Why should we change the VLSD fluid?

wdkwang · 11-30-2013, 07:29 PM

The actual locking mechanism of the VLSD is a fluid sealed inside (and can only be accessed when taken apart), which gets hot very quickly and stops working after about 10 minutes of drifting in my experience. At that point, it acts like an open-diff and needs some time to cool off. It is said that changing the fluid out of the pumpkin would not effect the locking efficiency of the VLSD. I found this to be true in my experience, as well, when i changed the OEM fluid around 15k miles to Redline. No difference.
So to sum it up, if changing the diff fluid makes no difference in performance, why are we doing it at all in the first place?

kenchan · 11-30-2013, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

The actual locking mechanism of the VLSD is a fluid sealed inside (and can only be accessed when taken apart), which gets hot very quickly and stops working after about 10 minutes of drifting in my experience. At that point, it acts like an open-diff and needs some time to cool off. It is said that changing the fluid out of the pumpkin would not effect the locking efficiency of the VLSD. I found this to be true in my experience, as well, when i changed the OEM fluid around 15k miles to Redline. No difference.
So to sum it up, if changing the diff fluid makes no difference in performance, why are we doing it at all in the first place?

yah, why bother changing motor oil, tranny oil, blinker oil, etc.

onzedge · 11-30-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

yah, why bother changing motor oil, tranny oil, blinker oil, etc.

I disagree with you, Mr. KenInfiniteWisdomChan.

I change my blinker oil every 3 months. It's false economy not to do so. Engine, Trans, etc. -- I do not bother.

DR_ · 11-30-2013, 08:07 PM

I had the diff start to bind up with the oem diff fluid after hard track session. Once I put in Redline it never happened again. The diff would still slip more and more throughout a session but at least it didn't bind. Even thought the VLSD is sealed the diff fluid must help in the cooling.

onzedge · 11-30-2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR_

I had the diff start to bind up with the oem diff fluid after hard track session. Once I put in Redline it never happened again. The diff would still slip more and more throughout a session but at least it didn't bind. Even thought the VLSD is sealed the diff fluid must help in the cooling.

Redline is the way to go.

TerribleONE · 11-30-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR_

I had the diff start to bind up with the oem diff fluid after hard track session. Once I put in Redline it never happened again. The diff would still slip more and more throughout a session but at least it didn't bind. Even thought the VLSD is sealed the diff fluid must help in the cooling.

Also your blinker fluid is definitely the most important maintenance item on your car

onzedge · 11-30-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE

Also your blinker fluid is definitely the most important maintenance item on your car

Truth.

SouthArk370Z · 11-30-2013, 08:39 PM

If cooling of the VLSD were the only function of the diff fluid then, yeah, it wouldn't make much sense to change it often. Since the diff fluid's main function is to lube the gears and all fluids break down (much faster at higher temps), it's a good idea to change it out every now and then. If you are getting the VLSD/diff that hot on a regular basis, it would be a good idea to change the diff fluid quite often.

A cooler might be a good idea.

kenchan · 11-30-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onzedge

I disagree with you, Mr. KenInfiniteWisdomChan.

I change my blinker oil every 3 months. It's false economy not to do so. Engine, Trans, etc. -- I do not bother.

okay, i should change my blinker oil more often. thanks!!

onzedge · 11-30-2013, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

okay, i should change my blinker oil more often. thanks!!

I am here to help.

Red__Zed · 11-30-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

The actual locking mechanism of the VLSD is a fluid sealed inside (and can only be accessed when taken apart), which gets hot very quickly and stops working after about 10 minutes of drifting in my experience. At that point, it acts like an open-diff and needs some time to cool off. It is said that changing the fluid out of the pumpkin would not effect the locking efficiency of the VLSD. I found this to be true in my experience, as well, when i changed the OEM fluid around 15k miles to Redline. No difference.
So to sum it up, if changing the diff fluid makes no difference in performance, why are we doing it at all in the first place?

You should skip changing your engine oil as well.

onzedge · 11-30-2013, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

You should skip changing your engine oil as well.

