Jordacura

Hi Guys.

Again, just picked up my 2010 Acura RDX AWD Tech.

Decided to take it to Acura first and foremost. Just for them to inspect + also drain the replace the Synthetic Blend Oil the small dealership I purchased the car from completed.

This is very well maintained car. Everything methodically done at an Acura Dealership for its Life.

Every Checked out but the tech is mentioning that the rear differential fluid is starting to break down. It’s a $189 service. Does this make sense if it was done 13,000 miles / 1 Year ago at Acura ?

I told him to hold off for now but wanted to get some advice/experience from regular users.

Seems a bit abnormal to me but I guess I need to get it done next service maybe ?

Jordacura

Btw, the last time the rear differential was services was back in 2018.

Serviced at 114k
Serviced at 149k

This seems like a more reasonable interval and something I would expect.

Essthadoc

Some people never change the fluid. You had the service done not to long ago. If you have the money go for it. If not it can wait for some time. That really is how you feel at this point. In my opinion.

Jordacura

thanks. Yea I think I’ll wait, was just curious from others if they had to ever service it that quickly. From what I have read it’s more like a 25k-40k interval.

DaIll1

If the lube is starting to break down, postponing is a gamble. How many fluid changes can you get for the price of a diff?

Jordacura

Is it lube or a fluid ?

i guess that’s one way to look at it too. I don’t know, maybe I’m just being cynical of dealerships. This one has a great reputation. I guess I would want to know how/why would it start this early on? Seems abnormal. They weren’t too concerned but were suggesting it and said it would be ok if they did it next time.

DaIll1

Lube, short for lubrication, can be in many forms, including fluid. I like using graphite, a solid form, for lubricating things open to dirt and freezing temperatures.
I'm just saying, I wouldn't put it off too long just to reach a number. I lost the transfer system in my 2003 EVO in 1,200 miles because the dealer didn't use the manufacture suggested lube.

Jordacura

gotcha. Yea understood. Definitely wouldn’t want it to cause any damage. I think I’ll lean towards taking care of it during my next B1 service.

deepa1600

It can be done easily at home if you are a little handy, you don't even need to jack the car. You just need a flat surface.

wusty23jd

I replace all of my fluids for roughly $100 at home every 10,000 miles (oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles). This takes into consideration that I am using brand new Acura/Honda crush washers and Acura/Honda fluid with the exception of the oil and filter, in which case I use Mobil-1.
Oil
Oil Filter
Tranfer Case Fluid
Differential Fluid
Transmission Fluid

If you're not comfortable performing maintenance on your own vehicle, then have the dealership do it. But just know that you can save a LOT of money doing things yourself. It's quite fun too

RDX_indy

that seems like a stealership job to me. 13,000 is hardly anything for differential fluid.