Rear Differential Fluid Change DIY w/Pics
05-12-15, 04:37 PM
#16
You have no idea! LOL. The thing is, with the common issues that the 7 series has/had, it's never a small problem. For example, it's clear the LS460 has issues with control arm bushings, but it's a small deal - cheaply and easily fixed. However, with the 7 series, it was a always catastrophic, both in cost and problem. Coolant Pipe? Engine teardown. Oil burning? Engine teardown. Carbon blockage? Engine Teardown. Gasket leaks? Engine teardown. You get the idea. 
And those were the most common issues which effected 90% of the members at Bimmerfest.
And those were the most common issues which effected 90% of the members at Bimmerfest.
05-12-15, 06:27 PM
#17
Your forgot software. My experience was that it needed a software update or just finished getting a software update or was just effed by a software update that needed another update to fix.
05-17-15, 07:26 AM
#18
What Caha said. No limited slip, except as he noted.
As for the viscosity, 75W85 is what our vehicles call for. 75W90 is too heavy, though I know many use it and the 90 probably sheers down to 85. I prefer not too chance it. For example, Amsoil recommends their 75W90 for our diffs. Again, I prefer to use what Lexus calls for.
Have a read here of the tests done by a lab on various diff fluids. Very extensive and eye-opening. Lucas, Redline and Royal Purple, which many swear by, failed miserably: http://www.lastgreatroadtrip.com/wp-...comparison.pdf
As for the viscosity, 75W85 is what our vehicles call for. 75W90 is too heavy, though I know many use it and the 90 probably sheers down to 85. I prefer not too chance it. For example, Amsoil recommends their 75W90 for our diffs. Again, I prefer to use what Lexus calls for.
Have a read here of the tests done by a lab on various diff fluids. Very extensive and eye-opening. Lucas, Redline and Royal Purple, which many swear by, failed miserably: http://www.lastgreatroadtrip.com/wp-...comparison.pdf
At the Lexus dealer yesterday getting my IS out of shop,119.00 dollar AC fuse replacement, yea I know but i swear I checked every fuse in the car! I just knew my compressor had failed.. Oh well. But anyhow I checked on the rear dif fluid and service brought out mobile 1 75w-90 and two looked like maybe quart sized containers cost like 49 bucks. It's what they use there. I'm just gonna go to the Toyota dealership and get the stuff thats called for..
03-26-16, 07:39 PM
#20
Thanks....
09-29-16, 10:49 AM
#21
Advanced
Great thread and info roadfrog.Thank you.
Just small reminder ....always check safety valve on top of diff. to make sure it is free to move .
On mine is 250 was plugged with send and dirt so when we did oil change it was nice gear oil shower because of the pressure build up inside the transfer case.
so rule number one:
make free to move valve on top of dif ,use some lubricant and at every engine oil change rotate few times that valve to make sure it is not plugged.
Just small reminder ....always check safety valve on top of diff. to make sure it is free to move .
On mine is 250 was plugged with send and dirt so when we did oil change it was nice gear oil shower because of the pressure build up inside the transfer case.
so rule number one:
make free to move valve on top of dif ,use some lubricant and at every engine oil change rotate few times that valve to make sure it is not plugged.
09-29-16, 03:54 PM
#22
Thanks roadfrog for your concise writeup.
I am always amazed how ya'll can get things done yourself��
Mine is still under warranty and will bite the bullet and take it to Lexus just because.
Take care.
I am always amazed how ya'll can get things done yourself��
Mine is still under warranty and will bite the bullet and take it to Lexus just because.
Take care.
10-07-16, 07:38 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
08-08-17, 09:52 AM
#26
Racer
Changed my Differential fluid and used 75w-90 Valvoline full synthetic formulated for Limited slip and non Limited slip. Paid about $11 a qt. I called 2 local Toyota dealerships and they stated that they only have 75w-90 and only sell it in drums for the service dept. I gave them the part number Toyota LT 75W85 GL-5 and they couldn't get it. They stated to just go to any auto parts store and get 75w-90. It seems to me Toyota LT 75W85 GL-5 fluid is discontinued and the overpriced quarts on Ebay for $30+ are the remaining supply out there. I bet if I went to a Lexus/Toyota dealership to get the service done, they'd probably throw in 75w-90.
08-09-17, 07:52 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I wouldn't hesitate to use a non TGMO fluid if I couldn't find it. The only product I WOULDN'T use is Redline. I've read some very poor reviews and tests/analysis on it. Amsoil would be a good bet.
Last edited by roadfrog; 08-19-17 at 08:08 AM.