How often should I change my diff fluid?
the manual says 1 yr for serere cond. and 2 yrs for normal cond.
I dun track nor auto-x the car. also what would happen if the diff fluid is not changed as frequent as it should've been?

 

I suggest changing it initially no later than 5,000 miles.

Search for an old thread, we did a poll on what's everybody's interval in "Under the Hood".

 

Even the "normal" workings of the diff will grind off minute particles of metal. The larger ones of these will stick to and collect on the magnetic drain plug. However, when enough of the smaller particles have formed a significant amount of "fuzzing" around the magnet, the rest just float around in the fluid. As the concentration of these filings increases, they will contribute to accelerated wear of the moving parts of the diff including the Limited Slip mechanism. Also the particles will be detrimental to the seals in the diff, ultimately causing them to be scored and subsequently making them leak. Dumping the old fluid keeps the filings down. The most critical time for the build-up of these particles is during the first thousand or so miles of the gear's service. Additionally, tracking the car or hard street use will generate more particles.
If you drive sedately all the time, you may not need to change the fluid beyond what is called for in the manual. Since a diff change is relatively easy to do, the cost quite low, it is cheap insurance. The same goes for the tranny fluid.
ps. I've seen the fluid come out of a Toyota Pick up at around 150,000 miles and I swear the diff fluid was never changed. The fluid came out looking like a Slurpee, yet the truck continued to run. If you don't mind having Slurpee fluid in your high performance sports car, just leave it in there.

 

Do you have a how-to change diff. fluid like you do the tranny fluid? What diff. fluid do you recommend using?

 

This is in the library, along with a few other maintenance tips.

https://www.s2ki.com/article/articleview/119/1/8/

 

i used Mobil 1 for both differential and transmission. works well so far. havent noticed much difference in shifting, but gas mileage increased 1-2 mpg.

 

It is also listed with all the "How To's" at the top of the "Under the Hood" forum under "Commonly asked Questions ......." with detailed pics. Mobil 1 75W90 synthetic GL-5 gear oil is widely used by many owners.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s22k
[B]i used Mobil 1 for both differential and transmission.

 

I don't have the proper tools and I don't have the skills yet to do the oil changes my self.
how does everyone think of the transmission fluid and diff. fluid honda dealer uses?

 

Honda MTF for tranny = GOOD.
Honda diff fluid (that they use for their other vehicles) = BAD! (And eventually they will give you a free diff.)