front diff oil - GL4 OK?

[perelaar]

I recently changed the oil in the rear diff, to a GL5 spec oil specifically made for LSD applications.

Did the front dif yesterday, used the same brand oil, also with LS mention, BUT did not see it was GL4. Is this GL4 OK as well, or should I change it to have GL5? Haven't driven the car yet, it is in fact still on axle stands.
For clarity: I used this one in the rear diff, works a charm. And this one in the front diff.

Additional problem: the one I used in the rear diff is not listed anymore on the manufacturer website...

 

[Barrbeast]

What spec is recommended for your front diff bud? (ie. GL4 or GL5)

If it's actually GL5 that's recommended you'll be alright to drive it for the time being with GL4 but I would replace with GL5 before you do any proper offroading.

 

[perelaar]

Car booklet and maintenance manual say GL5. As I mainly drive it offroad these days (transporting dogs and myself on our shoot every weekend) I'll try to find GL5 asap...

 

[rustic]

Don't use limited slip diff oil in the front axle.

You might have to consider a purge with the the right oil, ie empty old, refill with correct oil, run it for a few days then drain and replace with correct oil.

For others reading this, that have put the wrong oil in the rear diff, to do the same too. The rear diff MUST be LSD oil, but not the front.


Rustic

 

[perelaar]

Just checked the workshop manual, and indeed it says just API GL-5, not LSD oil. Bummer, just got myself 2 litres of the good stuff. Will have to keep it for the rear diff then.

For info, here a scan of the "recommended fluids":

 

[Barrbeast]

The reason for it needing to be GL5 is that diff will have hypoid gears in it like the Trols.

GL5 rating is specifically for hypoid gears working under high-speed and/or low-speed, high-torque conditions.

 

[dave123]

this is what I got http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comma-Min...493?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a74871715 . and they was fast at posting I order on a Friday evening and got it sunday

 

[perelaar]

I got a bottle of GL-5 from the local parts shop yesterday. Drained the front diff again, filled it up with the correct oil. First 4x4 test this afternoon!

 

[perelaar]

So... changed the oil, used the exact specs mentioned in the car booklet and the maintenance manual.

Now I noticed that after disengaging 4wd (high or low, no difference), I sometimes hear and feel a "clunk" from the front. Note: I only use 4wd on soft/slippery surfaces, and do the correct wheels aligned/a bit in reverse routine.
4wd works perfect, both high and low gear.
Any ideas?

 

[Sweety]

Could be sticky auto hubs if you have them fitted

 

[rustic]

So... changed the oil, used the exact specs mentioned in the car booklet and the maintenance manual.

Now I noticed that after disengaging 4wd (high or low, no difference), I sometimes hear and feel a "clunk" from the front. Note: I only use 4wd on soft/slippery surfaces, and do the correct wheels aligned/a bit in reverse routine.
4wd works perfect, both high and low gear.
Any ideas?

If you have auto hubs on the front, then you need to reverse back 2 metres, after disengaging 4 wheel drive so hubs unlock.

If you hear clicking, engage 4 wheel drive, drive forward a couple of metres, then disengage 4 wheel drive then reverse back a couple of metres to disengage the auto hubs.

If they haven't been used for a while, they can stiffen up.
NEVER engage 4 wheel drive on dry road surfaces, as you can get transmission wind up, which can cause damage to tyres or transmission.
Either find some wet grass, or loose gravel or sand to check it.

Best regards,
Rustic

 

[perelaar]

Hmm, autohub overhaul it will be then, next week.
I always only engage 4wd on slippery surface, enough of that around here now the sugarbeet and potato harvest is in full swing