Interesting. I need to review TCCN's stuff again. My wife's AWD Pilot is supposed to have the rear diff fluid changed every 30K (after an initial change at 15K) and the transfer case every 60K miles. My RX owner's manual, on the other hand, says only inspection is necessary through 150K miles, unless towing/using a cartop carrier/heavy loading. I guess 150K is Toyota's definition of "lifetime."

As good as the fluid looked in both the diff and TC, I don't think 50K for an initial change is too long. Perhaps there is an argument to change it more frequently as the vehicle ages.

 

I did mine at 29850 and it was very clean. Only a small amount of shavings on the magnets.

I am going to do my wife's 4Runner this week (she is at 30k), and at the same time do mine (now at 65k) to see how it looks, but pretty sure that it will be in very good shape. Will let you know and maybe take a few pics.

One of the many CCN fluid videos mentions doing the first at 30k since that is when most of the initial wear occurs. He mentions that the rear diff should be done at 30k, but the transfer case is fine between 30k-60k. As usual, Toyota/Lexus just recommends inspection and only replace with heavy towing.

 

"As usual, Toyota/Lexus just recommends inspection and only replace with heavy towing."
Car makers, including Toyota, categorize some of their fluids as "LIFETIME". This is nonsense. All fluids deteriorate over time and become less effective. It would be a good idea in these cases to go a little beyond what the owners' manual recommends.

 

yeah....that was sarcasm. I hate this lifetime BS.

 

Change interval maybe subjective.

So, which 24mm socket you guy recommend for best fitment?

 

TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive x 24 mm 6-Point Socket | SHD22124

This is the one that I got from Amazon. Works great on Lexus and 4Runner. Small enough to fit into tight space on RX transfer fill plug.

 

Just did the service on my wife's 2022 4Runner at just under 30k. Thought that it would be good to compare to the RX service recommendation by CCN.

4Runner has a separate front diff, transfer case, and rear diff.

The front and rear differential oils were both pretty dirty at 30k...kinda surprised. Magnet on front had plenty of crap. Used RedLine 75W85
Transfer case was very clean. Used RedLine but 4Runner calls for a different gear oil, MT-LV.

I think that on the 4Runner the 30k service is a good idea.

When I do my RX in a few weeks I will report how it looks at 65k (done at 30k) for both the transfer case and rear diff.

 

It's always the initial drain that has the most metal. After that, there won't be much anymore. Consequently, the change interval becomes subjective.

 

Thought I share the following video for those interested in doing this job:

Video description has details about parts, etc.

 

Million miles driving six Lexus's and of course never had an engine problem or transmission problem never changing the transmission fluid and oil every 10,000 miles. I will trust based on experience Lexus and Mobil over you sorry. You keep on changing however if that makes you feel good.

 

Our 4Runner transmission began slipping at 175,000 miles or so. Never had transmission fluid replaced b/c it was lifetime. I asked if they would replace the transmission for free and of course they told me that it was past the lifetime of the transmission....go figure! So we sold it and bought another.

Now I do a single drain and fill on my RX and the new 4Runner every 60,000 as recommended by several well known and experienced Lexus/Toyota techs. Even Toyota/Lexus tell you to replace if you tow, so its not like it is never done or can not be done....actually a pretty simple job.

I always did a drain and fill with my Acura TL and I sold that vehicle at 306,000 miles and the transmission ran perfectly.

If you only keep your vehicle for 100,000 miles then of course the transmission will be fine....same with oil. Problems show up long after many sell their vehicles to someone else, so you are right....no problem. Unless of course you are the one buying the used car.

We keep our vehicles for at least 200,000 miles and often well beyond that, so changing fluids frequently is worth the minimal cost (I do it myself).

 

I actually just changed it earlier today, and yes it feels great, I can almost swear the car felt smoother. Mobil 1 EP because of rebates~ 7,500mi Oil change intervals and at 85K miles it does not appear to be consuming any oil, fabulous! 5 more years and i'll let my son take over it when he is 16. If feels so good not having to worry about piston rings, scorched cylinder walls, catalyic converters, o2 Sensors. This wonderful peace of mind feeling all for what? $30 and an hour of my time., So what does that average out to over the long run? $10 a year. totally worth it.

 

hi im planning to change my 2018 rx450h tranny fluid and diff if it had one but i heard it control by a electric motor so I ask here. Any 1 got the parts number for the gasket when doing the filling n draining for tranny n diff? and how many qt of ws I need? I ask this because I saw the info is for rx350 and not 450h.

 

It should be the same as in the video.

 

You will find all of the fluid capacities listed at the back of your owners manual under "Vehicle Specifications". In my book it is section 9. The drain plug gasket number for the transfer case and rear differential are: 12157-10010
I believe they both use the same one.