Dealer used MT trans fluid in my diff...is that OK?

drisko · 05-02-2009, 03:42 PM

I just went to get my first oil change and also decided to have my trans and diff fluid changed as well, because I heard they tend to get pretty dirty due to the brake in period. Oil change part went find but on my receipt they listed the exact same part # (999MP-MFTOOP) for the fluids for BOTH the transmission and rear differential. I thought the rear diff used a different fluild so I called them up and asked. They told me I was "setup" and shoud not worry.

I just looked at the owners manual and it says the manual trans takes 75W-85 API GL-4 and the rear differential takes 80W-90 Hypoid Super API GL-5. So my question is will this affect the reliability of my LSD/rear diff in the long term? Should I bother making them change it again??

AK370Z · 05-02-2009, 04:01 PM

Just go back to the dealer and have them drain it out for the correct one. As long as u take ur car to NISSAN dealer, you're safe. If they screw something up or ruin your diff, they will just put a new one.( up to 3 yr 36000 miles)

CBRich · 05-02-2009, 04:15 PM

Agreed. It's your car and you want it done right. Just take it back and tell them to fix it.

frost · 05-02-2009, 04:46 PM

drisko · 05-02-2009, 05:07 PM

I guess I will take it back. It just bugs me how they didn't own up to the mistake when I called them. This was the GT-R tech that I met when I bought my car at the dealership. He did all the work and I would trust him over a "normal" mechanic. I WANT to believe they are trying to give good service but when they overlook something I easily found in the owners manual, it does not inspire much confidence.....[sigh].

FlashBazbo · 05-02-2009, 05:25 PM

I find it REAL hard to believe an experienced or trained mechanic put a non-hypoid lube in a diff. You just don't do that. A non-hypoid lube will break down very rapidly in that appication. If they actually did it, it's a huge mistake and can lead to serious problems. If you drive it back, drive it GINGERLY! With non-hypoid lube, you can weld those gears together pretty easily.

It's such a huge mistake -- one that nobody would make -- I think it's more likely that one of two other things actually happened.

Either (1) they didn't really change the diff lube because they knew of a certainty that it did not need to be changed; or (2) the clerk made a mistake and charged you for the wrong lube, but the right lube went into the diff.

It's going to be real hard to know for sure which of the three scenarios really happened.

Zat_Zuma · 05-02-2009, 06:05 PM

I use the same GL-5 gear oil in the transmission and rear differential as well. The only thing you need to worry about is that the transmission oil is rated a GL-4, yellow metals friendly, (i.e. no sulphur components in the oil) The oil I use is backwards compatible to a GL-4 rating with a copper corrosion test of 0.

You have nothing to worry about, it's fine

FlashBazbo · 05-02-2009, 06:19 PM

GL-5 (hypoid) oil will work in both places, but GL-4 won't work in the diff (for very long). Looking back, the OP didn't say which oil they put into both places.

drisko · 05-02-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashBazbo

GL-5 (hypoid) oil will work in both places, but GL-4 won't work in the diff (for very long). Looking back, the OP didn't say which oil they put into both places.

Unfortunately, the used the GL-4 Nissan MT fluid in both places. I even called to confirm this. Too bad I drove it pretty hard on the way back home. I'll make sure to take it easy until Monday when I have them fix it.

Zat_Zuma · 05-03-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashBazbo

GL-5 (hypoid) oil will work in both places, but GL-4 won't work in the diff (for very long). Looking back, the OP didn't say which oil they put into both places.

GL-4 gear oil was the standard for rear differential for years before GL-5 was developed. GL-4 will be fine.

davidyan · 07-24-2009, 10:10 PM

I would complain to them and have them inspect the differential.

spearfish25 · 07-24-2009, 10:29 PM

I was reading through my warranty again. The diff is considered part of the drive train and is thus covered for 5 years, 60k miles.

