|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
I just changed oils in the Transfer Case and the two differentials.
The Front Diff had 9,670 miles since it was changed. It was still translucent, but had darkened quite a bit. From this and previous observations, I'm probably getting a little migration of the swivel ball grease past the axle end seal; although it is considerably less since I stopped over filling the swivel balls.
The TC and Rear Diff had 16,457 miles since they were changed. They both looked like the oils were still new - mostly clear with only the slightest darkening from the out of the bottle color. The drain magnet in the TC had no, as in ZERO, NADA, NONE, buildup. A good portion of those miles were done pulling the kamper as well as a fair proportion of San Juan Mountains and Moab off road exploration.
When I first got the truck at 22,000 miles and changed the fluids, the TC drain magnet had a golf ball of "fluff" on it; and the rear diff fluid came out almost like a slurry.
Diffs have Redline 75W-90 Gear Oil and the TC has Redline MT-90.
I wouldn't use anything else! |
|
| |
|
dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Good to hear that Dutch. I have had similar results over the years. I think the most dramatic obvious difference for me has been reduced temps in farm implement gearboxes. The other rather unrelated performance change using Redline oil is in motorcycle motors that share the oil with the transmission. In Ducati's, Redline 20-50 motor oil really makes the transmission shift much smoother.
When I pulled my Getrag 5 speed out of the truck and took it apart after 50,000 miles of Redline D-4 ATF it looked brand spankin' new in there. No obvious wear on the syncros or gears. I think it contributed to keeping the unit alive until I could deal with the front input bearing. Great oils and the fuel additives work too.
-Dai |
|
| |
|
CaptnPete
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
What is the normal change interval for those components? |
|
| |
|
dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
40,000 kms is in the Maintenance Manual. Diffs/T-case. Gas Motors 10,000 km Diesel 7,000 km.
These numbers are from 09/96 service manual. Later more current 463's may vary.
Redline Gear oils are capable of more extended intervals. Dusty, harsh conditions warrant earlier service.
-Dai |
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
dai - 6/2/2007 4:45 PM
40,000 kms is in the Maintenance Manual. Diffs/T-case. Gas Motors 10,000 km Diesel 7,000 km.
These numbers are from 09/96 service manual. Later more current 463's may vary.
Redline Gear oils are capable of more extended intervals. Dusty, harsh conditions warrant earlier service.
-Dai
Actually, there a mileage and/or time recommendation. In this particular case, the TC and Rear Diff was changed in August 2004 and the Front Diff was August 2005. Depending on how they've been driven, I like to change them no longer than every two years or 20,000 miles.
I am always amazed at how clean everything is - especially in comparison to what they were like when I bought it. |
|
| |
|
CaptnPete
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
I know I should be digging out the service manuals, but since you just did the job, what are the respective quantities of lubricants to replace? |
|
| |
|
dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Transfer case: 2 l (VG80)
Front axle: 1.4 l
Rear axle 1.8 l
Manual Transmission;
4 Gear 1.7 l
5 Gear 1.6 l
Automatic: 7.0 l
Diesel Motor 617.931: 7 l
These values are for 460 series mid '80. Someone else will have to offer 463 values. The VG 150 T case will be different and later automatics are probably not the same. Just get an extra quart or two of the respective oils and fill to the edge of the ports on the cases and you won't have a problem.
-Dai |
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
CaptnPete - 6/2/2007 5:49 PM
I know I should be digging out the service manuals, but since you just did the job, what are the respective quantities of lubricants to replace?
I try to have 3 qts for each diff and 4 qts for the TC on hand. I don't measure; and fill them to the lower edge of the fill holes. I always have some left. |
|
| |
|
JamesG
Regular
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550, 2000 L.C.,1997 L.C.1987 FJ60
Posts: 98
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Dutch,
Is the chemistry of the Redline fluids unique with respect to other synthetic oils? Sounds impressive. I have been using Mobil One to date; maybe I should switch. |
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
JamesG - 6/3/2007 12:12 AM
Dutch,
Is the chemistry of the Redline fluids unique with respect to other synthetic oils? Sounds impressive. I have been using Mobil One to date; maybe I should switch.
I don't know whether or not if it's unique. I just like the results I see, and others seems to agree. Maybe it's only wishful thinking, since Redline is more expensive that most of the other synthetics.
I use one of the Mobil One (yes, there are several different ones) motor oils in my ML320CDI, but that is because Redline does not yet have an oil that meets the spec; and a Mobil One oil and a Shell oil are the only ones currently listed as approved in the MBUSA service book. In comparison to the Redline, the Mobil One oil feels like it has the consistency and lubricating slipperiness of tap water; but I want to prevent any warranty problem questions, so Mobil One it is for now in the ML. |
|
| |
|
Tjærand
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2006
Location: Nøtterøy, Norway
Vehicle(s): 1996 G320
Posts: 403
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
I went shopping for Redline oils for my diffs but the dealer was sold out and I only got enough for one diff. The importer seem to be backordering based on volume so it might last months before I can get some more.
