Triax AWD-X to replace Honda Dual Pump II

[maw_76]

So, I was going over my maintenance notes for my '16 Honda HRV and realized it's due for a differential fluid change. Naturally, I go to Amazon and discover this "equivalent" for the Honda fluid called Triax AWD-X. The reviews were positive, the price is approximately the same at $15 qt, and of course, it's claimed to be better than the Honda fluid. Well, I bought into the hype without researching here first, and now I have a product showing up here in the next couple of days that I don't know a ton about other than what the reviews and manufacturer says.

It appears their engine oil isn't held in high regard. Not that it's a terrible product, but for the price there's probably better oils for less that'll do as good, if not a better job. The issue with the Honda differentials is there really isn't an equivalent for the dual pump fluid, other than some atf fluids in a pinch, to replace the Honda product other than this Triax that I found. I'll give it a shot and I'm sure it'll be fine. I don't think I necessarily buy into the fact that you can double your service interval from 30k to 60k, but I'll definitely go 30k with it.

Is Triax as bad as some claim on here, or is it a decent product that gets a bad rap because of questionable business practices and a product that isn't truthful in its claims?

 

[rszappa1]

I would stick to OEM Honda dual pump fluid.....Its not like you change it every 7000 miles.....On my 21 HRV I did mine first at 15000 then every 30000 after using only honda dual pump fluid....

 

[spasm3]

If its the same price as Honda why on earth use a hardly known off brand.

I would not use it.

 

[crashz]

Um - I wouldn't. Save it for lawn mower lube or fogging oil.

If you search here you'll find some threads with some factual information on Triax. What really got me was the specifications that they have advertised were contradictory with themselves. There are other anecdotal issues, I believe some lawsuits and such for false advertising. I really recommend you search the threads here first before you use it.

 

[cptbarkey]

Its garbage. You should thank yourself Amazon has easy returns.

 

[maw_76]

Does anyone have firsthand experience with their product other than what they read on here? I'm not doubting anyone, but if someone had a catastrophic failure due to their lubricants they really shouldn't be in business, let alone selling their product on Amazon.

 

[spasm3]

Does anyone have firsthand experience with their product other than what they read on here? I'm not doubting anyone, but if someone had a catastrophic failure due to their lubricants they really shouldn't be in business, let alone selling their product on Amazon.

No, too sketchy to use.

 

[rszappa1]

Does anyone have firsthand experience with their product other than what they read on here? I'm not doubting anyone, but if someone had a catastrophic failure due to their lubricants they really shouldn't be in business, let alone selling their product on Amazon.

Why not just get honda dual pump fluid...you need 2 bottles...change it and move on for another 30000 miles....

 

[Astro14]

Does anyone have firsthand experience with their product other than what they read on here? I'm not doubting anyone, but if someone had a catastrophic failure due to their lubricants they really shouldn't be in business, let alone selling their product on Amazon.

And how would this theoretical person prove that the fluid caused the damage?

Most people don’t change their own transmission fluid common. In fact, most people don’t change the transmission fluid at all, so it’s an extremely small number that would even be in a position to make an assessment.

There are plenty of garbage products on Amazon. Amazon doesn’t screen the products for quality, they merely process the returns and enforce their sales policy. But there’s plenty of garbage for sale even so.

Your own post is self-contradictory. You’re asking if a fluid is a good product that gets a bad rap because of false claims. How can something be a good product when they make false claims?

What’s a transmission cost? $6000?

That much at risk, this isn’t a place where I would be willing to experiment. The Honda transmission fluid is a well known quantity.

 

[maw_76]

I probably will after my next swap. I'm always open to trying new products though if it's an improvement over what I've used in the past. Triax reminds me of Amsoil a bit when they first came out years ago. I know people have their opinions on Amsoil, and I can't say I've ever ran anything other than some chain case lubricant in one of my snowmobiles, but they're still in business and they offer a wide range of products. Just to clarify, this isn't CVT fluid for my transmission, I use Valvoline for that. This is for the rear differential.

