RXPhil

I just wanted to warn everyone. I was at my buddies shop yesterday and there was a RX330 on the hoist. I asked what happened. He said the owner didn't know that the front differential had a different casing then the transmission. So at 150,000 kilometers his diff seized up and locked up the tires on the highway!!!!!!!!

He showed me the drain and refill holes on it. I called Lexus and they told me it takes regular 75-90 gear oil.

Im not sure if its the same thing on the 350 but ill lift it up and check/change that fluid today. As when I bought my car he the PO said "We just changed the transmission fluid and rear diff fluid"............

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

I belive this is for AWD cars only. The FWD models have transfer case that shares fluid with transmission.

RXPhil

Thanks for the clarification on that.

RX330inFL

Perhaps a difference in terminology. For both the FWD and the AWD the transmission and front differential share the Type-IV transmission fluid in that casing. However, the AWD also has a transfer case up front which needs a gear oil the same as the rear differential.

SaneEnch

Anyone have a photo of the location of the front differential for the AWD 330? Can't seem to find it any where. I change out the transmission and the back differencial and have always believe that the transmission share the fluid with the front differential... I don't see it on the note.

RX330inFL

The transmission DOES share its fluid with the front differential on an AWD RX330. Again, I think you are asking about front transfer case. The front differential on the AWD is inside the transmission case so it is hard to point out. However, here is the best picture I have seen for the location of the drain and fill plugs for the front transfer case:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6821806-post24.html

Note, even in the above URL with pictures the terminology is incorrect. They are working on the front transfer case. Here is additional information out of the Owner's Manual. Note the terminology and the types of lubrication indicated:

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do...004rx33/63.pdf

RXPhil

Edit(it was early) It was serious work to change the differential and housing. They had to order a new diff from Cali and remove the transmission from the car to get it out.

I just changed it yesterday. Looks like the parts guy at Lexus was wrong tho. The drain plug on the diff says 85-90. He also said it takes 2.5 liters but it only took 1.5 liters.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

My mistake I meant to say differential. Transfer cases are AWD only.

SaneEnch

So just to be really really clear here. What I'm reading here said the following for the AWD 330:

- The Transmission that require T-VI fluids,

- There's also a Front Transfer Case in the front, which different than that of the Transmission (but it's close to it), and it use differential fluids,

- There's also a Rear Transfer Case/Differential Case that require differential fluids.

They are essentially 3 different thing. The only different for the FWD is that there is no Front Transfer Case.

Thanks ahead for the clarification.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Correct transfer case is for 4 wheel drive vehicles, it takes power from the tranny and sends to front and rear axles

SaneEnch

I went under the car over the weekend for an oil change and was trying to change the gear oil on the front differential on my 04 AWD Rx330 - per this thread. I completely removed the under cover and look around again and again - couldn't find the drain or the fill anywhere. I mean, ANYWHERE. I took a photo (attached), there's nothing there to fill or drain. Any idea? Am I looking at the wrong thing? or am I looking for something that don't exist?

Sorry about the photo, it was tough to take photo under the car.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Again the front diff shares fluid w tranny. So when you change tranny fluid you essentially change diff fluid

RXPhil

^ I assume you mean only on front wheel drive

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

no my understanding has always been what RX330inFL stated above:

"For both the FWD and the AWD the transmission and front differential share the Type-IV transmission fluid in that casing. However, the AWD also has a transfer case up front which needs a gear oil the same as the rear differential."

Transfer case oil is what you are referring to I believe.

Here is a pic of what you should be looking for:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...e-imag0872.jpg

RX330inFL

That is correct, alchemist. I swear I am going to roll up a newspaper and smack the nose of the next pup who gets the terminology wrong. Here is the discussion regarding the front transfer case where my markup was pulled from:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...sfer-case.html