Differential Fluid - To Change or Not to Change?
#1
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA (metro DC)
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Differential Fluid - To Change or Not to Change?
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?
#5
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.
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.
#7
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?
If it needs to be changed, then why wouldn't Infiniti recommend it outright, just like they do with engine oil, filters, etc?
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#10
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.
The rear differential is part of the "awd service" that Infiniti recommends for the x models every 30k I believe.
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.
#11
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?
^^^ 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?
#13
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 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.
#14
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
Link to my thread reviewing:
https://g35driver.com/forums/drivetr...bg+ultra+guard