 

[spasm3]

I probably will after my next swap. I'm always open to trying new products though if it's an improvement over what I've used in the past. Triax reminds me of Amsoil a bit when they first came out years ago. I know people have their opinions on Amsoil, and I can't say I've ever ran anything other than some chain case lubricant in one of my snowmobiles, but they're still in business and they offer a wide range of products. Just to clarify, this isn't CVT fluid for my transmission, I use Valvoline for that. This is for the rear differential.

The other thing i notice, is almost every post asking about this product is a newer member with a low post count.

They " ask " about the product then go on to try and defend using it, when replies are to the contrary.

It starts to feel like soft spam.

 

[crashz]

Does anyone have firsthand experience with their product other than what they read on here? I'm not doubting anyone, but if someone had a catastrophic failure due to their lubricants they really shouldn't be in business, let alone selling their product on Amazon.

I wouldn't use Amazon as a benchmark of quality. Anyone can sell anything on Amazon. Doesn't have to be a reputable product. And the seller does not have any obligation to stand behind the product sold. They may suffer in reviews, but they can get around that.

BTW - I've been burned by purchases of OEM parts on Amazon. Not directly relevant, but indicative of the clever scams on there.

Not long ago I considered Triax (before reading here) for gear oil in one of my trucks. It takes a lot of fluid and I wanted something cost effective because I was going to do a short interval as a flush. Triax had a great price on the fluid. But my truck is used during the summer for a business and I can't afford to have it down, much less have to repair the axle if something were to go wrong. I researched here, found some not great things about Triax, and decided I was not comfortable with the risk.

 

[JavierH19]

After learning more about triax and their issues i'd pass on it especially if it costs the same as honda fluid.

 

[Johnny248]

Eneos makes dual pump fluid. A lot of times its not any less expensive than the Honda stuff, and the dealer stocks it.

 

[UncleDave]

I would stick to OEM Honda dual pump fluid.....Its not like you change it every 7000 miles.....On my 21 HRV I did mine first at 15000 then every 30000 after using only honda dual pump fluid....

Actually 7500 is the severe or mountain service schedule for my Ridgeline.

 

[maw_76]

Well, thanks for the replies guys. You live and learn. Luckily we have forums like this to ask the masses. Back in the day you relied on your dad and uncle's, hopefully a reputable mechanic, and the guys down at the Legion Hall.

 

[GW.]

Triax(their blender) was caught putting false approvals on the bottles and was sued. We’ve caught contradicting approvals printed on the bottles. Stay away, no way to know exactly what you’re getting.

 

[UncleDave]

And how would this theoretical person prove that the fluid caused the damage?

Most people don’t change their own transmission fluid common. In fact, most people don’t change the transmission fluid at all, so it’s an extremely small number that would even be in a position to make an assessment.

There are plenty of garbage products on Amazon. Amazon doesn’t screen the products for quality, they merely process the returns and enforce their sales policy. But there’s plenty of garbage for sale even so.

Your own post is self-contradictory. You’re asking if a fluid is a good product that gets a bad rap because of false claims. How can something be a good product when they make false claims?

What’s a transmission cost? $6000?

That much at risk, this isn’t a place where I would be willing to experiment. The Honda transmission fluid is a well known quantity.

Dual Pump II is for the AWD differential vs. the trans which is likely spec'd for DW 1.

DP II acts both as a lubricant, and a hydraulic fluid and its properties arent likely to be met by a generic off the shelf.

Many honda diffs are overdriven and in a continuous state of slip, this is very carefully engineered and even mixing hondas own fluids that are very similar (VTM-4) results in a problematic experience.

OP should stick with the Honda fluid.

 

[rszappa1]

Actually 7500 is the severe or mountain service schedule for my Ridgeline.

Not on the HRV but if it was 7500 svr service I would still use Honda OEM dual pump fluid...

 

[kschachn]

Is Triax as bad as some claim on here, or is it a decent product that gets a bad rap because of questionable business practices and a product that isn't truthful in its claims?

Why is this how all these threads start?