Auto-RX + Differential Oil: No full rinse cycle?

[outrun]

Okay simple .... or simple confusion perhaps.

Currently there is a Group III in my differential. So, I change the fluid inside to mineral oil + AutoRX. Instructions say change at 1,000 miles. I understand Frank is conservative to protect his tail ... in a non-abused unit I could go to a 3,000 mile change interval safely correct? Or is there a boundary lubrication concern he has with Auto-RX mixed to gear oil? Keep in mind differential labor is around 60$ a pop.

But no rinse phase and then a final change back to your Syn?

I had a problem with wailing of the unit so I will try a switch from 75W90 to 85W140 to see if that helps during and after the AutoRX cycle.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Can't comment on the A-RX specifically but about that wailing; what vehicle is this? Does it have a LS diff? If so did the place remember to put in the friction modifier?

Also, you may want to look into whether there is an aftermarket diff cover for your vehicle that has a drain plug. Would sure cut down on your labor costs.

 

[SuperDave456]

I have done differentials on a Dodge bus, a Nissan Xterra, and a Ford F-150 in the past 6 months.

The F-150 was the most difficult. It would have been easier if I bought a little pump to put the fluid back in to the differential.

Read up on your specific differential. Know your vehicle. My Ford SPECIFICALLY calls for Full Synthetic 75w140 with a Limited Slip modifier.

This being said, anyone with a drain pan, a drive way, and some patience can service a differential. Sure, the gear oil smells. But it will save you a bundle, and you will be shocked how simple it can be.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Ya, it really isn't all that hard.

 

[TurboJim]

FYI - the automatic transmission application has now been extended out to 2,000 miles. http://www.auto-rx.com/auto-rxnet/pages/applicationsB.html

 

[Ken2]

Why clean the differential? Does it get hot enough to cause varnish or other oxidation of the gear oil? (You need to fix that.) Unless it had water in it, or the wrong oil, and got really bad, I'd just drive 'til warm, drain, and refill.

 

[vxcalais]

I ran my Auto-RX clean phase to 10,000kms, and flushed, no issues so far knock on wood.

 

[SecondMonkey]

Auto RX in the differential sounds about as wasteful as dumping it in the toilet. Your diff does not need that. It will not benefit from that. All you need to do is properly clean the gears when you have the cover off the diff, that's part of the job. The reason you use Auto RX in an engine is because you can't just unbolt the "cover" and clean everything.

With a differential all you need is a can of brake cleaner and everything is shiny new again - probably cleaner than Auto RX could ever achieve.

 

[chevrofreak]

My differential was clean enough to eat off of, and it had at least 50K miles and 7 years on the fluid. While I think Auto RX will help strengthen the fluid, I don't think it's necessary in most differentials.

 

[OVERKILL]

How is AutoRX going to "strengthen" gear oil? Seriously.

 

[chevrofreak]

Some of its ester components are good for extreme pressure.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: chevrofreak
Some of its ester components are good for extreme pressure.


That's what gear oils are designed to deal with from the get-go, I have a hard time picturing a cleaning product "improving" that.....

 

[JohnBrowning]

Since their is no carbon to remove and no sludge I think it does not need a real rinse!! But here is a novel Idea check the Auto-Rx web site it even has a forum! No one knows his product better then Frank!I think you add it to diff's just to keep the seals nice and pliable and clean really not much else? Same thing with Power Steering no one ever really rinses they just drain their system and refill with fresh fluid!

 

[SecondMonkey]

Originally Posted By: JohnBrowning
No one knows his product better then Frank!

And nobody wants to sell you a bottle of it more than Frank for anything from a runny nose to a flat tire! That's like calling Chevron and asking which brand of gas is the best.