etc?

 

I bought my 2004 w/ 56k miles on it and just gave it a differential fluid service at 100k miles.

 

I changed mine at 39k, should be done every 30k on OEM fluid.

I changed mine to Amsoil SVG's fluid so Ill be changing that in 60k

 

I've done it every 30K along with a trans flush.

 

Did mine at 40k and it was damn dirty. The drain magnet was completely gunked up. No way would I want to let it go to 100k. I refilled with mobil 1 synthetic.


The rear differential is part of the "awd service" that Infiniti recommends for the x models every 30k I believe.



It's easy as pie to change.

 

^ Mine was clear and the plug was relatively clean, it was a used car so I was very happy to see that.

 

I did mine at 60K with Amsoil Severe Gear. As mentioned before, the magnet was covered in little metal fibers. I'll be doing it again at 90K, probably about this time next year.

Most dealerships don't do that. They'd rather wait until your transmission/diff grenades and then charge for that. Why bother with $200 preventative maintenance when they can bid their time and rape you for a couple of grand?

 

Nobody ever recommends brake fluid be changed either......but it should be flushed every 1-2 years

 

^ Yep or Power Steering

 

I did front and rear at 60K (bought it with 40K), but neither looked all that bad. Front was still a nice gold color. Smelled like crap though. I'd forgotten how bad gear oil can smell. Replaced with Amsoil 80W-90. http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/agl.aspx. Might use Severe next time.

I'd say it's easy to drain, but a pain in the **** to refill. I'm definitely finding a better way to refill it than the cheap pump I used last time.

The thing that surprised me as far as "easy as pie" was the transmission fluid. It was much easier than an oil change since you don't have to drop the bottom cover. I did 5 quarts at 60K, and I think I'll do another 5 at 65K and 70K when I do those oil changes, then start the same 3 cycle swap at 90K.

 

I wish mine was easy as pie. I don't know how but the fill hex plug was stripped. The drain hex plug is fine so I have to order one and try to remove it.

^^^ I agree on the transmission though. Very simple.

EDIT: How did you guys do the power steering? Do you just remove the reservoir, drain and refill or?

 

what is the best fluid? for the differential service.

 

I agree...this is the easiest in terms of fluid replacement out of everything.



As for the refilling, I bought a decent puma from advance auto that screws onto the top of the bottle. It worked very well and made the job simple. That's why it was easy to me.

 

That really is a matter of opinion. I had mine changed at 40k (bought the car with 30k). I used BG Ultra Guard in my differential and I have had no complaints with it at all. Car is at 70k now and will probably change the differential fluid again within the next 10k miles or so.

Link to my thread reviewing:

https://g35driver.com/forums/drivetr...bg+ultra+guard

 

Thinking of doing mine but not sure what is the best fluid to use be maybe just stick to oem