I have some other synthetic for the other diff until I can swap it for Redline, but the question is as follows:
What diff should have priority on the Redline oil? Gut feeling says the back diff as it gets the most torque beating, but maybe someone could give a tech opinion? |
|
| |
|
Tjærand
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2006
Location: Nøtterøy, Norway
Vehicle(s): 1996 G320
Posts: 403
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Oils changed and I felt a difference the moment I drove out of the workshop. It feels smoother and a bit more quiet (in a 300GD that makes a huge practical difference). Will be interesting to see if fuel consumption is affected allthough I doubt it will be measureable.
Noticed my back diff and transfer case oil were quite good with very little magnetic fluff and bright oil color but the front one was noticeably more slow-flowing and dark. No magnetic fluff though. |
|
| |
|
dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Tjaerand, your front oil might be getting some contamination from grease migrating from the swivel ball through a worn axle seal. If one side swivel ball grease looks a little funky, oil from the diff is likely transfering there too and that might be where the bad seal is. A possible reason for the dark oil coming out of the front diff.
-Dai |
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Tjærand - 6/4/2007 8:16 AM
Oils changed and I felt a difference the moment I drove out of the workshop. It feels smoother and a bit more quiet (in a 300GD that makes a huge practical difference). Will be interesting to see if fuel consumption is affected allthough I doubt it will be measureable.
My experience exactly in both the 1984 280GE and the 2000 G500; but especially in the 280GE, since it had almost 100,000 miles on it. The howl that used to be present in the rear diff disappeared completely. I did see an approximate 10% improvement in fuel consumption, too. |
|
| |
|
discap
Regular
Date registered: Nov 2006
Location: Wichita Kansas
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500
Posts: 63
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Just to play devil's advocate on this subject - Clean oil at an oil change is not necessarily a good thing, yes I know this sounds weird. My comment apply more to engines than differentials. Mobil One supplied an aircraft oil for a period of time, I believe it is not off the market. The problem was that it did not scavage contaminants well. With a typical detergent oil the contaminants, combustion byproducts, are held in suspension by the oil until it is time for an oil change. This is why it is important to warm up the car, circulate the oil, before a change.
What happened with the Mobil One was that the contaminants all wound up in the front of the crankshaft and ruined possibly hundreds of engines. Mobil paid millions of dollars in damages. The oil came out clean at the oil change because the contaminants were left in the engine.
Be worried if your engine oil comes out clean and make sure that you use detergent oils. |
|
| |
|
dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
We are talking about two different applications and different oil. Motor oil and gear oil. Gear oil in the transmission, T-case and differentials should come out pretty clean at a change. If it doesn't this indicates a few things. Too long of a change interval, a problem in the box or contamination. In a limited slip diff used hard the oil can darken quickly but in the G style diffs they should stay clean and so should the gearboxes.
Motor oil is a different thing and Redline does what other oil do and darkens with use. In a diesel it turns black fast just like conventional oils. I run mainly diesels and gave Redline diesel motor oil a try. It is supposed to last 10,000 to 12,000 miles between changes or annually. With a cost between $7 - 8.50 a quart in an application needing 7 to 8 quarts it needs to run a while in there to offset the cost. When I tried it in the GD300 I chickened out at 5,000 miles and changed back to Delo 15-40. I continue to use this oil (Delo) in all of the diesels I service and change at 3000 miles in trucks/cars and 100 hours in tractors. I run Redline motor oil in gasoline applications and like it a lot. It is in one Mercedes M130E in a 111 chassis, and I run it in an aircooled BMW R100RS, 4X4 ATV's, and small engines like lawnmowers. It is phenominal keeping these motors alive and healthy. I have a Kubota lawnmower from the '80s that is still running very strong with hard use. I change it once a year in the small engines.
I rack up too many miles in the diesels and am uncomfortable stretching intervals so I stick with what works for me. Can't afford to run Redline and change at 3000.
-Dai |
|
| |
|
hus55
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: north cyprus,lapta.
Vehicle(s): 300GDS, G300 LONG,300GDT CLK55 AMG CAB.
Posts: 2230
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
dutch,is that gear oil used in your G500 the same stuff used in my 280GEL 
if so,i will have mine replaced pretty soon  |
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
hus55 - 6/5/2007 3:26 AM
dutch,is that gear oil used in your G500 the same stuff used in my 280GEL
if so,i will have mine replaced pretty soon ; )
Yes! 75W90 Gear oil in the diffs and MT90 in the TC. |
|
| |
|
hus55
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: north cyprus,lapta.
Vehicle(s): 300GDS, G300 LONG,300GDT CLK55 AMG CAB.
Posts: 2230
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
cheers buddy  |
|
| |
|
BusBar
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UK. North West / Wales
Vehicle(s): 463 300GDL, 460 280GEL
Posts: 382
| RE: Transfer Case and Differentials Oil Change - Redline is Amazing Stuff
Well I thought I would treat mine to the full synthetic treatment this evening . So got the requisite 6 litres and thought I’d start at the back and work forward. Up on the ramps and 1st snag. The drain plug isn’t 14mm (maybe 12mm?) anyway I don’t have the correct size. Ok move to the front, up on the ramps again and 2nd snag. Drain plug reeeeeeealy tight. Put an extension bar on my (good quality) ¼ inch drive and …………….just great the ratchet fails 
No point even trying the transfer box.
So Sods Law 3 me 0
Ah well there’s always tomorrow, I’ll keep you posted  |
|
| |
