*** Redline is not the correct fluid for this differential *** I have removed the video clip where I reference the incorrect fluid. After watching this video, refer to this video for an update and information on the correct fluid. ua-cam.com/video/3-BJtakmg5Q/v-deo.html
Update as of 8/12/2024: I parked the car for about a year after putting in OE delco non-LSD fluid and LS additive. Upon driving the car recently, it was clicking in turns. I purchased "ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4034 Dexron LS 75W-90 Gear Oil" from Amazon. 2 quarts. This is a premix with LS additive in it. Solved the problem immediately. Not sure why this happened, other than maybe I didn't drive the car enough to distribute the additive. I have also heard some say when they use the OE Delco fluid and additive, they will mix the contents in a bucket first before adding to the differential. Something to think about. But... the LS gear oil I am using now is good.
Your fill screw looked like it was a lot easier to crack loose than mine was. You appeared to be able to do it with just your Allen wrench. On the other hand, your drain screw, like mine, needed a little more leverage than the wrench alone could provide. I needed to borrow a breaker bar from my neighbor to crack both of mine. But once I got both plugs broken loose, the job was a breeze. My hand got tired from having to pump over a quart of differential fluid into it, but I would stop for a minute or so, give my hand a break and continue. Before I knew it, the job was done. Thanks again, Sensei Erick, Chief Instructor, Afternoon Garage Automotive Dojo! lol
Hey there, AGG: I hope you don't mind my calling you that since I don't know your name (short for Afternoon Garage Guy). I'm glad the differential fluid isn't changed any more often than it is. The guys at the Parts counter told me that it takes a quart and a half w/4 oz. of the limited-slip additive. We're talking $30/quart TIMES TWO and another $13.50 for the additive with a few bucks sales tax. Almost $80 for diff fluid and the additive. But ACDelco is what the differential was designed to have in it, so I bit the bullet and dropped it. That said, I ain't doing this again for a LONG time, thank you very much. But to keep things in perspective, I'd rather pay $80 now than $1,000 later for a new diff to replace this one and several hundred in labor to take out/put in (*if one can even be found*). By the way, the current part number for the "Synthetic Axle Lubricant" 75W-90 GL-5 (differential fluid) is GM Part #88900401 and the limited-slip additive is GM Part #88900330 (before they discontinue THOSE too).
My name is Erick. There are too many 'Erics' on UA-cam doing car videos, so I came up with Afternoon Garage. This is when all my work happens, in the afternoon. Thank you for sharing what you used in the differential. Need to be careful in adding enough limited slip additive, I have heard folks needing more than one 4 oz bottle to get the car to quiet down on turns.
@@afternoongarage Nice to meet you, Brother Erick. I'm Rick. I've got everything now, the fluid, additive, and the pump. I called the Service Dept. of the GM dealership by me, and the guy said 4 oz. should be adequate, so we'll see how it goes. And congrats on your CUTE little puppy!
You do NOT need the GM friction modifiers IF you use Red Line 57904 (75W90) Synthetic Gear Oil, which has friction modifiers in it (make sure and read the label). I just replaced my LSD fluid with it and it's running great.
Thanks and yeah I realized that and the next video will show my mistake with the incorrect oil. I just put Magnaflow exhaust on the Hummer and it sounds great so I'll look into that.
Just changed an 07’s diff fluid. It came out a little sludgey at first. Looked dark gray compared to the clear oil in the video. There were a few small metal bits on the magnet Put the AC delco oils in and followed the service manual capacity chart: 1 litre of 75w90 and 70ml of LSD additive. Feels better in corners, drifting, etc. Hopefuly will enjoy many more miles of hard driving.
Yes it does. The procedure does not specify replacement of the sealing washer. I just reused it and if I had to get another one I would get a copper one at the auto parts stores. Thanks for watching!
As far as LSD additive, I didn’t think that was necessary as the redline has friction modifiers for LSD in it correct? Do you still need the GM additive?
