After reading several posts about what lubricant to use for the tranny and differential, I decided to ask an expert. Our S2000 differential is a Torsen Type 2, so I checked out Torsen's web site and then e mailed one of their engineers. Here's my question and his reply.

To: fsae@torsen.com
Subject: Torsen Type 2 Differential Lubrication


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.

Thank you,


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


I think I'll go with Honda MTF for the tranny and Mobil 1 Hypoid gear oil for the Diff.

 

I believe many of us have this combination in our cars. MTF and Mobil synthetic gear oil 75W90. You won't go wrong with this. If you're planning to do this yourself, be warned that the diff fluid sticks to high heaven. You might consider sticking the a$$ end of the car out of the garage while you do it.
Also: diff fill bolt - 23 mm box end wrench; drain bolt - 24 mm socket.

 

I changed my diff fluid last night on my '02, which now has 8500 miles on it. The oil didn't have a noticeable odor to it, but it was blacker than black. Other than the color, it looked "clean". Does anyone know what oil Honda uses from the factory, and what color it is when it is new. I'm wondering if the original oil might start out that color. I did have some metal shaving on the magnetic drain plug, and I refilled it with Mobil 1 75W90.

 

How often should the diff and tranny fluid be changed?

 

If you ask the dealer, or look in the manual, it says something like 30K miles. I don't think anyone should wait that long. I changed my tranny fluid at 7500, and it has really made things better. I was grinding into 2nd 2~3 times per day, but since I changed the tranny fluid, its only been grinding maybe once per week, after allot of hard driving. I changed my diff fluid last night just because I wanted to get all the break in oil out of there.

 

Thanks gernby, I bought my s used at 22k, it's up to 24k now and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been changed. I'll change them at my next oil change.

jd

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by johnnydev
[B]Thanks gernby, I bought my s used at 22k, it's up to 24k now and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been changed.