Hello,

I brought my 2013 RX350 F sport AWD to Lexus to change the tires out as they had a decent rebate and for a transmission service. The dealer sent me a video of things that needed addressed. One of which was a "front differential service". I was under the impression the front differential is part of the transmission? Is this correct or are they different.

Thanks,
Sean

 

It is part of the transmission, unless they are talking about the transfer case. The transfer case fluid can be changed. It is located at the end of the driveshaft between the driveshaft and the transmission.
'What did they claim to have done to service it?
Did they change the transmission fluid?
Can you post the video? You need to go to the advanced mode to attach it.

 

They mentioned the rear diff fluid as well. "It's dirty". It has 8k miles on it since I did it in 8-16-23 of last year.
I'll try attaching a video

 

https://c.xtime.com/ji5P50ol5ggA1ARJXX

 

Just talked with the service advisor.

"I just want to clarify that the car has a front differential fluid, a rear differential fluid and that the transmission fluid is separate."
advisor "Yes that is correct, they are different systems."

Wish I had known about this earlier in its life. Learn something every day.

I see threads on older RX models with front transfer case fluid changes is there a thread for the third gen somewhere on how to change the fluid?

 

I have a 2nd gen RX and a ‘14 F-Sport. Doing the transfer case fluid on the 3rd gen is even easier as there’s more clearance and the exhaust is less in the way. Process is nearly the same other than the 3rd gen RX t-case takes about half the fluid over a 2nd gen.




24mm wrench, 3/8” flex ratchet w/ 1/2” adapter and 24mm 6-point socket, and 18” breaker bar



Great DIY vid from Viktor
https://youtu.be/L7hFPDMMBfI?feature=shared

 

See this link for threads that discuss how to change the transfer case fluid although it may be different on 2015 F-Sport with the 8 speed transmission.

. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...id-change.html

The 2015 F-Sport has the 8 speed transmission which is very different than the 6 speed and explains why you have a front differential. I have not seen one of these in person, but did note the front diff in the video link.

I hope you replaced your leaking rear shocks and worn rear brakes.

 

For anyone else wondering, did t-case on both cars (2010 RX w/ 6-speed and 2014 F-Sport w/ 8-speed). T-case and procedure itself are identical

 

Well changed the front transfer case oil, Oil looked surprisingly clean. No particles, water, contamination etc. New crush washers. Torqued to 36ft lbs. Used Napa gear lube pump part number 19191.

I knew the rear brakes needed attention but thankful for the dealer review. I had the Toyota pads at my house but needed the caliper boot which was ripped along with the shim kit. When removing the caliper, I found the caliper pins to not move freely. One of the boots was ripped and some rust had gotten on the pin. Unfortunately, the boot could not be purchased separately so I ordered a new caliper rebuild kit. (04479-0E060) After ten years I decided to replace all four boots. One interesting thing is the slide pin with the rubber on the parts diagram from Toyota it states, "not reusable part" for the rubber piece. This rubber comes in the caliper rebuild kit as well. Never replaced this in the past. Very thin layer of grease used on pins.

The "Car Care Nut" has a great video on brakes

I have not replaced the shocks yet. Honestly the car rides perfect and would never know they needed replacement without them recommending it. It's on my list to do soon though.

I am actually surprised they did not notice a wheel bearing starting to fail. They even drove it 2 miles.

While I was at it, I cleaned some surface rust on the undercarriage with a wire wheel and painted with Rustoleum black and a thin coat of Rustoleum non textured truck bed coating. The joys of winter.

 

Well done....