We have already established that...

karotZ · 11-30-2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

The actual locking mechanism of the VLSD is a fluid sealed inside (and can only be accessed when taken apart), which gets hot very quickly and stops working after about 10 minutes of drifting in my experience. At that point, it acts like an open-diff and needs some time to cool off. It is said that changing the fluid out of the pumpkin would not effect the locking efficiency of the VLSD. I found this to be true in my experience, as well, when i changed the OEM fluid around 15k miles to Redline. No difference.
So to sum it up, if changing the diff fluid makes no difference in performance, why are we doing it at all in the first place?

It's to ensure functionality, removing the oil ensures that those small shavings don't collect. Upgrading the fluid is just to have peace of mind and longevitity of the pumpkin's use. Otherwise, if you actually do drifting, you are better off with a real LSD. Any 1.5 is WAY better than our stock ones. And, 1.5 is not enough, you'll need an oil diff cooler if your taking drifting seriously.

It's like your saying, why clean the toilet if your just gonna sh*t back on it later. lol

kfull · 11-30-2013, 09:31 PM

engine oil is overrated....just use crisco

Rusty · 11-30-2013, 10:33 PM

I wait until my blinker fluid runs dry. Then refill it. That way, I know that I have fresh fluid through out the blinker system.

11-30-2013, 07:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
wdkwang Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 899 Drives: slidewayz Rep Power: 20	Why should we change the VLSD fluid? The actual locking mechanism of the VLSD is a fluid sealed inside (and can only be accessed when taken apart), which gets hot very quickly and stops working after about 10 minutes of drifting in my experience. At that point, it acts like an open-diff and needs some time to cool off. It is said that changing the fluid out of the pumpkin would not effect the locking efficiency of the VLSD. I found this to be true in my experience, as well, when i changed the OEM fluid around 15k miles to Redline. No difference. So to sum it up, if changing the diff fluid makes no difference in performance, why are we doing it at all in the first place? __________________ Powerhouse Amuse \| K&N Typhoon Intakes \| MotorDyne ART Pipes \| Borla Catback Exhaust \| B&M Short Shifter \| Intake Ducts \| Ichiba 25mm F/R Spacers \| Carbon Fiber Interior Vinyl Wrap \| Tints \| 10000k HIDs \| Vtak, yo!

11-30-2013, 08:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
DR_ Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 981 Drives: Touring/Sport M6 PG Rep Power: 16	I had the diff start to bind up with the oem diff fluid after hard track session. Once I put in Redline it never happened again. The diff would still slip more and more throughout a session but at least it didn't bind. Even thought the VLSD is sealed the diff fluid must help in the cooling. TerribleONE likes this.

11-30-2013, 08:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	If cooling of the VLSD were the only function of the diff fluid then, yeah, it wouldn't make much sense to change it often. Since the diff fluid's main function is to lube the gears and all fluids break down (much faster at higher temps), it's a good idea to change it out every now and then. If you are getting the VLSD/diff that hot on a regular basis, it would be a good idea to change the diff fluid quite often. A cooler might be a good idea. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

11-30-2013, 09:31 PM	#14 (permalink)
kfull Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 909 Drives: A lot Rep Power: 14	engine oil is overrated....just use crisco kenchan likes this. __________________ 2012 GM 6MT sports package \| FI non res cf exhaust \| K&N Drop Ins \| Viper 3303 security system w/ tilt sensor \| GTR start button \| 35% rear 45% side window tint \| Michelin PSS

11-30-2013, 10:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 34,865 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684436	I wait until my blinker fluid runs dry. Then refill it. That way, I know that I have fresh fluid through out the blinker system. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
7AT fluid change	dthem370	Engine & Drivetrain	24	08-21-2015 04:00 PM
Tranny fluid change on 6MT?	JAYNO20	Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs	6	12-04-2012 10:37 AM
15K brake fluid change???	Jordo!	Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs	4	02-06-2012 06:54 PM
Change rear diff fluid on VLSD?	DJ-of-E	Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs	11	10-18-2011 11:03 AM
ATF fluid change?	AuAltima3.5	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	5	11-21-2010 12:21 PM