Automatic Fluid/Filter and Rear Differential Fluid Change
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Amherst Junction WI
Automatic Fluid/Filter and Rear Differential Fluid Change
I recently purchased my first Vette, a 2000 C5 with 100,000 miles and no service records. I would like to change all fluids, including transmission fluid and filter. Can you offer me any tips/tricks on this service? Also, what type of fluid and filter would you recommend?
And, while the car is jacked up I would like to change the rear differential fluid, any recommendations on that fluid type and service as well?
Thank you!
And, while the car is jacked up I would like to change the rear differential fluid, any recommendations on that fluid type and service as well?
Thank you!
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 210
From: Huntersville, NC
I recently purchased my first Vette, a 2000 C5 with 100,000 miles and no service records. I would like to change all fluids, including transmission fluid and filter. Can you offer me any tips/tricks on this service? Also, what type of fluid and filter would you recommend?
And, while the car is jacked up I would like to change the rear differential fluid, any recommendations on that fluid type and service as well?
Thank you!
And, while the car is jacked up I would like to change the rear differential fluid, any recommendations on that fluid type and service as well?
Thank you!
this stuff for the diff: You need less than 2 qts for the diff. This has the friction modifier already in it.
I think this is about as cheap as you can buy it. Also, if you buy the Plews 55001 also shown on that screen it will make fill very easy. You can use for both, just drain and flush the pumper in between.
The drain and fill plugs are easy to spot. the diff plugs take a metric hex, so you need a set to get it I think it is 8mm, but not sure. Be sure to open the fill plug first, so the drain does not burp when you open it and get fluid on your Corvette Racing Tee shirt. The manual trans plugs are pipe thread and take a 3/8 square wrench; 3/8 ratchet and short extension.
You will have to get the car in the air high enough to crawl under, and the car needs to be level for the proper fill.
If your car is an auto, someone else will have to tell you how to change an auto trans. I've never owned an auto Corvette. I've seen posts about filling autos, so the search tool above is your friend.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Amherst Junction WI
Dexron III for the manual trans. takes about 4 qts. I use Valvoline from O'Reillys, works for me and my C5 is a track car so the trans takes a beating. No filter on a manual trans. it is usually $24 a qt at the dealer.
this stuff for the diff: Amazon.com: ACDelco 10-4034 Dexron LS 75W-90 Gear Oil - 32 oz: Automotive You need less than 2 qts for the diff. This has the friction modifier already in it.
I think this is about as cheap as you can buy it. Also, if you buy the Plews 55001 also shown on that screen it will make fill very easy. You can use for both, just drain and flush the pumper in between.
The drain and fill plugs are easy to spot. the diff plugs take a metric hex, so you need a set to get it I think it is 8mm, but not sure. Be sure to open the fill plug first, so the drain does not burp when you open it and get fluid on your Corvette Racing Tee shirt. The manual trans plugs are pipe thread and take a 3/8 square wrench; 3/8 ratchet and short extension.
You will have to get the car in the air high enough to crawl under, and the car needs to be level for the proper fill.
If your car is an auto, someone else will have to tell you how to change an auto trans. I've never owned an auto Corvette. I've seen posts about filling autos, so the search tool above is your friend.
this stuff for the diff: Amazon.com: ACDelco 10-4034 Dexron LS 75W-90 Gear Oil - 32 oz: Automotive You need less than 2 qts for the diff. This has the friction modifier already in it.
I think this is about as cheap as you can buy it. Also, if you buy the Plews 55001 also shown on that screen it will make fill very easy. You can use for both, just drain and flush the pumper in between.
The drain and fill plugs are easy to spot. the diff plugs take a metric hex, so you need a set to get it I think it is 8mm, but not sure. Be sure to open the fill plug first, so the drain does not burp when you open it and get fluid on your Corvette Racing Tee shirt. The manual trans plugs are pipe thread and take a 3/8 square wrench; 3/8 ratchet and short extension.
You will have to get the car in the air high enough to crawl under, and the car needs to be level for the proper fill.
If your car is an auto, someone else will have to tell you how to change an auto trans. I've never owned an auto Corvette. I've seen posts about filling autos, so the search tool above is your friend.
I'm also looking ahead and plan to do a spark plug, plug wires, and coolant change. Any thoughts on those items and changing procedures?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Warning - 10-4034 may NOT be synthetic -- should use 10-4016 per Dealer
this stuff for the diff: Amazon.com: ACDelco 10-4034 Dexron LS 75W-90 Gear Oil - 32 oz: Automotive You need less than 2 qts for the diff. This has the friction modifier already in it.
I fear the above differential fluid recommendation is NOT synthetic and thereby is NOT recommended for the 2000 Corvette (all models).
Per service Manual and Dealer today, it should be SAE 75w-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM P/N 12378261). This number is super-ceded to 88900401 (AC Delco 10-4016) and is still available, IS Synthetic, and has the 'grape' smell (I presume the smell is GM/ACDelco's way of confirming it is their product to deny warranty claims if not using theirs
). Roughly $30 per quart (times two) as the differential requires 1.69 quarts.However, this ACDelco 10-4016 synthetic gear oil does NOT have the Limited slip additive which is also then required (GM P/N 1052358 or equivalent). There is an ACDelco equivalent for this too (sorry, I don't have that part number as I had 2 bottles of the official GM additive I bought years ago).
Also, there are two gaskets required --- but the dealer only sells the plug with the gasket -- however, the plug is a M20, so presume these are available at aftermarket auto supply places.
