So I'm going to look at a s2k today that was serviced by the dealer it's entire life. It's had the 15k, 30k and 60k service. Carfax shows it has the diff fluid changes at Honda dealer 3x. What makes me concern Is I thought Honda dealers don't have diff fluids compatible with the s2ks diff. What are they putting in there? I'm just afraid they were putting the wrong fluid and don't want the diff to fail on me if I decide to purchase the vehicle. Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for during the test drive? Thanks

 

As someone who had his diff fail, I understand your concern. You DONT want this to ever happen and im lucky i was close to home when mine went. Im pretty sure the dealer uses the conventional 75/90 but what brand I have no idea. Others here will know but it could vary by dealer.

After my diff blew, ive only used the Amsoil 75/90 severe gear oil and swear by all Amsoil products.

 

In recent times Honda dealers have been getting diff fluid that was brought over from their other divisions, something like an 80w90 is now available which isn't bad. I have no idea what they may have been stuffing in there years ago. I would still prefer a nice 75w/110 like Amsoil has, or SAE 110 LE1605.

 

If you're that concerned then flush the diff and replace the fluids with amsoil 75w110. It takes like 30 minutes max and is worth it for peace of mind

 

I'd imagine as long as the fluid meets GL-5, Hypoid gear use --- it's ok to use. At least, by dealer standards. I've been using Royal Purple Synthetic 75W-90, last few years. Quiet, no problems, so far...

 

My diff and gearbox choices based on recommendations here. The LE 1605 only takes a few minutes to find and there's a wide range of prices for the same oil. Spend a few minutes so you don't over-pay.



-- Chuck

 

I think a lot depends on how hard the car was driven. But if the prior owner was servicing the car regularly at the proper intervals, my guess is that you should be OK. It is possible that dealer service records are available in the computer to see exactly what fluids were used at the three fluid changes.

You might listen for a whine or clunk, but without pulling the differential, I'm not sure you can ever be sure.

A few weeks ago, I bought the LE 1605 directly from Lubrication Engineers at about $25 a quart. They have a website. I've been using the Amsoil and Royal Purple 75-90 differential fluids up until now, but decided to upgrade. My rear end seems to be a bit loud. The LE 1605 is supposed to be 110 weight.

 

Honda dealers now have their own branded 75-85 fluid. We started using it about a year or a little more ago. As to what they put in if the changes were more than 2 years ago...most dealers got a GL5 spec fluid from the local parts store and went with it.

 

Here in Europe we got this SAE90, it's pretty expensive though.

 

Its not that dealers don't have access to an appropriate fluid, its that they assume its the same diff fluid they use in other models like CRV. CRV uses a Honda branded rear diff fluid, but it'll destroy the diff in the S.

So long as dealer is smart enough not to do that, you're fine. But a lot of dealers aren't that smart. The good news is the diff would destroy itself quickly with that fluid. So if its ok now, its a safe bet no one screwed this up yet. But change the fluids first thing so you know whats in there.