I did a flush of front and rear differentials today. The fluid was dirty in both but especially in the front differential. The lower plugs had a lot of sludge and the fluid was grey. It is very painful to remove the fill cap in the front due to very little space available. For owners of AWD who never changed differential fluids, I would recommend flushing fluid in the front and the rear. I am planning on the flushing transfer case fluid and the transmission. Brake fluid needs a service as well...

 

What fluid did you use? I’m going to have to get around to this service sometime, along with the trans fluid.

 

How many miles are on the odo?

 

I used Mobil 1 75w-90. I called both local Toyota and Lexus dealers and both told me that is what they use instead of 75w-85. I would recommend to call your local dealer for verification.

 

I got 155k.

 

I believe, I found a reason why. The front diff fluid so much worse than the rear. Most likely, it is caused by the failed front left axle carrier bearing. I have vibration on the front left from 1+ mph. I thought, it was the front driveshaft but it is the bearing as I can move the CV-axle from in and out the engine good 5-10mm.

 

do you have any pics of where the drain and fill plugs are by chance?

 

Look here first. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...iy-w-pics.html

 

No, I had so little time to finish. The front differential fill plug is marked as 41181D and the rear one is 41110H on the attached diagrams.

Things I learned: you have to remove protecting housing from power steering wire harness, unbolt the same harness from the frame to allow aligning 10mm hex with the plug, and the diff needs to be raised a little bit. I used a stock jack for that. Don't be in hurry, it is very easy to round off the plug.

 

Thank you so much!