Notices
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

If I had ATF changed, do I still need to do front differential fluid change?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 02:05 PM
  #1  
BlueCrabby's Avatar
BlueCrabby
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 5
From: NY
Default If I had ATF changed, do I still need to do front differential fluid change?

I'm a little confused right now. I know the RX300's front differential fluid circulates with the ATF fluid.
However, there is a separate front differential fluid drain hole.

If my Lexus dealer already changed the ATF by dropping the transmission pan and changing the filter,
that takes care of the front differential fluid as well, right? Or am I wrong?

(note: I'm not talking about the transfer case or the rear differential fluids, as those use gear oil
and I already had them done with Mobil 1 synthetic 75w90 gear oil prior to the ATF change)

Thanks!
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 04:06 PM
  #2  
carguy07's Avatar
carguy07
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 77
From: OH
Default

The dealer should have pulled the plug for the differential at the same time. I would not stress it too much, there is maybe 1/2 quart in the sump for the differential.
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 11:29 PM
  #3  
salimshah's Avatar
salimshah
CL Community Team
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,503
Likes: 1,369
From: Austin, TX
Default

As you know a whole lot of fluid is not drained when the fluid is drained so another 1/2 quart not changed should not cause you to worry. Since it is another low point, so some sediments can remain in the system.

When I checked at the dealer they said they drain both low points. Ask them.

Salim
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 07:09 AM
  #4  
BlueCrabby's Avatar
BlueCrabby
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 5
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by salimshah
As you know a whole lot of fluid is not drained when the fluid is drained so another 1/2 quart not changed should not cause you to worry. Since it is another low point, so some sediments can remain in the system.

When I checked at the dealer they said they drain both low points. Ask them.

Salim
I guess the best way to verify this is to climb down there and look at the drain screws. If it appears to have been touched, they must have opened it during ATF change?
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2015 | 07:10 AM
  #5  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,318
Likes: 202
From: Miami, Florida
Default

Originally Posted by titangummy
I guess the best way to verify this is to climb down there and look at the drain screws. If it appears to have been touched, they must have opened it during ATF change?
I know some people on this forum used to put a small mark on the plug to verify position after drain.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Stemmer
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
13
Nov 20, 2021 09:55 PM
RX3302004
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
1
Oct 25, 2015 07:21 PM
Poqman
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
24
May 30, 2012 06:07 PM
bizzy928
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
3
Dec 30, 2008 08:54 AM
akmpres
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
3
Mar 2, 2003 01:55 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:07 PM.