is it safe to have a nondealer change the rear diff fluid? or should i just bring it to the dealer?

I'm 50 miles past due for the rear diff fluid change. Is it recommended to change the fluid asap?

 

Just follow your MID, and you'll be okay.

A dealership can charge 2-3x what a "normal" auto shop charges. It does not seem too difficult IMHO, and one could even do-it-themselves. I had a local auto shop do a B16 service (car "inspection," oil change, tire rotation, and rear-diff change) for $89+tax.

 

You should change it when recommended. The rear differential is a clutch pack LSD and it depends on how you drive and what you're doing with the car how much the clutch pack is wearing.

It is easy to do.

If you have a 2009 or 2010 TL, then the specification is for ATF Z1.

If you have a 2011 or 2012 vehicle, you will notice that the housing is now stamped DPSF for a new "Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid" that began to be used in the 2011 model year.

We can assume that the friction modifiers are different, but I do not know if it is safe to use DPSF in a housing that is stamped ATF Z1, so I would just use the recommended fluid for the model year you have...pending a factory representative popping in here and recommending the contrary.

Unless you're doing something dumb like using your SH-AWD as the AWD Instructor car at Summit Point or something, I doubt you have to worry about the modified friction content of the new fluid.

 

When I was looking to get my transmission fluid changed out in my FX35 I checked with a local shop first for pricing. I asked them for the year make and model what they were going to use. The guy said just regular transmission fluid. I then asked if there wasn't any special instructions or types for Infiniti/Nissans. He said no.

I ended up having the dealership do it because I knew Infiniti/Nissan says specifically to use Nissan J matic fluid. JATCO, the transmission manufacturer states that it will not reimburse Nissan if their analysis shows a non comforming ATF was used. If you use anything else your warranty will be voided.

I mentioned this because I dodged a potential issue if I had listened to the local shop and wanted to save a few bucks. I don't know what Acura states for the TL but I'm a firm believer to just put in what came in the car when dealing with ATF.

 

^ Sorry I was trying to say know what the performance standards are for your differential and transmission fluids so that you won't void your warranty going outside of the dealership.

 

i own two acuras, 2010 tl and 2010 zdx. I presume ATF Z1 fluid will do for both

 

^ probably. but you should always double check. as far as the rear differential goes, it's essentially impossible to swap the fluid out incorrectly. there's only one fill/drain hole. in other words, it's impossible to overflow it (using the typical hand pump). just take it to your local mechanic or do it at home

 

Anyone found a comparable RedLine fluid yet? Switching from Honda MTF to Redline on my S2000 was night and day pedal difference on track days. I've used their water wetter for years too - but again, really only beneficial on track days.

They do make a 75w90 diff fluid - but not sure if anyone's tried it ?