Fluid change

jungy4

Member
Car
FX35
We have a 2011 FX35 AWD with 75k miles that is very gently driven.

How often do you guys get differential and transmission fluid replaced?
 
Transmission fluid is supposed to be "lifetime", there's not even a dipstick as the system is sealed. But on most cars with lifetime fluid, the consensus is ~100K. A shop just has to use a pump to get the old fluid out and fill new.

Differentials are typically at 60K if you follow the premium service interval I believe. Same with transfer case.
 
Differential is every 30k as an 'Optional Premium Maintenance".

I changed my differential fluid for the first time at 60,000k. The magnet was nasty! This is what it looked like after a few wipes. I would highly suggest doing this every 30k. It's pretty easy to do it yourself also. Saved me $500 from the dealership.

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Just something to keep in mind...

Be sure to remove or losen the refill plug before removing the drain plug. Do it in this sequence, so that there is no chance of leaving you with an empty differential or transfer case because you can't not refill due to a stubborn refill plug.
 
Yes, that drain bolt magnet is nasty. I changed all the front and rear differential oil and transfer case oil about a month ago. I noticed the front differential magnet bolt was (a lot) dirtier than the rear; there was a thick layer of junk. That was really puzzling.
 
Yes, that drain bolt magnet is nasty. I changed all the front and rear differential oil and transfer case oil about a month ago. I noticed the front differential magnet bolt was (a lot) dirtier than the rear; there was a thick layer of junk. That was really puzzling.
My front bolt was dirty and my rear bolt was clean.

This was my 3rd time doing so. I did them at 30,60,90k. With Mobil 75w-90.

The rear bolt/fluid was perfectly clean. Kinda felt like a waste to drain and fill. The front bolt was another story.

T case and atf were pretty average wear. Not super clean nor dirty/burnt.

This is on my g35x which is roughly same drivetrain.
Sent from my SM-N910T3
 
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