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Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil

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Old 06-22-2007, 05:01 AM
  #161  
mberthia
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Originally Posted by Blazemaster
Ok, my noob *** just spent about half an hour reading through all the 9 pages of this thread, but still have a few more questions that either weren't covered or weren't answered clearly...
1. I have a base model w/o LSD (2004 actually), do I still have to change the diff. fluid? If so, do I still use the same type of fluid that you guys uses for LSD, or look for a different one? I'm currently leaning towards the Redline brand, so what should I use within the Redline line?

2. Being that I've never worked on my car before, where should I look for the Tranny and Differential? All I need is the general area where they're located after seeing the detail pictures that OP took. Thanks.
The diff is in between the rear wheels on the axle. The trans is behind the engine, basically right below the shifter.

If you have never worked on a car, just make sure that the car is well supported by stands. Don't rely on a jack while you are under the car...
Old 06-22-2007, 10:31 AM
  #162  
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do I only need one stand? or 4?
Old 06-22-2007, 10:47 AM
  #163  
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4, your car needs to be level.
Old 06-22-2007, 11:15 AM
  #164  
mberthia
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Yes four stands would be the way to go. That's how I do it as I have 4 already. They are cheap to buy.

You want the car level to fill up properly. I do believe that a little more or a little less because the car is not level is not going to hurt anything...
Old 06-22-2007, 05:32 PM
  #165  
Monsta
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Originally Posted by Blazemaster
do I only need one stand? or 4?
I'm not tryin to down talk you but I recommend you not working under your car until you gain some more knowledge of jacking it up. It’s hard to drop a car if properly done. But to do it right you gotta know what you are looking for like lift points, what the purpose of a jack stand is, and how many you need.
Old 06-25-2007, 08:05 AM
  #166  
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Originally Posted by Monsta
I'm not tryin to down talk you but I recommend you not working under your car until you gain some more knowledge of jacking it up. It’s hard to drop a car if properly done. But to do it right you gotta know what you are looking for like lift points, what the purpose of a jack stand is, and how many you need.
Agreed. Working under a suspending vehicle is dangerous business. One needs to have proper knowledge of where and how a car should be suspended, to avoid any fatal injuries.
Old 06-25-2007, 10:39 AM
  #167  
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Well I found a local distributor in Houston. They carry all the Redline products in store.

ProAm
Richmond Ave.
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 781-7755


After alot of research, this is what I decided to go with:

Differential - 2 qts. 75w90 Synthetic Gear Oil (GL-5)

Manual Transmission -
2 qts. MTL 70w80 (GL-4)
2 qts. MT-90 75w90 (GL-4)


The 2 different weights of Manual Transmission Fluid are combined to create a weight closest to that of what Nissan calls for. Reason being, is because Redline does not offer an exact 75W-85 weight. I found this information on another website. I decided to cite the info here, to clear up any misconceptions as to why 2 different manual transmission fluids are used.
Nissan calls for 75W-85 oil. Many owners suggest using Redline fluid, but the do not offer the exact oil weight so this requires a mix if using Redline fluid (2 quarts each):

Redline MTL: 70W-80
Redline MT-90: 75W-90
Product information can be found here:

differential fluid - http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp

Manual Transmission Fluid - http://www.redlineoil.com/products_g...p?categoryID=7
Old 06-25-2007, 08:35 PM
  #168  
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probably has been answered, but i was curious, for the LSD are you suppose to use fluid with the friction modifier or not???
Old 06-26-2007, 05:59 AM
  #169  
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Originally Posted by 350ZREDLINE
probably has been answered, but i was curious, for the LSD are you suppose to use fluid with the friction modifier or not???
The differential fluid made by Redline does not come in options. Unless I missed something on their website, the product I listed is the only one for our Z's.
Old 06-26-2007, 11:17 AM
  #170  
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well it comes in 75-90 and 75-90NS..

NS does not have the LSD additives. I have an LSD, but im still not 100% sure if i need the additives
Old 06-26-2007, 11:30 AM
  #171  
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Originally Posted by 350ZREDLINE
well it comes in 75-90 and 75-90NS..

