Has anyone done this without the use of an extension bar?
I used the extension to remove the fill plug but was able to tighten without. I know that sounds strange but I just used to remove b/c video said to. When I was tightening I realized that I could get the socket on the nut and tighten without.
Did transfer case and rear diff today (car has 44K). I don't have a lift but I do have four car ramps and I needed every inch to clear the beer belly. Replaced fluid with Valvoline 75/90 full synthetic; in the squishy bags which are super convenient in dispensing the fluid. I added a short 3/8"ID clear tubing to the tip, then just squeeze the bag. As it empties, you can roll it up and turn it upside down as needed. Walmart has them for $12-$13 a bag, but I get the 3-pack from amazon since I use the same fluid in my Tacoma 4x4 (comes out to $11/qt). I used copper M17 crush washers for the drain plugs and re-used the fill-plug washers.
One thing to note: a little fluid came out of the transfer case fill-plug when I first removed it, but none came out of the diff, and it took more than came out.
Thanks for the vid Viktor.
Did you had any shifting problems or any changes from using 75w90? Thanks
Just completed the service on the transfer case and rear differential again.
I did this service a couple of years ago when the mileage was at about 30k and it looked in very good shape.
Now my mileage is just over 70k and again, oil looked very good. I am sure that you could wait longer but the job is very easy and relatively cheap for the oil (I used RedLine GL5 75W85).
BTW my RX has been flawless in the 4+ years of ownership. No problems. Very comfortable and runs great. Easy to do maintenance. Great purchase.
Just completed the service on the transfer case and rear differential again.
I did this service a couple of years ago when the mileage was at about 30k and it looked in very good shape.
Now my mileage is just over 70k and again, oil looked very good. I am sure that you could wait longer but the job is very easy and relatively cheap for the oil (I used RedLine GL5 75W85).
BTW my RX has been flawless in the 4+ years of ownership. No problems. Very comfortable and runs great. Easy to do maintenance. Great purchase.
Just a thought but have you consider using Valvoline 75w-90 instead? You are saving about $10/qt.
Some here have success using it and the difference in viscosity is trivial.
Just a thought but have you consider using Valvoline 75w-90 instead? You are saving about $10/qt.
Some here have success using it and the difference in viscosity is trivial.
I have not. The first time I used the Toyota OEM fluid which was like $35 quart. Redline is $22/quart. I had some left over from my wife's 4Runner and the RX only takes 1.3 quarts total between Transfer Case and rear diff. I know that many people say that small variations in viscosity don't matter but everyone has the RedLine and it is maybe a total of like $30. Thanks
About to tackle the transmission, transfer case and differential next week. Out of all - the transfer case would be the complicated one due to clearance. Will apply all of the useful information here. Wish me luck.
About to tackle the transmission, transfer case and differential next week. Out of all - the transfer case would be the complicated one due to clearance. Will apply all of the useful information here. Wish me luck.
All are very straight forward so you should have no problems.
Have fun!
Would like to share my experience after doing the fluid exchange on the transfer case and differential. The transfer case fluid was still golden and the differential it was gray. The vehicle now drones less. I used Valvoline 75W-90 for both.
Serviced TC and rear differential using valvoline 75w-90 squeeze bags. Also used small tubing attached to bag for TC fill. Fill plug is a bit of a PITA to get to on TC
Serviced TC and rear differential using valvoline 75w-90 squeeze bags. Also used small tubing attached to bag for TC fill. Fill plug is a bit of a PITA to get to on TC
Yup, same here. Also used the valvoline squeeze bags. It was kinda hard due to the angle.