Yes a certain type does. If you watch the next video, you will see I dumped the Redline and put in OE fluids with the LSD additive since I had binding in the rear axle on turns. I would recommend only OE fluid here.
I did a quick search for this. Looks like generally 40K to 60 K miles. Would I do any rear end fluid change that frequently? Absolutely not. I did this one because it has 175K miles and I wanted to see the condition of the fluid. Looked good, no contamination. I would leave it in there at least till 100K. This fluid doesn't go bad. It can get contaminated like I said and you want to look for this when dropping the fluid.
May I ask, did your differential have the infamous whine? I bought mine today with 39k and assumed it was normal until I saw on forums it is a common issue. Also, with new diff fluid and the whine, how long do you think this differential will last? Thanks and nice content!
My differential did not have any problems when I decided to change the fluid. I changed the fluid because of mileage. I do hear a whine but I assumed it was the transmission, and it really isn't that loud. When I put the incorrect fluid in, it did not like one wheel spinning slower/faster than the other. It would drive straight fine, but when turned even slightly, it would have a loud clicking noise. It sounded like something was binding. That is why I immediately made another video to not use the Redline I chose, and I went back to the OE GM fluids. It is good now, this differential is used in the CTS-V so it should be a very strong unit. Works great now.
Yes, exactly the problem. Not sure where I got the idea it had an additive. The diff really didn't like it too much. Good thing I was close to home when I did the test drive. I dumped it and used GM gear oil and GM additive. No issues thankfully. Thanks for watching!
@@afternoongarage 2006 Pontiac Solstice 2.4l 5speed Manual transmission. I just get the GM gear oil and GM additive. It wasn't clear for me on internet how much gear oil and additive to add. How much to add of each one? Thank you!
@@MartinezMobileDetailWhidbey Sorry about the delay in the reply. I just got this message! I have listed the capacities of the Solstice at 6:17 Thanks for watching!
I have an on-demand water heater that mounts on the wall and has different plumbing and valves to dispense hot water right out of the unit. I have as much hot water as you want to use. Makes it easy to soften all that grime so the degreaser can do its thing.
Great video!!! This wasn't as bad as I thought thanks to your directions! One question, how much do I add once I drain it all out? I put in about 1qt + 1/2 qt and then drained some out since I thought it was too much. I drove the car and it didn't seem to make the crunching noise like it had but once it warmed up well then the noises were back. Do I need to add more? It never did start coming out the fill plug area when I was filling.
Update: I see in some of the reply comments below that you suggest NOT to use the Redline oil as demonstrated in the video, but instead go with the factory GM product. When I test drove my vehicle for a few miles it has more "clunking and grunge" noises than it did before changing so hopefully there's no damage done by using the incorrect oil.
I tried my hardest to direct people to the next video where I discovered this was the incorrect fluid. Sorry you were misdirected, I put the correction in the description, and also a link at the end of the video to watch the next one for the update. I had the same problem, and after the correct OE GM fluid it is fine.
I am wondering why these plugs can be easily reused and yet the transmission requires expensive washers when replaced. Are they not going into the same spec sized hole in aluminum with the same weight oil behind them?
Good eye, Jimmy! Those are indeed 4600 shocks. They were factory shocks on all models of Pontiac Solstice, base and GXP. I have a set of Bilstiens on the Duramax. 5100 series and fit with the lift I have. Love those shocks, everything they make is golden.
Looking at my video, those axles have a shaft that plugs into the side of the differential. There will be an expanding clip on it you will need to pop out. Looks like your standard splined axle like a transaxle. You will need to pull the wheel, detach the spindle/hub from the control arm(s) and then pop that axle out. I would do this in a heartbeat, but my axles have no ripped boots nor leaking. Good luck!
You either have an open diff, or a locker. You could jack up the entire rear and see if the wheels both rotate the same, or opposite. It is a locking diff if they rotate the same direction. Another way would be to read the numbers on the stampings on the case. I found a good thread that talks about differential ID here: www.solsticeforum.com/threads/standard-or-limited-slip-differential.43312/ The limited slip gets the additive.
