autodriver

Does Toyota sell it own brand of Differential FLuid GL-5 to the general public?

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

The short answer is no (at least in my experience w/ Seattle Toyota and Lexus dealers).

Last few times I went to my Toyota and Lexus dealers, they didn't have any Toyota or Lexus brand gear oil, they had a major brand on the shelf (Valvoline or Quaker State--I can't remember). When I did go out for some gear oil last fall at a Toyota dealership, I ended up buying something else they had on the shelf--Amsoil Series 2000 synthetic gear oil (75W-90) for ~$8.95 per quart. I bought 2 quarts to change my GS400 differential (1.5 quart capacity). Supposedly, the synthetic gear oil is a lifetime fill for passenger cars.

autodriver

One Toyota dealer sells only non-Toyota major brand gear oils. I don't know why type they use for their customers.

One Toyota dealer sells Toyota Synthetic GL-5 gear oil for $15 a quart. I don't think they give customers Toyota synthetic gear oil.

According to my (RX300) owner's manual, it says that "under normal driving condition, no differential fluid, transfer case, transmission fluid need to be changed". That may be why Toyota dealers don't carry gear oils.

On one hand, Toyota lecture you to use Toyota Only products. On the other hand, you can't find all Toyota Only products.

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

Personally, even if Toyota recommended that "under normal conditions" to not change something, I surmise that abuot 75% of the owners aren't in the normal category. Besides, I think doing a little cheap preventative maintenance goes a long way--that's why I went ahead and changed out my ATF, my rear diff fluid, and my power steering fluid. My ATF was near black, and now it's a smoother shifting, near raspberry red color--same thing with my power steering fluid (my PS unit is a little bit quieter, too). As for the rear diff, I changed it out to a full synthetic and won't touch it for another 5-6 years. As for the brakes, I'll bleed them in a few months.

As for Toyota brand fluids, I usually try to stick with them, but if there is something I feel is more superior (from a major manufacturer, I won't hesistate to use the other brands), esp. in the realm of synthetics. If the fluids meet or exceed the Toyota specs, there's nothing wrong with using them.

All of those fluids ran me around $4-9 per quart, and replacing them gives a good piece of mind and I'm sure will positively contribute to the longivity of my car.

saber

Yes. in fact some 2004 LS430's come from the factory filled with a new Toyota synthetic 75W-90 GL-5 differential lube. I don't know the part number, however, but if you find out the part number then any Toyota / Lexus dealer can special order it from a regional Toyota / Lexus parts distribution center.

THE_CEO

does any one have a differential fluid leak?

CEO

autodriver

How do you know that Lexus LS430 filled with Toyota Synthetic GL-5 gear fluid?

saber

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/differential.jpg

PitBull

Saber, do you have any information on what they use in the GX470 in the diff's and transfercase from the factory?

saber

The 2004 GX470 diff's and transfer case are filled with mineral API GL-5 gear oil at the factory, not synthetic oil. The only 2004 Lexus models that get synthetic in the rear differential are the LS430, SC430 and GS430. And not all of them get it, just some of them. Which ones? I don't know.

PitBull

Thanks, guess I will get that changed to the good stuff at the 30K mile service interval. Even though my manual also states that it never needs to be changed I won't feel right not changing it. I did my Landcruiser every 30K and it kept it looking pretty good. Can't hurt.

nthach

sounds like the LS430 uses some kind of LSD that is not compatible with the standard Ford/GM addivtive package...

SC400-V8

iTrader: (1)

Im approaching 75,000 miles, Im thinking about changing differential oil... and tranny fluid/filter at the same time.

Ive heard I should use Toyota type T-IV tranny fluid, but the SC400 Manual I have states to use Type T-II,

Which one do I want?

Whats the best differental oil?

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

Type T-IV replaced T-II.

PitBull

WOW, that is one low mileage SC400. I think I had 75K on my 1992 SC400 back in 1995. Very nice vehicle, it was my first Lexus and made me a Lexus believer.