Differential Fluid and additive
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 638
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From: Payne Ohio
Differential Fluid and additive
I recently had my differential worked on and they drained all the diff fluid. When I picked up the car I asked the dealer if they added the additive to the differential they told me no that it did not require the additive to be added to the diff fluid as they used GM fluid. This car is an 01 but I am worried that they did not get it right. I notice no abnormal noise from the rear but want to get it right. The car is an A4. Can someone help me here as I don't have a service manual yet, thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 0
From: Bristol Ct
Re: Differential Fluid and additive (mozart)
I recently had my differential worked on and they drained all the diff fluid. When I picked up the car I asked the dealer if they added the additive to the differential they told me no that it did not require the additive to be added to the diff fluid as they used GM fluid. This car is an 01 but I am worried that they did not get it right. I notice no abnormal noise from the rear but want to get it right. The car is an A4. Can someone help me here as I don't have a service manual yet, thanks
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 638
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From: Payne Ohio
Re: Differential Fluid and additive (Highroller)
I just talked to the service manager at the dealer. Since the work was done under warrantee I will let them redrain and fill with the additive this time. I have not drivin the car hard since they did the work, about a month now but apparently I have been driving without the additive in the differential. I haven't placed the car in a situation where it would require the limited slip to lock up, no burn outs or wet roads just normal driving. Do you think without it it could be an issue later or caused damage? I have been driving about 400 miles without the additive. By the way I found the additive requirement also in the owners manual on pg 7-20 and 6-25. The invoice where the work was done clearly shows no additive was put in just diff fluid p/n 12378261
[Modified by mozart, 8:50 PM 6/3/2003]
[Modified by mozart, 8:50 PM 6/3/2003]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Payne Ohio
Re: Differential Fluid and additive (mozart)
This is getting real interesting. The dealer just called me again. He was able to get the additive from another dearler that had some left but he told me that the state of ca banned the sale of the additive in Ca. due to hazmat and environmental issues. He said he just got off the phone with GM tech and their the ones that told him that. It seems like I remember reading a post to that effect a while back. If this is true looks like we can have one of the out of state members send us some or switch to a fluid that had the additive in it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 947
Likes: 1
From: Lake Worth. Fl.,USA Fl
Re: Differential Fluid and additive (mozart)
Although Calif. is off the scale for normalcy I would have to question the voracity of the ban?. What is in the additive that is so terrible that is not in other oils or lubricants. I just do not believe it. Someone is full of BS
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: Differential Fluid and additive (JCR)
Man, I am glad I am on the other coast :yesnod:
As far as the additive, it actually removes the grabbing capability of the clutches. Where you would most likely notice it not being used is in a slow speed tight turn where the clutches need to slip. The additive smooths the clutch movement, however too much additive will actually detract from performance (spin one wheel).
As far as the additive, it actually removes the grabbing capability of the clutches. Where you would most likely notice it not being used is in a slow speed tight turn where the clutches need to slip. The additive smooths the clutch movement, however too much additive will actually detract from performance (spin one wheel).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Differential Fluid and additive (vettenuts)
I would either make sure they put in the additive when they refill your diff or use a fluid that already has the additive in it like RedLine or Amsoil. After the change go out into a parking lot and drive a few tight figure eights to circulate the new fluid to the clutches, etc.
-Rob
-Rob