I would use 1/2 of the differential oil, then add the entire amount of 'LSD additive' and then fill the rest of the way with the differential oil until it comes out the fill port. Don't forget the additive like I did, your diff won't like it if you omit the additive.
Pretty good question. If you look on the forums, some suggest never replacing it. Some suggest 12,500 miles. I would think that 75-100K miles the fluid needs to be changed. Really up to the owner but some mechanics have strong opinions about this one.
For sure you should check the part number to make sure you have a LSD but with a redline, you have that. Make sure you use OE fluid with slip additive and not the Redline oil I used.
As the comment section already shows, DO NOT USE REDLINE! I cut the part out of the video where I showed what oil I use. I would only recommend the OE fluid (oil and LS additive) here: ua-cam.com/video/3-BJtakmg5Q/v-deo.html
*** Redline is not the correct fluid for this differential *** I have removed the video clip where I reference the incorrect fluid. After watching this video, refer to this video for an update and information on the correct fluid. ua-cam.com/video/3-BJtakmg5Q/v-deo.html
Great Kappa video as usual. Simple and easy to follow.
Update as of 8/12/2024: I parked the car for about a year after putting in OE delco non-LSD fluid and LS additive. Upon driving the car recently, it was clicking in turns. I purchased "ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4034 Dexron LS 75W-90 Gear Oil" from Amazon. 2 quarts. This is a premix with LS additive in it. Solved the problem immediately. Not sure why this happened, other than maybe I didn't drive the car enough to distribute the additive. I have also heard some say when they use the OE Delco fluid and additive, they will mix the contents in a bucket first before adding to the differential. Something to think about. But... the LS gear oil I am using now is good.
Your fill screw looked like it was a lot easier to crack loose than mine was. You appeared to be able to do it with just your Allen wrench. On the other hand, your drain screw, like mine, needed a little more leverage than the wrench alone could provide. I needed to borrow a breaker bar from my neighbor to crack both of mine. But once I got both plugs broken loose, the job was a breeze. My hand got tired from having to pump over a quart of differential fluid into it, but I would stop for a minute or so, give my hand a break and continue. Before I knew it, the job was done. Thanks again, Sensei Erick, Chief Instructor, Afternoon Garage Automotive Dojo! lol
Im giving it all the power i have man, it wont budge.
I remember I used an allen key that wasn't rounded and in great shape and then a small diameter pipe, maybe 1.5 feet long. It was tight but came off.
Hey there, AGG:
I hope you don't mind my calling you that since I don't know your name (short for Afternoon Garage Guy).
I'm glad the differential fluid isn't changed any more often than it is. The guys at the Parts counter told me that it takes a quart and a half w/4 oz. of the limited-slip additive. We're talking $30/quart TIMES TWO and another $13.50 for the additive with a few bucks sales tax. Almost $80 for diff fluid and the additive. But ACDelco is what the differential was designed to have in it, so I bit the bullet and dropped it. That said, I ain't doing this again for a LONG time, thank you very much. But to keep things in perspective, I'd rather pay $80 now than $1,000 later for a new diff to replace this one and several hundred in labor to take out/put in (*if one can even be found*). By the way, the current part number for the "Synthetic Axle Lubricant" 75W-90 GL-5 (differential fluid) is GM Part #88900401 and the limited-slip additive is GM Part #88900330 (before they discontinue THOSE too).
My name is Erick. There are too many 'Erics' on UA-cam doing car videos, so I came up with Afternoon Garage. This is when all my work happens, in the afternoon. Thank you for sharing what you used in the differential. Need to be careful in adding enough limited slip additive, I have heard folks needing more than one 4 oz bottle to get the car to quiet down on turns.
@@afternoongarage Nice to meet you, Brother Erick. I'm Rick. I've got everything now, the fluid, additive, and the pump. I called the Service Dept. of the GM dealership by me, and the guy said 4 oz. should be adequate, so we'll see how it goes. And congrats on your CUTE little puppy!
