Wow! 6000 miles and it already looks/smells that bad? I know I saw this in other reports too of advanced 'degredation' of the fluid, but I guess I'm still surprised at how soon it appears this way, especially given that Honda's published maintenance schedule doesn't call for the fluid to be changed until 15,000 miles even under the severe condition schedule. I guess I'm wondering 'what gives' here? Did Honda just underestimate the schedule? Or is the fluid really OK until 15,000? Now I'm wondering when I should replace mine...should I even do it earlier than 6000? Maybe at my first oil change which I'll probably do at 5000 miles? I assume it doesn't hurt to change the diff oil too early, right? It shouldn't have any theoretical 'break-in' additives like the regular engine oil, right?

Then the question becomes: when should subsequent diff oil changes occur? For those who have already changed theirs early, when will you do the next one? What interval will you follow for the life of the car?

Thanks for the great info as always!

 

[QUOTE]orginally posted by Hiro:

 

what do parts and labor run for a diff fluid change?

 

My dealer charged me $29.

Ted

 

not bad...

Might have my Acura dealer do that during my next free oil change...

So, is the diff fluid something Honda specific that the Acura dealer might not stock?

 

The mechanic at my dealer pumped the stuff out of a 10 gallon barrel of hypoid gear oil; I'm sure the Acura dealer will have the same or equivalent.

 

Thanks, Ted!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tedster
[B]I had my dealer change my differential fluid yesterday, at 9800 miles. It was extremely black and smelly, much different than the new stuff he was putting in.

 

See my answer four messasges up...

Ted

 

I just visited my dealer today to have my 20000 km servicing done. I requested for a diff fluid change and the mechanic agreed with me that it's a good idea to do early changes of fluid on limited slip diffs. The oil was pretty black but almost no shavings found. I put MOTUL PA90 which is GL5 ,synthetic, SAE 90 specialy for LSDs. Make sure you use an oil for LSDs. The diff is a little quiter on U turns after change.