kitra

I've scoured the owner's manual and they mention 75W-85 GL5 for rear diff, 90W GL5 for front diff. Nothing listed for the transfer case. Can anyone help out here? I'd like to change the lube in all. Thanks a million!

RA051823

I'm also trying to find this info too. I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

GXGSAm

'Page 71, maintenance manual - transmission/transfer case are sealed unit! Differential oils are top-offs only as described - unless you go off-roading.

RA051823

No such thing as "lifetime" oil. It's a shame the transfer case oil cannot be changed. I guess time will tell if this was a smart or stupid move, my money is on the latter.

GXGSAm

No mention of "lifetime oil" in the manual or by me either.

RA051823

Sorry didn't mean to direct that at you and put it in quotes. When the manual says that it only needs topped off, they're suggesting its a lifetime fluid. From my experience there is no such thing. BMW/Mini tried this and was hit with a lawsuit from their owners for transmissions failing prematurely.

kitra

I've not been under the car yet since I just got it. I know our AWD Mercury Mountaineer with full-time transfer case (Borg Warner) had fill and drain plugs. The oil, which was Mercon ATF, would get very dark so I would change it every 3rd engine oil change. Not we have a Jeep GC with full-time AWD and it too seems to dirty up the ATF+4 fluid. So I would like to figure out a way to change the transfer case oil on the GS 350. My neighbor had a 2005 Ford Mustang with a sealed transmission. We figured out how to replace the fluid on it Basically, Ford used an oil-pain with an extension tube inside. So you could fill it through a side plug, run the engine to circulate the ATF and then shut it off and pull a little plug on the oil pan. The oil would run out until the level was at the top of the extension tube. Put the bolt back in and good-to-go.

I'd sure like to get a maintenance manual for the GS 350. I get 4 free Services from Lexus but would rather do it myself. Appreciate all your replies. Thanks

737Driver

I called my dealer on this one... Not needed 'til 100k, requires a special machine and procedure. I'm doing spark plugs and 60k service myself today, but I'm going to let the dealer do this one in 40,000 miles.

RA051823

I can't find anywhere in the Lexus maintenance schedule were they recommend changing the differential fluid. I only see "inspect" for both the differential and transmission fluid, which tells me Lexus probably categorizes this as a lifetime fluid. Are you sure your dealer will change it and not inspect the fluid level? I'm curious what they mean by special machine and procedure? Maybe this is their way of justifying the high price to their customers?

We all have our own preferences for maintaining our cars. For me, I like to over service them as we keep them a long time and simple fluid changes insures longevity from my experience. Since this project at most costs $15 and maybe 15 mins of my time, its very cheap insurance. The video footage of my magnetic drain plug alone should help sell the idea that maybe this isn't a bad idea to change the fluid sooner rather than later.

GregCanada

I would change the diff oil at maximum 60,000 miles. 30,000 if you drive it hard.