Awesome, straight to the point 😁 👍
Cleaned up pretty good. Red Line is really good stuff. Going to change the manual box oil next week.
I'll stay tuned... Looking forward to more content
You do NOT need the GM friction modifiers IF you use Red Line 57904 (75W90) Synthetic Gear Oil, which has friction modifiers in it (make sure and read the label). I just replaced my LSD fluid with it and it's running great.
Great demo of the drain and fill. Need the GM diff oil with LSD additive though. You should put a Magnaflo on there for a bit more personality.
Thanks and yeah I realized that and the next video will show my mistake with the incorrect oil. I just put Magnaflow exhaust on the Hummer and it sounds great so I'll look into that.
Just changed an 07’s diff fluid. It came out a little sludgey at first. Looked dark gray compared to the clear oil in the video. There were a few small metal bits on the magnet Put the AC delco oils in and followed the service manual capacity chart: 1 litre of 75w90 and 70ml of LSD additive. Feels better in corners, drifting, etc. Hopefuly will enjoy many more miles of hard driving.
Does it have an aluminum washer that you have to replace just like the transmission? Same washer correct?
Great video!
Yes it does. The procedure does not specify replacement of the sealing washer. I just reused it and if I had to get another one I would get a copper one at the auto parts stores. Thanks for watching!
As far as LSD additive, I didn’t think that was necessary as the redline has friction modifiers for LSD in it correct? Do you still need the GM additive?
Yes a certain type does. If you watch the next video, you will see I dumped the Redline and put in OE fluids with the LSD additive since I had binding in the rear axle on turns. I would recommend only OE fluid here.
is there a recommended time/miles to change it? mine has 46k on it. thanks for the videos!
I did a quick search for this. Looks like generally 40K to 60 K miles. Would I do any rear end fluid change that frequently? Absolutely not. I did this one because it has 175K miles and I wanted to see the condition of the fluid. Looked good, no contamination. I would leave it in there at least till 100K. This fluid doesn't go bad. It can get contaminated like I said and you want to look for this when dropping the fluid.
@@afternoongarage Okay, thank you!
May I ask, did your differential have the infamous whine?
I bought mine today with 39k and assumed it was normal until I saw on forums it is a common issue.
Also, with new diff fluid and the whine, how long do you think this differential will last?
Thanks and nice content!
My differential did not have any problems when I decided to change the fluid. I changed the fluid because of mileage. I do hear a whine but I assumed it was the transmission, and it really isn't that loud. When I put the incorrect fluid in, it did not like one wheel spinning slower/faster than the other. It would drive straight fine, but when turned even slightly, it would have a loud clicking noise. It sounded like something was binding. That is why I immediately made another video to not use the Redline I chose, and I went back to the OE GM fluids. It is good now, this differential is used in the CTS-V so it should be a very strong unit. Works great now.
Ok. Thank you!
Looks like you used the 75w-90NS which needs the LSD additive added to it.
Should of used the 75w-90 which has the additive already in it.
Yes, exactly the problem. Not sure where I got the idea it had an additive. The diff really didn't like it too much. Good thing I was close to home when I did the test drive. I dumped it and used GM gear oil and GM additive. No issues thankfully. Thanks for watching!
@@afternoongarage
2006 Pontiac Solstice 2.4l 5speed Manual transmission.
I just get the GM gear oil and GM additive. It wasn't clear for me on internet how much gear oil and additive to add.
How much to add of each one?
Thank you!
@@MartinezMobileDetailWhidbey Sorry about the delay in the reply. I just got this message! I have listed the capacities of the Solstice at 6:17 Thanks for watching!
140 degree water, you must have a hook up to the water heater like I do.
I have an on-demand water heater that mounts on the wall and has different plumbing and valves to dispense hot water right out of the unit. I have as much hot water as you want to use. Makes it easy to soften all that grime so the degreaser can do its thing.
Looking forward to your transmission fluid change next week! I think yours is a manual like mine?
