gobble

From what I can find, I need to change the fluid in four different places to do a complete transmission/transaxle service. Can someone correct me if I'm wrong with the fluids? The one I'm most unsure about is the transfer case. Does it take gear oil or ATF? Am I missing anything else?

Transmission - ATF fluid
Transfer case - 75W90 gear oil
Front differential - 75W90 gear oil
Rear differential - 75W90 gear oil

Gomer1

that sounds right.
make sure you use toyota type iv for the transmission

edbro

But, I don't think it is correct. I know that the service manual says that the front transfer case takes gear oil. But, it does not. It is integrated with the transmission itself. In fact, the front transfer case is filled through the transmission dipstick. Yes, there is a separate plug to drain it, but it is filled through the dipstick with TypeIV transmission fluid.

See this thread for a complete discussion and howto.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=220061

Lexmex

If you have AWD on your RX300 then you are going to change the rear differential and transfer case, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=214000

If no AWD, don't worry, you don't have them.

gobble

This thread says that both the rear differential and transfer case take gear oil.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=214000
Is there both a front and rear transfer case?

Are there a total of 4 drain plugs? Two in the front that take ATF and two in the rear that take gear oil?

Lexmex

Let me show you on a little photo tour to make it easier.

On AWD models only, the rear differential has 1 fill plug and 1 drain plug and uses gear oil (75W90 such as Royal Purple that I use, but Mobil 1, Amsoil, Redline make good quality fluids too)

Lexmex

On AWD models only, transfer case also uses 75W90 gear fluid and has 1 drain plug and 1 fill plug.

Lexmex

Now front differential and tranny pan.

Front differential drain plug is on the left vertically and tranny pan plug is on the right underneath the pan.

All RX300s have this, whether FWD or AWD.

These two are filled only with ATF fluid (Toyota Type IV though a several RX300 users have reported excellent experiences with using Amsoil ATF).

The key thing to remember is that both the front differential and transmission are INTERCONNECTED and are filled via the transmission dipstick (one with the red handle up top).

gobble

Thanks for the clarification.

HarrierAWD

Our friend LexMex means red handle for the tranny dipstick.

Lexmex

Yep, you're right.

gobble

I changed the transmission fluid last night and might have a problem. When you come to a stop after being in a higher gear, the engine revs and then clunks somewhat hard into first gear. I'm thinking it may be a problem with the fluid level. The owners manual is silent on how to check the level. It registers on the dipstick in the "cold" range on the bottom of the dipstick both when the car is cold and when it is warm. Is my solution to add more fluid? What is the proper way to check the fluid?