This month's issue is an interesting read. It ends with them being impressed by and saying many positive things about torque vectoring capabilities on the top level Ford and the TLX. I wish they had mentioned that the other auto makers are really playing catch up here and Acura's SH-AWD system has been doing this for years. The article also mentions that the torque vectoring systems are hard (thermally) on the oil. I've also heard the rear diff in our SH-AWD Acuras is hard on the oil and that the shearing action beats the oil up a lot. So, even if it looks perfectly clean, it seems wise to follow the interval recommendation for changes. I do the rear diff, transfer case, the simple (one time) drain and fill of the tranny once a year and I'll still do the 3 times on the transition fluid at 60K or whatever. But give Acura accolades for using torque vectoring before it was popular. Sounds like we will be seeing more and more torque vectoring in the future.

 

It is true that other automakers are catching up to the Honda torque-vectoring AWD system.

That's why the advent of the tri-motor hybrid AWD system from Honda to stay ahead of the game.

 

Thanks for the info. I change my diff fluid every 15k miles; it's prob overkill but it's my choice.
It's easy to do even for a 52 year old semi-white-collar man. I don't even jack up the car.

 

You sir...are thinner than I.
I did it once on the TL, somewhere here on AZ there is a picture of me with my gut hanging out while laying on the garage floor.

 

is there a way to see this article online?

a google search failed to find the article

I'm assuming it was the July issue?

 

Am I the only one that was unable to get the drain and refill plugs loose? I was using a 24" breaker bar, but could only get it on the bolt one way and there was not enough clearance between the bar and pavement to do much of anything. I had the back end up on ramps.

 

I remember the first time change the plugs were a little tight. I did jack it up the first time but I don't remember having that much difficulty.
I assume you know to always remove the fill plug first when draining a gearbox or transmission. If you drain it first and can't remove the fill plug, you're SOL and in need of a tow truck (or the car is not drivable until you can get the fill plug loose).

There are multiple threads on this forum that show how to perform this job (with pictures).

 

Actually it is not as hard on our rear differential as the new current SH-AWD on the TLX and 2016 MDX. Ours is electromagnetic based and the new one is hydraulic based which is much harder on the gears and can heat up more during prolonged use.

 

Here are a couple of interesting reads on SH-AWD, variations and implementations:
Two approaches to AWD show improved fuel economy, reduced system weight - SAE International
Acura SH-AWD: A Comprehensive Analysis (Updated Jan.8, 2016) - YouWheel.com - Car News and Review

 

Forgot to add this one: AutoZine Technical School

 

thanks, this will tide me over until i can find a copy of the Car & Driver article

 

acura's original electromechanical SH-AWD found on our cars, the 2G MDX, 2G RL also have magnetic clutches! Newer SH-AWD system in the TLX is a more traditional AWD system!