05-02-2009, 03:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
drisko Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Age: 44 Posts: 160 Drives: 09 370Z PW Tour S 6M Rep Power: 17	Dealer used MT trans fluid in my diff...is that OK? I just went to get my first oil change and also decided to have my trans and diff fluid changed as well, because I heard they tend to get pretty dirty due to the brake in period. Oil change part went find but on my receipt they listed the exact same part # (999MP-MFTOOP) for the fluids for BOTH the transmission and rear differential. I thought the rear diff used a different fluild so I called them up and asked. They told me I was "setup" and shoud not worry. I just looked at the owners manual and it says the manual trans takes 75W-85 API GL-4 and the rear differential takes 80W-90 Hypoid Super API GL-5. So my question is will this affect the reliability of my LSD/rear diff in the long term? Should I bother making them change it again??

05-02-2009, 04:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Just go back to the dealer and have them drain it out for the correct one. As long as u take ur car to NISSAN dealer, you're safe. If they screw something up or ruin your diff, they will just put a new one.( up to 3 yr 36000 miles) __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

05-02-2009, 06:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
Zat_Zuma A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta ...eh Posts: 1,171 Drives: 2017 Touring auto Rep Power: 19	I use the same GL-5 gear oil in the transmission and rear differential as well. The only thing you need to worry about is that the transmission oil is rated a GL-4, yellow metals friendly, (i.e. no sulphur components in the oil) The oil I use is backwards compatible to a GL-4 rating with a copper corrosion test of 0. You have nothing to worry about, it's fine __________________ [B]2009 & 2017 370Z Touring Sport Autos SOLD

07-24-2009, 10:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
davidyan Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 244 Drives: PG 370Z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 17	I would complain to them and have them inspect the differential. Last edited by davidyan; 07-26-2009 at 11:47 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Diff Cooler, how do I know I need it?	spearfish25	Engine & Drivetrain	13	10-30-2009 11:19 PM
Brake fluid leaking	JunoonX	Brakes & Suspension	13	05-10-2009 02:42 AM
Z34/370Z air-cooling fin equipped diff. rear cover	AK370Z	Engine & Drivetrain	2	04-13-2009 10:35 AM
Transmission and Diff capacities?	JohnnyBgood	Engine & Drivetrain	1	03-26-2009 09:08 PM
LS Differential Fluid Changeout	SoCal 370Z	Engine & Drivetrain	1	03-15-2009 03:18 PM

05-02-2009, 04:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 545	Agreed. It's your car and you want it done right. Just take it back and tell them to fix it.

05-02-2009, 04:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0

05-02-2009, 05:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
drisko Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Age: 44 Posts: 160 Drives: 09 370Z PW Tour S 6M Rep Power: 17	I guess I will take it back. It just bugs me how they didn't own up to the mistake when I called them. This was the GT-R tech that I met when I bought my car at the dealership. He did all the work and I would trust him over a "normal" mechanic. I WANT to believe they are trying to give good service but when they overlook something I easily found in the owners manual, it does not inspire much confidence.....[sigh].

05-02-2009, 05:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
FlashBazbo Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 97 Drives: '09 370Z T-SP-7AT Rep Power: 0	I find it REAL hard to believe an experienced or trained mechanic put a non-hypoid lube in a diff. You just don't do that. A non-hypoid lube will break down very rapidly in that appication. If they actually did it, it's a huge mistake and can lead to serious problems. If you drive it back, drive it GINGERLY! With non-hypoid lube, you can weld those gears together pretty easily. It's such a huge mistake -- one that nobody would make -- I think it's more likely that one of two other things actually happened. Either (1) they didn't really change the diff lube because they knew of a certainty that it did not need to be changed; or (2) the clerk made a mistake and charged you for the wrong lube, but the right lube went into the diff. It's going to be real hard to know for sure which of the three scenarios really happened.

05-02-2009, 06:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
FlashBazbo Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 97 Drives: '09 370Z T-SP-7AT Rep Power: 0	GL-5 (hypoid) oil will work in both places, but GL-4 won't work in the diff (for very long). Looking back, the OP didn't say which oil they put into both places.

07-24-2009, 10:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	I was reading through my warranty again. The diff is considered part of the drive train and is thus covered for 5 years, 60k miles.