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Need to change differential fluids around every 30,000mi
My 2021 NX has just under 30,000 mi. On it…bought it CPO 10 mo ago. At my 30,000 mi service they noted discolored differential fluid in both rear and front and are telling me that this needs to be done every 30,000 mi and of course this is not covered by my CPO warranty….wondering if this is “normal” as my attempt to quickly research this seems to point to much greater mileage when this should be done. The service person said it is impacted by climate (I live in the northeast v say a drier climate like Arizona).
I have a 2020. Per my manual, it says to INSPECT, but only REPLACE under "special driving conditions" as Nigel821 pointed out.
I noted in my schedule that I intend to REPLACE the fluid in both the differential and transfer case every 30k-40k (or 3 years, whichever comes first).
On my 2020, the fluid for both are the same - "Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent". Also, the gaskets required for both are the same - 12157-10010 (I bought 10 of these to be ready for the future).
From what I understand, the process is pretty simple. I've done this before on other vehicles. The only thing to be aware of is that....the fluid STINKS. It is HORRID. I actually get a little nauseous from inhaling it.
If you're not going to DIY, I would suggest you have it done. Now that they've 'warned' you about this, you can be sure they input that suggestion into their computer, and if you don't do it and have a problem with either of these boxes, they may have cause to deny a claim under your CPO warranty.
You don't have to go to the dealer to do this. If you're going to have an independent shop do the work, I would suggest you insist on using the Toyota/Lexus fluid, or buy it yourself and bring it to them. But...that's just me, my opinion.