The search function is apparently Guntersmurf-proof because I can't find any posts that mention it and I know I've read it here numerous times.

I am preparing to do battle with the local Honda dealer over their claim that using any fluid other than Honda VTM-4 will void the warranty.

Thanks in advance!

 

i think its a mazda unit


your dealership(almost every dealership) is filled with a bunch of idiots. vtm-4 is made for crvs with realtime AWD or whatever.


for your car, you need gl-5/gl-6 75w90/80w90 gear oil. like castrol, mobil, etc...honda does not make a suitable gear oil for the s2k differential.

 

Tell that to the idiots at B*** P***** Honda. When I told them that they used the wrong fluid- after they refused to use the stuff I brought with me- the service writer told me: "I don't know who's telling you this, but our technician has been working on Hondas for eight years, he knows what he's talking about." Yeah, right. That must be why he hasn't found the annoying rattle coming from the dashboard after five different attempts.

 

Whatever you do, don't put VTM-4 fluid in the diff- It will destroy it. VTM is meant for Pilots and MDX's only, and is very similar to automatic transmission fluid. Whom ever at the dealer needs to start READING a service manual. My guess is a service manager or service writer told you this- No one that actually works on cars. It is very clear that any GL5/6 75/80W90 gear oil must be used. Honda does not make gear oil, So the dealer must get it from somewhere else- Which is the same thing they have to do to change gear oil in a POS Passport, or an Acura Legend, 3.5RL Etc.

 

What fluid did they use???????

 

It's made by Torsen


I e mailed their engineering department and asked...they said use a good quality synthetic fluid (such as Mobil 1 80w90)

Torsen

Also Torsen's applications list shows the S2000

Here

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Red 8683
[B]It's made by Torsen

 

I believe RX7 and Miata use the same unit from Torsen.

 

This was my question to Torsen:

This comment is from your FAQ page:

"Also, Type 2 differentials can use almost any type of lubricating oil, including ATF."

What is your recommended lubricant for the differential in a 2000 Honda S2000? The car is not raced, but is often driven in "spirited" runs on mountain roads. Honda recommends GL 4 or GL 5 lubricant. Can you recommend specific brands, etc.


And this was the reply:

While our differential can operate in ATF or other lubricants, your rear axle's ring and pinion gearing cannot. That's why Honda recommends GL4 or 5 type oils. You should follow their recommendation. If they do not have a specific oil that they recommend, then most any "hypoid" gear oil will work - they have a GL4 or 5 rating by default. Unless Honda says different, an oil with a 80W90 weight will do, although in your application a synthetic is probably favourable.

I hope this helps.

Rick Barnes
Zexel Torsen Inc.
rbarnes@torsen.com


[This correspondence was exactly 1 year ago today]

{I edited my previous post from 75w90 to 80w90 after I re read that e mail}

 

Red 8683,
Can you forward that email to me? guntersmurf@charter.net

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

Slow S2k,
They used VTM-4 and claim that it's the proper fluid because "they work on Hondas and know whats right."