Gear lube condition... what does this mean?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
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From: San Jose CA
Gear lube condition... what does this mean?
The first time I drained the diff two years ago, the lube that came out smelled to all hell and had the consistency of a milkshake. It actually really looked like a gray milkshake. What was up with that?
I changed it again today, and it looked typical of used motor oil. (2 years, about.) I'd assume no problems there.
I filled it up to maybe 1/8" under the plug, didn't hear any noises when I turned corners and gave it some go-juice. (Other than the tires squealing... hehehe...)
-Steve
I changed it again today, and it looked typical of used motor oil. (2 years, about.) I'd assume no problems there.
I filled it up to maybe 1/8" under the plug, didn't hear any noises when I turned corners and gave it some go-juice. (Other than the tires squealing... hehehe...)
-Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Gear lube condition... what does this mean? (Pacin'California)
You added oil and "limited slip differential" additive, right?
Perhaps, the "grey" may have been because some water was emulsified in the oil?
Perhaps, the "grey" may have been because some water was emulsified in the oil?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
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From: San Jose CA
Re: Gear lube condition... what does this mean? (mapman)
Perhaps. The lube removed in the previous change(when it was gray) was probably almost 10 years old. It was definitely thicker than what came out of the rear today.
I'm wondering if it couldn't have been super-saturated w/ metal shavings... :(
-Steve
*edit* Yes, added the 4oz bottle.
[Modified by Pacin'California, 11:23 PM 7/25/2003]
I'm wondering if it couldn't have been super-saturated w/ metal shavings... :(
-Steve
*edit* Yes, added the 4oz bottle.
[Modified by Pacin'California, 11:23 PM 7/25/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Gear lube condition... what does this mean? (Pacin'California)
.....I'm wondering if it couldn't have been super-saturated w/ metal shavings... :(
When I pull the pan off the Automatic Transmission, on my 1980, it was not a pretty sight. Plenty of metallic "mud" - so off to the rebuilders.
The fact that the oil this time looked good is a positive sign.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
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From: San Jose CA
Re: Gear lube condition... what does this mean? (mapman)
Thanks for the insight.
Still not sure though, this was gray... almost like a McDonalds chocolate milkshake.
I'll definitely have the diff out within a year for a rebuild, probably. I'm just glad the oil was nice this time around. :D
-Steve
Still not sure though, this was gray... almost like a McDonalds chocolate milkshake.
I'll definitely have the diff out within a year for a rebuild, probably. I'm just glad the oil was nice this time around. :D
-Steve
