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Front and Rear Differential Fluids (75W85 vs. 75W90)
I am doing some work on an IS250 2013 v6 base model for a friend because the dealer wants too much money to do this basic maintenance work. My first issue is with the rear diff fluid which is specified as 75w-85. The dealer wanted either $42 per quart or $92 per quart for the toyota fluid. My head was spinning after I got that news so I don't know for sure whether that was front or rear fluid. I did find a synthetic fluid that is 75w-90 and am wondering whether this would be acceptable. The car is in Kansas so operates in some extreme weather temperatures sometimes. The fluid I found is also designated GL5 which is another specification I was looking for. The fluid for the front diff I found in an 80w-90 GL5 synthetic. I'm not an expert in terms of Lexus things so I'm looking for feedback on this fluid issue.
Last edited by donzoh1; 08-09-18 at 12:08 PM.
Reason: typo in car model specified
I've used the Mobil 1 LS 75W-90 Gear oil on both my front and rear diffs. It's been about 35k since I swapped it. You can search many forums from early models people have been using it RX300 to Toyota Tacoma etc etc.
I've used the Mobil 1 LS 75W-90 Gear oil on both my front and rear diffs. It's been about 35k since I swapped it. You can search many forums from early models people have been using it RX300 to Toyota Tacoma etc etc.
I looked under the car and could see the fill plug on the front diff and not sure about the rear plugs either. Is there a video on this and would 300s or 350s be similar? How much DIY time to swap fluids front and rear? Is the front fill plug easier to get to with left front wheel off?
I looked under the car and could see the fill plug on the front diff and not sure about the rear plugs either. Is there a video on this and would 300s or 350s be similar? How much DIY time to swap fluids front and rear.
For this one is time consuming. I had a hard time removing the FILL plug. It's in an awkward place. I didn't try an offset 14mm wrench from the bottom, because I didn't have one at the time. Actually I just ordered one a few days ago.
As what I did was I removed the steering rack from the subframe and moved it out of my way. Then I took the driver wheel off and used some long 1/4 drive extensions with a 3/8 ratchet adapter, and the bit was a 14mm integrated swivel socket. That's how I managed to do it for me. Maybe you can find a better option. Just make sure what ever you use have your wrench or sock firmly in place before you go at it as it has factory loctite.
So if I'm understanding correctly, the bolt face is toward the driver side and the threads are toward the passenger? Do you think a box end wrench would work well?
The bolt is in between a crevis so a box wrench won't work. You won't be able to turn it. That's why I recommend getting an offset style box wrench. As I'm not sure if will work or not. You'll have to get under there and check then you'll understand the limited space from the bolt head to steering rack.
The pic below is where the steering shaft is attached. The housing interferes with the bolt removal that way. Like I said if you look and see a better way to do from the bottom please post it up. What I'm referring to all the hard work is the FILL PLUG. if you can't remove this bolt do not proceed to drain.
What PITA! ^^
Just throwing this out there but what if you pumped it back in from the bottom via the drain hole?
Secure a long hose to the drain. From the wheel well, get the bottle above the diff. Gravity or air pressure for assist.
Account for hose volume not installed and the mess from pulling the hose and inserting plug.
I was able to find some ways to get easier access. Both are from under the car just the driver side lifted. So the fluid doesn't spill out. All photos are for reference though Method 1 was easier for me to do, and remove the plug.
Method 1: Photos below for Reference
I put a 1/4 drive 14mm 6 PT socket strait to the fill plug. Then came back, and carefully added 2 extensions to the socket. Becareful that once you get to turning the socket be seated to the head of the bolt. You may have to hold the extensions while you turn. If you've never removed the bolt before. It will be way over torqued. So you'll have to put some effort to loosen it up.
Method 2 : (Needs Verification) PROBABLY the best way is to have the correct tools for the job.
It's a 14mm 6PT OFFSET wrench. Though I really can't confirm, because I had a 12 PT that I didn't try to turn, because fear of stripping the head of the plug. So that's why I can't really confirm. I'll have to purchase a new wrench to verify. I'm sure it should work to at least help to loosen the plug.
Video for the GS350 AWD for some reason it looks like it has more room to work with.
I was able to find some ways to get easier access. Both are from under the car just the driver side lifted. So the fluid doesn't spill out. All photos are for reference though Method 1 was easier for me to do, and remove the plug.
Method 1: Photos below for Reference
I put a 1/4 drive 14mm 6 PT socket strait to the fill plug. Then came back, and carefully added 2 extensions to the socket. Becareful that once you get to turning the socket be seated to the head of the bolt. You may have to hold the extensions while you turn. If you've never removed the bolt before. It will be way over torqued. So you'll have to put some effort to loosen it up.
Method 2 : (Needs Verification) PROBABLY the best way is to have the correct tools for the job.
It's a 14mm 6PT OFFSET wrench. Though I really can't confirm, because I had a 12 PT that I didn't try to turn, because fear of stripping the head of the plug. So that's why I can't really confirm. I'll have to purchase a new wrench to verify. I'm sure it should work to at least help to loosen the plug.
Video for the GS350 AWD for some reason it looks like it has more room to work with. https://youtu.be/mVlxfN0eOrs
I can confirm that it is damn near impossible to access the fill plug on a 3IS. I just finished the rear diff - pretty simple. Perhaps I need to remove some of the front underbody...
08-09-18, 12:07 PM
Front and Rear Differential Fluids (75W85 vs. 75W90)
