does the AWD RX300 have front & rear differential and transfer case?
#31
no, it's not the transfer case.
The service advisor happily allowed me to pay extra and use their Mobil 1 Synthetic gear oil for the transfer case on my RX300 AWD.
It's only the rear differential that they refused to let me choose the Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I asked the service advisor if he made a mistake, but his boss, the service manager, came out and told me the same thing....
In fact, I had my AWD GS sedan serviced there three ago. The same service advisor allowed me to choose the Mobil 1 synthetic gears for both the transfer case and rear diff.
The service advisor happily allowed me to pay extra and use their Mobil 1 Synthetic gear oil for the transfer case on my RX300 AWD.
It's only the rear differential that they refused to let me choose the Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I asked the service advisor if he made a mistake, but his boss, the service manager, came out and told me the same thing....
In fact, I had my AWD GS sedan serviced there three ago. The same service advisor allowed me to choose the Mobil 1 synthetic gears for both the transfer case and rear diff.
#32
Lexus Champion
Just a guess, but the early RX300's had limited slip differentials. Lexus probably told dealers not to put anything but the OE oil in them worried about the LSD additive (or lack of). The newer models are probably not using LSD so it's not an issue. The dealer probably never changed their rules for the RX not knowing what the reason was in the first place.
If there were real issues with synthetics in these cars they would be known by now. IMO
If there were real issues with synthetics in these cars they would be known by now. IMO
#33
in the list of options(on page 45), limited slip differential was not
listed.
(edit: just finished looking through the entire brochre, it doesn't
say anything about LSD at all.... if anyone has a '99/'00 borchure,
can you please check to see if LSD is mentioned anywhere? thanks!)
#34
I'm not the expert, but I think the LSD was only on the 99 or maybe 99 & 00. Once they put the VSC on them the used the computer to modulate the brakes to simulate a LSD. I have seen internet advertising saying that it was an option on the later cars but I think it is incorrect.
#35
If these are correct it looks like they dropped it in 2000.
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2001/2001RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2002/2002RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2003/2003RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2001/2001RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2002/2002RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2003/2003RXspecs.pdf
Last edited by carguy07; 10-19-08 at 07:49 PM.
#36
Lexus Champion
If these are correct it looks like the dropped it in 2000.
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2001/2001RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2002/2002RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2003/2003RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2001/2001RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2002/2002RXspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2003/2003RXspecs.pdf
#37
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: WI
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Hi, ok I've read alot of these rear, front differential and transfer case threads. Too much that now I'm a bit confused. My question is... is there only one "transfer case" then? I know that there is one rear differential and one front differential. But am confused about the transfer case. I'm thinking there is only one transfer case that is in the front? That is connected to the front differential which is connected to the tranny?
Sorry if its a lame question, just that I just recently purchased a rx300 with no service records, so I plan on doing a tune up; oil change; front, rear and transfer(s) case flush; coolant flush, transmission flush, engine air filter change, cabin air filter change, also if I get to it the "D" light bulb and "ECT/SNOW" light bulb in instrument cluster change.
Sorry if its a lame question, just that I just recently purchased a rx300 with no service records, so I plan on doing a tune up; oil change; front, rear and transfer(s) case flush; coolant flush, transmission flush, engine air filter change, cabin air filter change, also if I get to it the "D" light bulb and "ECT/SNOW" light bulb in instrument cluster change.
#39
Driver School Candidate
LSD Option
I'm not the expert, but I think the LSD was only on the 99 or maybe 99 & 00. Once they put the VSC on them the used the computer to modulate the brakes to simulate a LSD. I have seen internet advertising saying that it was an option on the later cars but I think it is incorrect.
I have an appointment to have my diff fluids changed for the first time(120K). As for the Tranny it has been changed once but if I remember correctly it has a very long service schedule. In fact I need to check but I don't remember a recommendation for it.
#40
Lexus Champion
whoa arch, 120k and the first time changing the fluids in the transfer case,and rear diff.? I would absolutely love to see what comes outa their.
#41
Lexus Test Driver
#42
Lexus Champion
#43
Lexus Test Driver
#44
Super Moderator
I'd probably be inclined to dump the gear oil out after 100K after seeing what I saw when I changed it out two years ago in Mexico after that period of time.
#45
Driver School Candidate
Yeh your right. I'm really only concerned about the rear because of the LSD. An LSD usually means friction and that can be hard on lubricant.