What diff oil do i use on VX V6 Auto with IRS?

Fuzzypumper · #1 29-03-2008, 08:59 PM

Hi,

I wanted to change diff oil today but realised none of my books stated what type of diff oil to use and off course it was after 12pm sort all the service centres where closed.
I have a VX V6 Auto with the IRS rear end. The label on the diff has "FL" on it an I dont see a LSD tag anywhere?

What rating of Diff/gear oil should it take?

I have also heard Holden puts some sort of extra additives, is that true?

Cheers

accentstencil · #2 30-03-2008, 10:03 AM

For standard diff: Castrol LSX 90 or equivalent.
Don't know about the additive thing.

Fuzzypumper · #3 30-03-2008, 01:41 PM

Thanks
Oops! forgot to ask how many litres does it take?

WAGON MAN · #4 30-03-2008, 01:54 PM

The differential capacity is approximately 1.7 Litres....

VTPREDATOR · #5 30-03-2008, 05:16 PM

fill it till it starts coming bak out the filler hole.

RVN 355 · #6 30-03-2008, 05:29 PM

Valvoline HP Gear Oil LS90 FOR 3.8L VX ECOTEC HOLDEN COMMODORE

Recommended for all differentials, including limited slip

Contains a unique friction modifier as well as an extreme pressure additive package, making it suitable for use in hypoid type differentials operating under severe conditions.

Provides maximum protection under high speed, high torque, high horsepower conditions.

Refer to owner's manual for correct grade and specification.

Valvoline - Automotive Products

1.6L FOR THE DIFF

Fuzzypumper · #7 30-03-2008, 09:10 PM

Thanks Guys,

The old oil was very black and I have no idea how many Kms it had done.
It only had 1.4litres in it as well, doh!

galahs · #8 30-03-2008, 10:47 PM

I like using a synthetic oil in the diff considering how the internal gears sheer up the oil molecule chains and you don't change the oil that often.

I use Castrol SAF-XA full synthetic.

Fuzzypumper · #9 30-03-2008, 11:22 PM

The castrol listing said to use the LSX90 so I did.
It said to use the SAF type for LSD IRS diff option.

galahs · #10 31-03-2008, 05:35 PM

Synthetic diff oil is absolutely required for LSD, not 'absolutely' required for the stock diff but still highly recommended if you drive hard, do a lot of towing or just want to give your cars diff the best possible protection.

Either way, I don't agree with Holden that the diff oil doesn't need changing under normal use.

I would change it after the first year (get rid of those metal shavings in there), then every 5 years after that.