Yes I have a 5 speed. Not sure but I think there were two different ones used. Shouldn't be too difficult. Thanks for the comments and watch time!
Great video!!! This wasn't as bad as I thought thanks to your directions! One question, how much do I add once I drain it all out? I put in about 1qt + 1/2 qt and then drained some out since I thought it was too much. I drove the car and it didn't seem to make the crunching noise like it had but once it warmed up well then the noises were back. Do I need to add more? It never did start coming out the fill plug area when I was filling.
Update: I see in some of the reply comments below that you suggest NOT to use the Redline oil as demonstrated in the video, but instead go with the factory GM product. When I test drove my vehicle for a few miles it has more "clunking and grunge" noises than it did before changing so hopefully there's no damage done by using the incorrect oil.
I tried my hardest to direct people to the next video where I discovered this was the incorrect fluid. Sorry you were misdirected, I put the correction in the description, and also a link at the end of the video to watch the next one for the update. I had the same problem, and after the correct OE GM fluid it is fine.
I am wondering why these plugs can be easily reused and yet the transmission requires expensive washers when replaced. Are they not going into the same spec sized hole in aluminum with the same weight oil behind them?
Most likely a different supplier
I spy bilstein shocks. 4600 series maybe. When my fusion hits 100k I’m ordering the whole Bilstein setup for it.
Good eye, Jimmy! Those are indeed 4600 shocks. They were factory shocks on all models of Pontiac Solstice, base and GXP. I have a set of Bilstiens on the Duramax. 5100 series and fit with the lift I have. Love those shocks, everything they make is golden.
@@afternoongarage awesome. We threw a set of 4600 hundreds on a buddies f350, it rides better than my truck!
Great video, mine just started leaking from the right side seal. Is this a hard or expensive fix? Thanks in advance for any info.
Looking at my video, those axles have a shaft that plugs into the side of the differential. There will be an expanding clip on it you will need to pop out. Looks like your standard splined axle like a transaxle. You will need to pull the wheel, detach the spindle/hub from the control arm(s) and then pop that axle out. I would do this in a heartbeat, but my axles have no ripped boots nor leaking. Good luck!
@@afternoongarage Thanks for your quick response and info 👊🏽
do you know how to confirm the diff fluid without the sticker in glovebox?
You either have an open diff, or a locker. You could jack up the entire rear and see if the wheels both rotate the same, or opposite. It is a locking diff if they rotate the same direction. Another way would be to read the numbers on the stampings on the case. I found a good thread that talks about differential ID here: www.solsticeforum.com/threads/standard-or-limited-slip-differential.43312/ The limited slip gets the additive.
@@afternoongarage thx a lot bro! appreciated your help
How much LSA goes in before Gear oil fill?
I would use 1/2 of the differential oil, then add the entire amount of 'LSD additive' and then fill the rest of the way with the differential oil until it comes out the fill port. Don't forget the additive like I did, your diff won't like it if you omit the additive.
How often should you change that fluid?
Pretty good question. If you look on the forums, some suggest never replacing it. Some suggest 12,500 miles. I would think that 75-100K miles the fluid needs to be changed. Really up to the owner but some mechanics have strong opinions about this one.
Does the hand pump come with the oil
No , it needs to be purchased separately. I see them in auto parts stores although this one I got on Amazon for a few bucks. Made this job possible.
can I do the same thing on a 2009 satrun sky redline ?
For sure you should check the part number to make sure you have a LSD but with a redline, you have that. Make sure you use OE fluid with slip additive and not the Redline oil I used.
Much appreacited sir. Thank you SM
@@afternoongarage
Is Amsoil oil as good as Redline?
As the comment section already shows, DO NOT USE REDLINE! I cut the part out of the video where I showed what oil I use. I would only recommend the OE fluid (oil and LS additive) here: ua-cam.com/video/3-BJtakmg5Q/v-deo.html
@@afternoongarage Thank you! I did see the link posted after scrolling through the comments. I appreciate your response.