Changing differential gear oil

[m0nkeyprince]

Hi, i am thinking about changing my rear differential gear oil, and i have a couple questions.

first, i was going to put mobil1 or royal purple gear oil. ANybody have any preferences?

Second, should i used anti-sieze or thread locker on the bolts? i think i saw my mechanic put loctite red on the drain bolt.

third, I have to change the front differential oil too right?

Thanks or any help

[Pathfound49]

1. I used Lucas fluids, but it doesn't really matter. 2. Thread locker is not necessary, anti-seize won't hurt to use. 3. Since you're under there, might as well.

[m0nkeyprince]

thanks! and would you or anybody know how much oil i should get? and what would be the appropiate grade for a 1998 qx? my bad if it seems like something that i could jsut look up, but it would be nice to hear from people who have done this or know perosnally.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Whatever grade the owner's manual specs. Be sure to know whether it's a limited-slip or not.

Chuck

[Densetsu]

Keep in mind that there's not much clearance between the underbody and the filler hole, so it'll be a pain to try and pour gear oil into the differential straight from the bottle. I'd suggest grabbing a small pump, grease gun, or something similar. I have something like this:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

[jhong1226]

Don't forget ,breaker bar will come in handy.

[Densetsu]

Don't forget ,breaker bar will come in handy.

Good point!

Also, remove the filler plug first, and *then* the drain plug. If you remove the drain plug first, and then find you can't get the filler plug out... well, you're screwed.

[m0nkeyprince]

Good point densetsu, yea and i will get a breaker bar too, ive heard loctite red is impsossible to take off without heating it first but i guess i give it a try. Thanks

[Empty V]

My filler plug was in there so tight I ended up stripping it. I got a 1/2" socket extension welded to the stuck filler plug. With a torch and my impact wrench it came out easily. I replaced the drain and filler plugs with new ones. The 1/2" breaker bar is somewhat loose in the plugs to be careful not to strip them. Fueler has some good advice with putting a little electrical tape on the breaker bar to create a tighter fit.

[m0nkeyprince]

whoah, thanks emptyv ill probably heat up the bolts first with a torch then.

[jhong1226]

Anybody know what would happen if you add LSD additive to a Non-LSD differential? Would it be harmful or are you just losing your money for it is not needed?

[Empty V]

I found the thread I started regarding stripping the diff plug. Rear Diff Fixed

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Anybody know what would happen if you add LSD additive to a Non-LSD differential? Would it be harmful or are you just losing your money for it is not needed?

Nothing will happen. Most higher-grade gear oils will come with friction modifiers already added, it won't help and it won't hurt.

[WPGQX4]

If your looking for an easy clean way to fill your diff Amsoil sells this pump. It kick's a** for ease of use. And because it screws over the bottle it doesn't leak in those awkward positions.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/g2039.aspx

[m0nkeyprince]

hmm the pump would be awfully useful, but i think ill save the money and try to pour it in with the squeeze bottle, dosnt seem to hard.

[WPGQX4]

lol I bet as your pouring there will be a point where you think "I should have got the pump!"