Differential Oil Change
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
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From: Canada
Differential Oil Change
I have a ‘22 RX350 with just 51k km (~32 k miles). I was at the dealership yesterday and they recommended changing the front and rear diff oils. I understand changing the oil would likely flush out any fine metal shavings that could be present. I am considering doing this but I would like to defer this expense as I just had my brakes serviced (taken apart, filed, cleaned, and lubed). The dealer said this oil change is based on mileage. Is this oil change really necessary? And if so, couldn’t it wait for another year since I don’t put much mileage on now that I am retired? Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2020
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From: CT
I did my transfer case and rear diff gear oil at 30k. Some metal on the magnet but not horrible. Now I service them every 50k miles. I believe that the service manual calls for inspections every 15k but I only see replacement on the schedule if you tow or do heavy hauling.
If you are at all DIY both of these are very easy to do and the cost is just for the gear oil and a couple of gaskets.
I am curious what a brake "service" is? I check my brake components when doing other work, but do not service them until they need pad and rotor replacement (which should be far away). In particular I will check the grease on the caliper pins but I have never had to service my brakes as a stand alone job.
Dealerships love to suggest work. Just follow the vehicle maintenance schedule (with a couple of exceptions for oil change interval and ATF fluid drain and fill).
If you are at all DIY both of these are very easy to do and the cost is just for the gear oil and a couple of gaskets.
I am curious what a brake "service" is? I check my brake components when doing other work, but do not service them until they need pad and rotor replacement (which should be far away). In particular I will check the grease on the caliper pins but I have never had to service my brakes as a stand alone job.
Dealerships love to suggest work. Just follow the vehicle maintenance schedule (with a couple of exceptions for oil change interval and ATF fluid drain and fill).
Last edited by Quantum501; Feb 8, 2026 at 09:31 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Canada
Thanks for your reply. The brake service was just to inspect, check and clean the brakes since they had my tires off for a rotation. Yes, dealerships have all kinds of recommendations as that is where they make their money after selling the vehicle. Last time they wanted to change my brake fluid. I asked them what was the moisture content and they said they don’t have anything to measure the % moisture. That’s bull. I actually had someone in this forum a few months back who recommended that I get a tester from Amazon, and voila! Less then $20. I see great value with this Lexus subscription as there are so many experts or at least experienced individuals who are always ready to provide advice, ideas or recommendations. Thanks.
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Joined: May 2019
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From: NJ
Have 2017 w 90k. Did transfer case& rear diff at 50k( at 5 yrs, was wife's , now mine, I put 16k/yearly)
will do next week. Lexus dealer posted price here inNJ is $279. Simple drain& fills. Rear diff not like those pickup trucks they remove the bolted on plate etc. I over maintain maybe but. Did transmission fluid at 60k, and last week at 90k. Too often ? Maybe , but I'm planning on 200k,16 yr run w this veh
will do next week. Lexus dealer posted price here inNJ is $279. Simple drain& fills. Rear diff not like those pickup trucks they remove the bolted on plate etc. I over maintain maybe but. Did transmission fluid at 60k, and last week at 90k. Too often ? Maybe , but I'm planning on 200k,16 yr run w this veh
Have 2017 w 90k. Did transfer case& rear diff at 50k( at 5 yrs, was wife's , now mine, I put 16k/yearly)
will do next week. Lexus dealer posted price here inNJ is $279. Simple drain& fills. Rear diff not like those pickup trucks they remove the bolted on plate etc. I over maintain maybe but. Did transmission fluid at 60k, and last week at 90k. Too often ? Maybe , but I'm planning on 200k,16 yr run w this veh
will do next week. Lexus dealer posted price here inNJ is $279. Simple drain& fills. Rear diff not like those pickup trucks they remove the bolted on plate etc. I over maintain maybe but. Did transmission fluid at 60k, and last week at 90k. Too often ? Maybe , but I'm planning on 200k,16 yr run w this veh
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 796
Likes: 584
From: CT
I believe that the maintenance manual only recommends inspections of these fluids every 15k miles.
I replaced my fluid at 30k miles. Fluid had some small metal particles so it looked very good.
I have it on my schedule to now replace every 50k miles. The job is extremely easy to do if you are DIY. The cost is just the gear oil and a couple of gaskets, so very inexpensive.
I replaced my fluid at 30k miles. Fluid had some small metal particles so it looked very good.
I have it on my schedule to now replace every 50k miles. The job is extremely easy to do if you are DIY. The cost is just the gear oil and a couple of gaskets, so very inexpensive.