Lastly the drain and fill plug require a 10 mm hex bit, typically attached to 3/8" drive 'socket looking piece'. Sears price $3-5 part # 9-42679 (upc 7 14994 91081 7) (usually the 1st '7' is required for look-up, the trailing/2nd '7' is just a check digit).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
NOTE & WARNING!! The A4 Transmission has VERY SPECIFIC and MUST BE FOLLOWED procedures to drain and properly fill the trans.
It is completely different than anything that you can dream of.
WARNING! If you remove the FILL PLUG without the engine running and fully warmed , HOT FLUID can gush out.
REFILL (READ AND FOLLOW THE SERVICE MANUAL) for the absolute correct procedured. If you dont do it correctly, you will be shelling out $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Remove the pan and drain. Reinstall the pan. Fill as much Trans fluid that will fit into the pan thru the fill plug. START the engine and run till fully warm. When you start the engine, all more fluid till it runs out of the fill plug.
Shift the trans thru drive /reverse with engine running. RE-FILL AND REINSTALL THE FILL PLUG CAP.
DO NOT,, remove the fill plug when the engine is not fully warm and running!! Other wise, the additional fluid that you installed when it was running will GUSH OUT of the fill hole.
Bill
It is completely different than anything that you can dream of.
WARNING! If you remove the FILL PLUG without the engine running and fully warmed , HOT FLUID can gush out.
REFILL (READ AND FOLLOW THE SERVICE MANUAL) for the absolute correct procedured. If you dont do it correctly, you will be shelling out $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Remove the pan and drain. Reinstall the pan. Fill as much Trans fluid that will fit into the pan thru the fill plug. START the engine and run till fully warm. When you start the engine, all more fluid till it runs out of the fill plug.
Shift the trans thru drive /reverse with engine running. RE-FILL AND REINSTALL THE FILL PLUG CAP.
DO NOT,, remove the fill plug when the engine is not fully warm and running!! Other wise, the additional fluid that you installed when it was running will GUSH OUT of the fill hole.
Bill
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
From: Cream Ridge NJ
There is a great video on YouTube for the c5 on this, auto trans fluid and filter replacement. It shows everything from draining to bringing the car up to operating temperature shifting through gears and topping off upon completion.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
I put the B&M finned aluminum pan on my A4 the first time I changed fluid. The B&M pan has extra fluid capacity plus an actual drain plug at the bottom in addition to the fill/ level check plug. Makes future changes much easier, less likely to splurch fluid all over when the pan is removed, plus trans runs cooler.
Before installing the new transmission filter, make sure it is vacuum tight by blocking the bottom intake with your hand and sucking on the round tube which plugs into the transmission. There are some past reports of transmission malfunction traced to a leaking filter.
Ditto on Bill's notes above!
Before installing the new transmission filter, make sure it is vacuum tight by blocking the bottom intake with your hand and sucking on the round tube which plugs into the transmission. There are some past reports of transmission malfunction traced to a leaking filter.
Ditto on Bill's notes above!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
I put the B&M finned aluminum pan on my A4 the first time I changed fluid. The B&M pan has extra fluid capacity plus an actual drain plug at the bottom in addition to the fill/ level check plug. Makes future changes much easier, less likely to splurch fluid all over when the pan is removed, plus trans runs cooler...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
Here is the Summit Racing link for the B&M pan:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bm...ion-type/4l60e
I just looked at my car, the B&M pan is lower than OEM, but still above stock exhaust piping and rear cradle by a little.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bm...ion-type/4l60e
I just looked at my car, the B&M pan is lower than OEM, but still above stock exhaust piping and rear cradle by a little.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
From: Cream Ridge NJ
Great thread, can anyone recommend a good tranny filter kit. I don't want a cork gasket. I prefer the rubber material with the metal wire in it that keeps it's form or a silicone one and from my experience they are less likely to leak even when the cork ones are torqued properly. I've still exppeirenced leaking on other vehicles. Being the Vette is a B***h to do, I really don't wanna do it again before its time due to leakage. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
Hi. Actually the 10-4034 gear oil is correct. There was a GM technical service bulletin that specifically calls for it in corvette differentials. And per a thread on bobistheoilguy, the 10-4034 is made by Petro Canada and it's fully synthetic. I think the major difference compared to 10-4016 is the limited slip additive is already mixed in with the 10-4034. I changed mine with 4034 last summer and if I remember right, it smells like grapes too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 25
From: Dallas, TX
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
From: Cream Ridge NJ
Sorry, it was a c6 automatic fluid change on YouTube. Same technique, but the plug is on the side on c5 and the rear bolts aren't hidden under the suspension cross beam. Making the c5 easier. Napa sells a filter kit with a rubber gasket which I prefer. There are two kits one regular and one deep pan kit, I bought both to match up and mine took the deep pan kit and my trans pan is stock And I used valvoline dex III/Mercion from Walmart I did mine and haven't had any leaks, torqued at 12lbs. (No gasket sealer needed, just rubber on metal) I'll try to post the YouTube link.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
From: Cream Ridge NJ
I think this is the link
Sorry, it was a c6 automatic fluid change on YouTube. Same technique, but the plug is on the side on c5 and the rear bolts aren't hidden under the suspension cross beam. Making the c5 easier. Napa sells a filter kit with a rubber gasket which I prefer. There are two kits one regular and one deep pan kit, I bought both to match up and mine took the deep pan kit and my trans pan is stock And I used valvoline dex III/Mercion from Walmart I did mine and haven't had any leaks, torqued at 12lbs. (No gasket sealer needed, just rubber on metal) I'll try to post the YouTube link.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
From: Cream Ridge NJ
It worked, good luck! It was very easy, but I found it easy to use the top of a gear lube oil container and a hose and remove the rear drivers side tire. I didn't have a pump, but I have pretty strong forearms you are going to be squeezing those bottles.