Hey peeps:
I just bought an 00' RX FWD truck from a non-Lexus Dealer with only 43K miles on the truck. As it's being State inspected and close to the 45K service interval per the book, I asked my non-Dealer shop to change the trans and differential fluid on the truck. Upon inspection of the differential in this truck, it was mentioned that the fluid that currently is in the diff. is a red color. I was told the Dealer calls for 80/90 gear oil which typically is a golden color as like oil and even when severely aged, shouldn't be a red color - right?

Any suggestions? The truck has not been to Lexus since 10,000 miles and multiple Dealers have stated that they use gear oil and not trans fluid in the differentials. Since I bought this truck 3-days ago which is actually pretty dam clean, should I take it back, just r&r the fluid to the correct or?

Concerned.

KF

 

The front wheel drive RX300 share the same Type-T ATF with the transmission. So, it's red in color. You can drain the transmission and the diff., and refill both from the trans dip stick tube. It will take 3.8 quarts of Type-T. Make sure the shop use the correct trans fluid.

As for the AWD RX, the transfer case and rear diff are take the 80/90 gear oil.

 

In my terminology, FWD cars have transaxles and not differentials. There are no flange bolts to torque either (as mentioned in the maintenance schedule).

 

Your terminology is correct.
The transaxles is a completed unit with the trans and diff in one unit. The FWD car still has the diff to sends the hp and tq to the drives the front wheels.

 

Appreciate the feedback - I'm dealing with a bunch of morons so, that's what you get when you go outside the Dealer and aren't overly choosey about who you get to work on your cars.