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  #1  
Old 06-01-2003, 04:29 PM
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diff fluid change?

Anybody have any thoughts on the wisdom of changing the differential oil if the car's long-term maintenance history is unknown. For example, I know that if the auto trans fluid were never changed, it would be better to leave well enough alone. Does the same logic hold true for differential oil?

Thanx as always, Jeff

'84 300D
'00 ML430

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  #2  
Old 06-01-2003, 04:57 PM
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Change it. Make sure you remove the upper plug first.
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  #3  
Old 06-01-2003, 06:14 PM
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B300FO.

Where did you get the idea that if the trans fluid was not changed by PO, that you shouldn't change it? Does the same go for the engine oil? If not, why not?

P E H
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Old 06-01-2003, 07:00 PM
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PEH,

I think that the myth that you should not change ATF fluid comes from the fact that new ATF fluid acts as a powerful solvent. Any hardened piston/servo seals that are cracked will be filled with varnish. Once the new fluid is installed, the varnish will melt and the leaky piston won't allow the transmission to shift into gear.

My thoughts are that a tranny this far gone isn't going to shift well anyway and whether you change the fluid or not doesn't matter too much.

As far as rear end fluid: Yes, change it on a regular basis. Differentials are vented to some extent and will break down the oil.

When I changed mine, I put Valvoline semi-synthetic in. What this does more than anything is quiet down a noisy diff. No more gear whine.

Also, I look for gear oil that comes in bottles with spout like tips on them. This allows you to squeeze the bottle of oil into the diff without needing an oil pump.

Sholin
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  #5  
Old 06-01-2003, 11:53 PM
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as per my maint book, I change all the fluids (tranny, differential, break, engine oil) with filters every 30K mi i.e. once a year. Costs me $350. The 15K mi maint costs me $250. Cheaper than replacing tranny, diff, or engine.
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  #6  
Old 06-02-2003, 09:24 AM
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PEH, et al. What had been explained to me was very similar to 73MB280SEL's point above. I've only had this gem for about a year and am not willing to take the chances on it that I do with my Fords, which are "disposable". Thanx to all for the advice; I'm heading out for some gear oil today.
Jeff

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