DIY: Rear Differential Oil Change

Kamillio · 10-02-2015, 11:56 PM

I have a problem. I have the car up, just finished the transmission fluid change. Now I can't fit my wrench to unscrew the filler screw, the exhaust pipes are in the way... Seems like the 10mm allen wrench socket sticks out too much from the filler screw.

Those who have done this successfully, where did you acquire your socket for the wrench? I got mine from Harbor Frieght, the Pittsburg brand.

Masterbeatty · 10-03-2015, 12:41 PM

You might need to take the muffler section off. I have the stillen CBE and i had no problem. Maybe try an universal joint extension.

Kamillio · 10-03-2015, 04:13 PM

I ended up getting a 6 inch extension, it worked

AV8rZ · 01-14-2016, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamillio

I have a problem. I have the car up, just finished the transmission fluid change. Now I can't fit my wrench to unscrew the filler screw, the exhaust pipes are in the way... Seems like the 10mm allen wrench socket sticks out too much from the filler screw.

Those who have done this successfully, where did you acquire your socket for the wrench? I got mine from Harbor Frieght, the Pittsburg brand.

Was this for refilling the transmission fluid or rear differential?

Kamillio · 01-14-2016, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AV8rZ

Was this for refilling the transmission fluid or rear differential?

Rear Diff. This was to access the refill plug/screw

AV8rZ · 01-14-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamillio

Rear Diff. This was to access the refill plug/screw

Thank you!

TreeSemdyZee · 01-14-2016, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamillio

I have a problem. I have the car up, just finished the transmission fluid change. Now I can't fit my wrench to unscrew the filler screw, the exhaust pipes are in the way... Seems like the 10mm allen wrench socket sticks out too much from the filler screw.

Those who have done this successfully, where did you acquire your socket for the wrench? I got mine from Harbor Frieght, the Pittsburg brand.

Rule #1: ALWAYS take the filler screw off first. If you drain it, then can't get the filler off, then you're screwed.

Tractionless · 02-01-2016, 07:51 AM

Other than those with track/autox usage why is everyone changing the fluid much earlier than the 60k factory service manual interval?

Did mine a few days ago, easy peesie, thanks for the DIY!

TreeSemdyZee · 02-01-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Other than those with track/autox usage why is everyone changing the fluid much earlier than the 60k factory service manual interval?

Did mine a few days ago, easy peesie, thanks for the DIY!

I always change all of my fluids earlier than the manufacturer's recommended intervals. Cheap insurance against wear.

JARblue · 02-01-2016, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Other than those with track/autox usage why is everyone changing the fluid much earlier than the 60k factory service manual interval?

Because it's too cheap and easy not to

SouthArk370Z · 02-01-2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Other than those with track/autox usage why is everyone changing the fluid much earlier than the 60k factory service manual interval? ...

Like TreeSemdyZee, I change all fluids (especially the first change, to get rid of break-in junk) earlier than what the factory calls for. After the first change, I'll usually go with 75-85% of factory specs.

With modern lubes, factory recommendations are just fine for most DDs, but I'm Old School.

YMMV

Tractionless · 02-02-2016, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

Like TreeSemdyZee, I change all fluids (especially the first change, to get rid of break-in junk) earlier than what the factory calls for. After the first change, I'll usually go with 75-85% of factory specs.

With modern lubes, factory recommendations are just fine for most DDs, but I'm Old School.

YMMV

I'm with you all ^^ on changing early, just thought I'd ask if there's an inherent problem that necessitates the earlier changes. I saw some at 7k, 12k, 15k which seems like a waste of time and money if it's purely a DD type. Thanks for the responses.

PickleZ · 04-13-2016, 09:16 PM

Thanks for the DIY spearfish - Made it that much easier! I have about 50k on mine and I'm thinking the previous owner must have changed the fluid at some point. The fluid was fairly dark, but still translucent and not like some of the photos I've seen. There was a decent amount of metal on the magnet (I guess it's doing its job). It's good peace of mind to know the fluid is fresh though. I didn't need to jack up the rear - just slid cozily on under the muffler. Arm just got tired from using a manual pump to get new oil in.

SINISTER · 02-26-2017, 09:59 PM

Did this today ..super easy since I used to have a G37 no difference.

JARblue · 02-27-2017, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PickleZ

I didn't need to jack up the rear - just slid cozily on under the muffler.

I wish I could fit my fat a$$ under the Z when it is sitting on the ground

10-02-2015, 11:56 PM	#166 (permalink)
Kamillio Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: FL Posts: 445 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 51	I have a problem. I have the car up, just finished the transmission fluid change. Now I can't fit my wrench to unscrew the filler screw, the exhaust pipes are in the way... Seems like the 10mm allen wrench socket sticks out too much from the filler screw. Those who have done this successfully, where did you acquire your socket for the wrench? I got mine from Harbor Frieght, the Pittsburg brand. Masterbeatty likes this. __________________ 370z

10-03-2015, 12:41 PM	#167 (permalink)
Masterbeatty A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Whales Vagina Posts: 4,586 Drives: the speed limit... Rep Power: 122867	You might need to take the muffler section off. I have the stillen CBE and i had no problem. Maybe try an universal joint extension. __________________ 2011 MB 6MT Masterbeatty journal

10-03-2015, 04:13 PM	#168 (permalink)
Kamillio Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: FL Posts: 445 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 51	I ended up getting a 6 inch extension, it worked __________________ 370z

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