NS does not have the LSD additives. I have an LSD, but im still not 100% sure if i need the additives
75W90

Our most popular gear oil, this is the preferred product in nearly all car and light truck differentials, both conventional and limited-slip. 75W90 is preferred for most racing applications. It contains friction modifier which is recommended for limited-slip units. 75W90 Gear Oil can be used in many transmissions and transaxles; however, other Red Line lubricants have better frictional properties for rapid synchronization. Exceeds API GL-5.
75W90 NS

This GL-5-type geal oil doesn't contain the friction modifiers for limited-slip hypoid differentials. This makes the transmission synchronizers come to equal speeds more quickly, allowing faster shifting and much easier low-temperature shifting. Can also be used in racing limited-slip differentials where weak spring design causes too much wheel spin.
It would appear that the 75W90 NS formula is for those who live in colder climates or those who plan to drive less aggressive than others. This is what I get from the context. The 75W90 appears to be the better choice for those who need the same slip differential performance as the lubricant temperature rises.
Old 06-26-2007, 07:08 PM
  #172  
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I CANT GET THE DAMN BOLTS off the Differential! I have a 10mm allen wrench and its on CRAZY tight.. any tips? I sprayed wd40 too... my cars on jackstands so please reply
Old 06-26-2007, 11:10 PM
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ok got it... had to use a makeshift breaker bar ^_^ I only got about 1.8 quarts in there, is that fine?
Old 06-27-2007, 06:29 AM
  #174  
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Originally Posted by jining
I CANT GET THE DAMN BOLTS off the Differential! I have a 10mm allen wrench and its on CRAZY tight.. any tips? I sprayed wd40 too... my cars on jackstands so please reply
Next time use the 10mm hex socket on a 1/2 drive ratchet instead of an Allen wrench and you won't have leverage issues.

Originally Posted by jining
I only got about 1.8 quarts in there, is that fine?
Yes, as long as you pumped fluid into the differential until it started overflowing. Don't over analyze it my friend...
Old 06-27-2007, 07:19 AM
  #175  
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hmm hex socket... fudge! i went and bought this nice allen wrench set LOL... well maybe i can use them later..
Old 06-27-2007, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by jining
hmm hex socket... fudge! i went and bought this nice allen wrench set LOL... well maybe i can use them later..
It's all good. At least you have an excuse to buy new tools now.
Attached Thumbnails Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2483.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2484.jpg  
Old 06-27-2007, 08:17 AM
  #177  
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Default Transmission & Differential Fluid Change. Lots of Fun Under the Car. Pics Included.

My 2003 Touring finally hit 30k. For the past week, I've leisurely been changing out the tranny and differential fluid. 1st step was to get the car lifted to a good working height. Nothing like a good set of jack stands to get this done. I have light duty stands that are almost flat on top, to keep from denting any of the undercarriage.

More pics to come in a few minutes..
Attached Thumbnails Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2409.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2411.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2412.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2415.jpg  
Old 06-27-2007, 08:19 AM
  #178  
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Next came a good choic of fluids. I went with Redline products. They sell them locally, so I was able to swing by after work and pick some up. Pretty pricey stuff!
Attached Thumbnails Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2479.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2480.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2481.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2485.jpg  
Old 06-27-2007, 08:21 AM
  #179  
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Wouldn't you know it. I still needed another tool. All the tools I already have, I was missing a 10mm hex socket. A local stop at Sears rectified this. The entire set was on sale too.
Attached Thumbnails Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2483.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2484.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2486.jpg  
Old 06-27-2007, 08:26 AM
  #180  
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Ah, nothing like working under the car.... If anyone hasn't ever smelt used differential fluid, trust me, you'd wear a mask too. The smell still hasn't gone away. It smells like a combination of a stink bomb and tar.

You can see all the crude and metal shavings that build up around the magnetic portion of the drain plug.. Good stuff.
Attached Thumbnails Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2494.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2487.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2489.jpg   Changing the Differential / Transmission Oil-imgp2491.jpg  


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