Why should we change the VLSD fluid?
 

The actual locking mechanism of the VLSD is a fluid sealed inside (and can only be accessed when taken apart), which gets hot very quickly and stops working after about 10 minutes of drifting in my experience. At that point, it acts like an open-diff and needs some time to cool off. It is said that changing the fluid out of the pumpkin would not effect the locking efficiency of the VLSD. I found this to be true in my experience, as well, when i changed the OEM fluid around 15k miles to Redline. No difference.
So to sum it up, if changing the diff fluid makes no difference in performance, why are we doing it at all in the first place?

yah, why bother changing motor oil, tranny oil, blinker oil, etc.

I disagree with you, Mr. KenInfiniteWisdomChan.

I change my blinker oil every 3 months. It's false economy not to do so. Engine, Trans, etc. -- I do not bother.

I had the diff start to bind up with the oem diff fluid after hard track session. Once I put in Redline it never happened again. The diff would still slip more and more throughout a session but at least it didn't bind. Even thought the VLSD is sealed the diff fluid must help in the cooling.

Redline is the way to go. :tup:

:iagree: Also your blinker fluid is definitely the most important maintenance item on your car

Truth.

If cooling of the VLSD were the only function of the diff fluid then, yeah, it wouldn't make much sense to change it often. Since the diff fluid's main function is to lube the gears and all fluids break down (much faster at higher temps), it's a good idea to change it out every now and then. If you are getting the VLSD/diff that hot on a regular basis, it would be a good idea to change the diff fluid quite often.

A cooler might be a good idea.

:tup: okay, i should change my blinker oil more often. thanks!!

I am here to help.

You should skip changing your engine oil as well.

We have already established that... :tup:

It's to ensure functionality, removing the oil ensures that those small shavings don't collect. Upgrading the fluid is just to have peace of mind and longevitity of the pumpkin's use. Otherwise, if you actually do drifting, you are better off with a real LSD. Any 1.5 is WAY better than our stock ones. And, 1.5 is not enough, you'll need an oil diff cooler if your taking drifting seriously. :tiphat: It's like your saying, why clean the toilet if your just gonna sh*t back on it later. lol

engine oil is overrated....just use crisco

I wait until my blinker fluid runs dry. Then refill it. That way, I know that I have fresh fluid through out the blinker system. :tup: