Changing the Gear Oil on My Cadillac ATS4 2.0t

41,000 miles on my 2015 Cadillac ATS4 2.0t and the rear end started making some noise. It might not help, but I'm going to change the gear oil... plus I'm very curious to see what it looks like inside.
PROPER FLUID SPEC: DEXRON MTF 75W-90 (GM Part No. 88863089)
BUT this stuff is what I like: www.amsoil.com/p/severe-gear-...
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[@MrSolvaring]

I ended up using AMSOIL for my rear differential (RWD) I followed one of the guy's points in the comments (took off the fill plug first), and then I decided to take off the drain plug (mannnn you can definitely smell that stuff pretty quickly). The drain plug did not have a lot of metal on it (Woot). I have 56.5k miles on my ATS, and it's the first time that I changed it since factory off the lot. The fluid was super dirty, but in all my days of driving it, I never heard any groaning or roaring noises at all. I retightened the drain plug, filled up the diff with that good clean amsoil using the hand pump you got, and boom, I was done. Took it for a test drive, no leaks, and I am a happy camper! Thanks for your tutorial!

[@yrvanmichel1446]

Your ats videos have been a god send

[@sstressfl]

I am so thankful to hear that my friend 🙏

[@RobbyJFonts]

Excellent tutorial! This video helped me change my gear oil for my 2015 Cadillac SRX! The rear differential in the SRX is similar, but slightly different from the ATS. Managed to figure it out thanks to you!! Thanks again 😊👍

[@sstressfl]

Thank you for the feedback!! Glad it helped :)

[@liams.1684]

Learn something new from your helpful videos Much respect ✌🏼

[@sstressfl]

I really appreciate it. Thank you 🙏

[@jessemccaffrey320]

I got a clear "mustard/ketchup" refillable bottle from the store, like they kind you see in diners but clear instead of red or yellow. It actually fits nicely in the space right above the fill hole in the diff . Filled it will gear oil then stick it in and squeeze away. It only holds about 1/3 of a quart but its great for topping off the fluid. You dont have to worry about whats left inside of the pump, or long hose when you use this method.

[@sstressfl]

That’s great! Sounds like the perfect size for the job in that small space especially if you have an all-too.common leak and need to top off frequently 👍

[@alecscars858]

Thanks man, very good tutorial. Your car looks dope too.

[@sstressfl]

Thank you 🙏 I appreciate it!

[@tankertuff9947]

Mike whatever projects you do I’m right behind you Lmaoooo you’re setting the tone! Wife just payed off the Cadillac and we have to keep that vic running for several more years. Her ATS is really growing in me, I’m impressed with the ATS. Keepem coming!!!!!!!!

[@sstressfl]

It’s an incredibly cool car. I’ve got more work to do on mine so more vids are comin’! 😎 Thank you for the encouragement 🙏💪👍

[@sirloin4372]

It’s growing in you?!?

[@TheAsdfgh38]

I really llike the camera perspective of you doing the work, helps alot, you're talking about any more weight causing shuddering. There is a company, zzp that makes aftermarket parts that are more efficient and lighter, if you still have this cadillac, ive got a 2014 ats 2.0 RWD.

[@sstressfl]

The shuddering was transmission. The vibration was rear diff. I’ve had 3 of those so far 😮 And I’m aware of zzp. Sadly nothing they sell would help with the issues I’ve had on this car. I appreciate your feedback brother! Enjoy your ATS! When they are easy Ning we’ll they are marvelous 😎💪

[@VelleyIndustrial]

You can use amsoil SVG. The rear differential always requires full synthetic 75w90 I change the rear diff oil every 50 k. I also change the front diff oil every 50k. The diffs are small for weight. The metal on your plug is typical. Always pull the fill plug first.

[@sstressfl]

I like Amsoil. I use it in my bike. I appreciate the feedback my friend. That helps 👍🙏

[@gcolegio123]

Legit video we currently have an 18’ ATS with 48K miles and took it to get looked at the pinion seal is going bad and the Cadillac dealership told us the differentials are on back order so now we’re having to wait for replacement. Wish I would’ve know bout the differential issues before buying!

[@sstressfl]

Me too my friend but it definitely took some time for the word to get out. I have heard good things about replacing with a Camaro M6 rear diff. With different axles too. Costs for new is about 2k. I was about to do it them decided to trade in. Best worst car I’ve ever owned.

[@alexryder8550]

You got me scared now haha. I have a 2015 ats 3.6 with 59k miles. No shutters or rear diff sounds but I’ll probably check the fluid just to be on the safe side. great video!

[@sstressfl]

Man that’s awesome! The dealer fixed my shudder under warranty 👍 But the new rear end they put in has failed. I’m heading back for them to look at it this week. If you have the awd, get Amsoil SVG for the rear diff! If you have a rwd get the gm LS gear oil that is spec’d for it 👍😎 Be safe and have fun my ATS brother!

[@alexryder8550]

@@sstressfl thanks man!! Your channel is awesome!

[@sirmart42]

Well this video has scared the crap out of me, being a 2013 ATS 3.6L AWD with 75k miles owner. I need to do these fluid changes. Appreciate the video. Please keep us updated on what the dealer tells you. In your follow up, could you try to capture the shuddering you are getting? Thanks again

[@sstressfl]

I’ll do my best to pick up the sound with the GoPro mic 👍

[@juniormorales5665]

Mine is doing the exact same thing!

[@sstressfl]

I’m so sorry :(

[@yrvanmichel1446]

Also. Maybe changing all of the trans fluid did it. Once it's been to long. Change like a quart at a time

[@jeremycitron1455]

Great vid, Is there much difference between 4WD and RWD?

[@sstressfl]

Yes the awd uses an open rear end and the rwd uses a posi. Different fluid requirements... in this video I grabbed a bottle of LS fluid thinking it was the non-posi stuff. The recommendation for the rwd is the GM Dexron LS Gear Oil. I am now using Amsoil SVG for the awd rear differential in my car. I hope that’s helpful!

[@standamangaming1353]

I have a 2016 ats and absolutely love it! Is there an actual fix for the shudder???

[@sstressfl]

Yes you need to flush the trans fluid 👍 if you do it yourself, you need to change it 2 or 3 times (pan drop) or bring it to the dealer so they can do it properly with a full flush.

[@delw1138]

What I understand is the ones where the rear diff grenades is due to bad seals and all the oil leaks out. My 2014 ATS 2.0t has 58k on it and the only issues I have had so far is with a cam sensor and the base radio.

[@PapawsDadillacOEMplus]

Not bad seals. The screen on top of diff isn't cleaned regularly and pressure builds then blows out seals instead of screen

[@davidjames666]

I had the same experience. mine has exactly 58,000 too. 3 radio head units. i am thinking it is time to change the transmission fluid, and gear oil, so i am on youtube to see what it is about

[@mjmlmm]

Same issues with my sons 16 ATS trans issues been in dealer three times now.

[@sstressfl]

So sorry :( I have found that Amsoil SVG gear oil works the best in the AWD rear diff (I used it in the front as well). But the rear diff in the AWD version is very low quality. I've been thru 3 of them so far. And the 8 speed auto transmisison on the 16 ATS needs transmission fluid flushing and a new filter to keep it from shuddering. From the forums, some pople get the flush completed and it seems fine for a little while then starts doing it again. GM says its an actual design defect that causes poor oiling/lubrication and subsequently metal contamination fills the fluid. Then it needs another flush. Some I know online have it flushed every 30,000 miles as standard maintenance and claim that seems to have kept it running well. The car is such a joy to drive and looks great that its worth it for most to keep repairing it :) Hope you can get yours resolved.

[@rogercannon5993]

You should always take the fill plug out first just incase you can't get it out after you drain it

[@sstressfl]

Ain’t no such thing as a plug I couldn’t get out 👍💪

[@papadarkfluff]

I bought mine with 80k and now I'm at 100k, it had orginal sparkplugs, og trans filter, no real documented history, all in all alot of unknown, but so far the car runs great, I have done maintenance in occordance such us the above mentioned but I haven't experienced what you have.

[@sstressfl]

Many people drive without issues! I also suspect that I wouldnt have detected this if I still lived in SE Michigan. The mountains around here reveal the weakness sooner.

[@papadarkfluff]

@@sstressfl I live in Colorado so I understand mountains have special way of damaging cars.

[@sstressfl]

@@papadarkfluff ohhhh I miss that big sky country :) we lived in Fort Collins/Loveland for 4 years 2006-2010 👍

[@papadarkfluff]

@@sstressfl beautiful place I live there aswell for a time now I'm more a valley liver but still moutain trips are a must

[@suzynyhan8096]

Can I ask you some questions about my 2013 Cadillac ats 2.0 luxury AWD? I have a p0171 lean bank 1 code. Any ideas as to what it could be in the vacuum lines. I have replaced lines, sensors, filter

[@sstressfl]

The engine mounts are vacuum operated. It’s very possible one of them is leaking.

[@franwex]

The diff on my 2016 ATS went out and it was really hard to get it replaced and it costs close to $3,000. It’s also the only car that I actually changed the differential fluid per manufacturer recommended use. 🙃 I guess I was just unlucky. I was out of warranty of course.

[@sstressfl]

The failures happen because the rear diff is very low quality materials combined with poor setup. It’s actually quite common to see a failure. That’s horribly expensive. When my current diff finally fails I plan on swapping it out for a Camaro m6 posi. It’s the only way fwd!

[@franwex]

@@sstressfl make sure you get the correct gear ratios. They originally swapped mine for one that had different gear ratios. Apparently they all fit just fine.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Mine 2015 ats 2.0t and just started making noise. Took to dealer said $2,800 for new differential and $1,200 labor. I laughed since gm said msrp is $2,100 lol . I'm try changing fluid first which what I thought they'd do.. hope last longer Wonder if they went cheap simple and put ATF in diff too

[@sstressfl]

It's a tough situation. Typically once a rear end starts making noise it's near its end. If you have the AWD model, try using Amsoil SVG gear oil. If you have the RWD model, replace the fluid with the GM LS gear oil. I hope it helps!

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

@@sstressfl well on my race cars i know its the gears because well race car.. but i figure worth a shot its low on oil lol

[@chacebusness6451]

Do you know where the diff vents are? I going to do this this weekend and remember ya supposed to clean the vents.

[@sstressfl]

On the top of the diff, stickin up 👍

[@jazzy0073]

How i can enhance the engine power and pick up speed of my cadillac ats 2.0turbo 2015?

[@sstressfl]

I have been tempted to modify the 2.0t in my 2015 ATS, but due to the massive engine failures I've read about with this engine, the only mod I have made is replacing the stock paper air filter with a K&N air filter. I'm content with the engine performance and I don't want to kill my ride. However, I might upgrade the rear sway bar to add a little more understeer. And I am considering adding a powered subwoofer to the trunk :D If you are still interested in making some mods, a good source of info can be found at cadillacforums.com. Drive safe my friend!

[@redbeardsgarageandvlogs4058]

do you think that gear oil will work with a non awd because my ats is a rwd. when i asked the dealer for the gear oil they wanted to know if mine was a limited slip or normal and i said im not sure im new to the car. i bought the trans fluid through dealer as well as filter and im gonna do the rear diff fluid at the same time because whoever owned this car before me let it go. slowly getting her back to healthy

[@sstressfl]

So when I did mine the first time I used LS oil (limited slip). The dealer said it was fine. But the awd rear diff is an open rear diff. When I realized that I used amsoil SVG. Amsoil said SVG is not spec’d for a limited slip on the ATS but perfect for the open diff. Just make sure you buy a quality LS fluid and you’ll be fine 👍

[@redbeardsgarageandvlogs4058]

@@sstressfl ok cool. i watched your transmission fluid video. btw im a mechanic myself in training and learning myself and i enjoy all you videos. anyways when i drained out my fluid it was black but thank god it was not burnt smelling and no big chunks of metal. given the abuse this car took and lack of maint it did not suprise me though.

[@sstressfl]

@@redbeardsgarageandvlogs4058 poor car! I’m glad someone who loves her is taking care of it now 👍😎

[@michaelshn]

There is a new modification for the torequ converter

[@sstressfl]

No kidding!? Programmatic or physical?

[@daltonhashbarger7228]

Did that howling go away right away once’s you changed it or did it take a couple hundred miles to stop

[@sstressfl]

Sadly no... I have a playlist for the ATS you can check out. I went thru a lot of rear diff issues. kzbin.info/aero/PLB7a9_qObrLjioJnsz5RBVQ-nJ1EQmGG_

[@tonyabrego1]

If there is a little oil around the rear end differential but not leaking what do suggest for 2016 Cadillac ATS RWD?

[@sstressfl]

If it’s wet, even just a little bit, and you can wipe it with your finger and it smells like gear lube… it’s leaking. You could try to clean it off to see if it gets wet again. Or inspect the leak area closely and determine if the leak is coming from the sides (axle seals) or front (pinion seal) or possibly from the drain bolt? Basically the rear diff should be bone dry. If you have a lot of miles on that rear diff, it’s possible the valve is covered in dirt causing the leak (high pressure). You could try to clean off the valve. But I have often heard that once the rear diff leaks, it leaks. You can live with it and simply make sure the level is not getting too low.

[@tonyabrego1]

@@sstressfl Got it a few weeks ago. The Cadillac Dealership ran their multi point inspection and said; rec replacing right rear axle seal. They determined that fluids for brake, engine coolant, transmission, need immediate attention. I bought the 3 year warranty. I’ve learned to love the car. At 67 years of age I drive like a grandpa but I feel half my age.

[@sstressfl]

@@tonyabrego1 Then you've been in a number of different cars and you know! Teh ATS is truly a special car. The balance. The ride. Everything about it. I wish I could get the rear diff squared away on mine. It simply won't stop vibrating and breaking. BUT..... when its running well, I truly enjoy it. Have fun with that thing :D

[@kingjae7953]

I have a 2013 ats 2.0 and when the trans heat up as i slow down. It starts to break down in a heavy gear shift mode. What is that? Help plz

[@sstressfl]

Hmmm I'm not sure. How many miles on the car and when was the last time you changed the trans fluid & filter?

[@chacebusness6451]

So whats the rear gear? I see you have a video for the rear diff and front diff. But this also looks to be the rear diff.

[@sstressfl]

I had multiple rear diff failures 😢

[@PapawsDadillacOEMplus]

Surprised you didn't clean the vent screen while you were there

[@sstressfl]

I cleaned it many months ago when I changed the trans fluid. And this time I checked it and it was clean! I guess I need to go back in and clean it more thoroughly... well, I'll let the dealer know since it's going in first thing next week.

[@jims8887]

Thank you for the tip I didn't know about a vent screen. So when I recently did a rear brake job I wiped it cleaned with a rag. It had some greasy dust packed around it. It was a swivel vent cap on a hollow stem type of vent.

[@noahnarine1323]

Overall would you say these cars are hard to work on?

[@sstressfl]

I don’t think they are harder than any other.

[@DennnnnnnY]

did u have to add limited slip additive? guessing not

[@sstressfl]

You got that right lol LS... I knew what I needed but got it completely wrong. Ended up later buying Amsoil SVG.

[@DennnnnnnY]

@@sstressfl doesnt the mobil one 75w90 you used have it already in it? should i also buy some additive ? in doing my front and rear diffs..

[@sstressfl]

@@DennnnnnnY yes it’s good for limited slip. The rear end on the awd is an open rear end. No need for LS fluid 👍

[@sinusshephard5314]

Have you ever checked your wheel bearings?take the wheels and rotors off and check the wheel bearings.

[@sstressfl]

Good thought! Not a wheel bearing noise though. It was very differential failure 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqS9dZ6ZidmWjNE

[@avgavg001]

Could you please let me know what the mileage on that car was when the problem appeared? Have you used the car for towing? Many thanks.

[@sstressfl]

Around 40k miles, immediately after picking it up from the dealer. Never towed anything. I didn't even know you could :)

[@avgavg001]

@@sstressfl Thank you Michael. It’s way too early. Perhaps a manufacturing defect or a severe abuse by a previous owner. A singing rear diff on a modern car is very odd. Most manufacturers these days do not even service them, there are no drain plugs and they still go for 150k+ miles or 12 years before any leakage issues

[@sstressfl]

@@avgavg001 Yes I know and yet its a common problem with this specific vehicle. Its a very expensive poorly made center section. On a Cadillac forum one guy told me, "we went through 4 new ones before they found a good one". I get emails, messages and comments of fellow ATS owners bemoaning the same fate.

[@avgavg001]

@@sstressfl Once again,many thanks. Do you happen to know whether the problem is apparent for all model years or to the early ones only? In the US, do you have any companies that specialize on rebuilding these units property?

[@sstressfl]

@@avgavg001 No rebuilders that I am aware of... parts are impossible to find. You can't even find a parts breakout anywhere. The service manual says, if the rear differential is making noise, replace it... test to see if it's still making noise. If no noise, success!" There is no service instructions of any kind. Even the dealer has instruction to replace, not repair. Isnt that insane? I have looked into customizing and mounting a Ford 8.8" center section. They are common and cheap comparatively, and you can rebuild and repair as needed. Also, you can pick your gear ratio :) Custom mounts would need to be fabricated. Exacting positioning. Custom axles. etc. I decided it wasn't worth it. I'm nursing this along until I am ready to trade it in. Which is a real shame because its a truly wonderful drivers car.

[@antony2397]

is this the rear differential fluid video?

[@sstressfl]

Yes! As good as it gets anyway 👍

[@antony2397]

Hi michael, i looked at the maintenance schedule for my ATS and was wondering for this video : is this the transfer case fluid or the rear axle fluid? would you make a video for the other fluid that you did not cover in this video? Thanks again.

[@anthonyg1968]

Did you end up replacing rear???

[@sstressfl]

The dealer did! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqS9dZ6ZidmWjNE

[@anthonycarranza8342]

Is that the transfer case?

[@sstressfl]

Rear diff!

[@adamhayden5152]

Notice my diff is leaking today. Seals were just replaced less then 10k ago. Called shop that did it to see if they are gonna take care of me but I doubt it….

[@sstressfl]

Mine is stil leaking too.... very frustrating.

[@adamhayden5152]

@@sstressfl they have 12 month warranty on most parts and 3 year 36k mile warranty. If they decide they don’t want to fix my car then I guess I get to sue them in small claims court.

[@adamhayden5152]

@@sstressfl that’s some bullshit with your car. How is this not getting taken care of better by gm? Do we have to have class action lawsuit?!

[@sstressfl]

@@adamhayden5152 I hate it when they say "we cant recreate the problem" or "thats normal operation".

[@sstressfl]

@@adamhayden5152 I wont sue. I just move on. I'll probably replace the rear diff with a newer Camaro M6 posi rear diff and diff axles.

[@arthurtennessen9680]

wait. No jackstands?

[@sstressfl]

Nope... just 4 12,000 pound GVW rhino ramps. And I left my hydraulic jack in place up front.

[@richpressure8783]

Brother I hate my Cadillac now I’m having the same problem. 80000 miles differential is about gone I’m try what you did

[@sstressfl]

Generally speaking once the diff starts making noise it’s done. The svg bought me a little more time. But ….. uhhhg.

[@paulcondie2520]

Mine has limited slip and believe there is some type of clutches? That would make some sense. Edit; I should watch whole video before commenting! Lol. I thought yours might be limited slip as well! I bought my ats used at a Cadillac dealer used certified. Coolant was low, real low! I added to overflow a couple times and kept sucking it in so got worried and took it to dealer, under warranty. Said there was no issue just was never topped off from manufacturing! Wtf...... Was so worried that might of been head gasket etc..... I bought it with 30,000 miles. All is good though thank god

[@sstressfl]

I'm glad your car is all good :) I got my eye on my radiator fluid. They fixed my radiator fan and topped it off and I keep smelling the fluid when I shut down. But hoping its purging some extra or its some they just spilled. Again, I'm keeping my eye on it :) I appreciate you sharing your experience my friend!

[@tepusco12]

The diff on my 2014 ATS 3.6 AWD went at 75k....

[@sstressfl]

Uhhhg... seems to be a weak link.

[@davidjames666]

maybe your rear wheel bearings / hubs are worn

[@sstressfl]

There are very distinct sounds when a rear diff is dying. This was definitely the rear diff. It was replaced 2x after this video was made.

[@richpressure8783]

I’ll never buy another

[@sstressfl]

Same here my friend. Darn shame isn’t it? Incredible car. Poor service. Poor quality components. It wore me out.

[@milojanis4901]

model years the procedure applies to should be in EVERY video heading by every person posting up!!! A lot of time wasted watching, and waiting for, the year of the vehicles to be shown, or mentioned.....😠

[@sstressfl]

It says it in the first line of the descritpion.

[@773superprguy]

No offense get rid of American cars they are built terribly. Id rather buy Korean or Japanese.

[@sstressfl]

I grew up on Michigan and I tend to be an American car buyer... so many families/jobs are tied to the auto industry in the us. I have owned Mazda and Toyota (Pontiac Vibe) and enjoyed them very much. However the best car I have ever owned was a 2007 Ford Edge. 130,000 miles without any mechanical failures. American cars can be excellent. And if you read the forums, Korean and Japanese cars have major failures also. The Cadillac ATS is any amazing 4 door sports car. It’s a drivers car. A unique and incredible attempt to build something Cadillac has never built before. They did an amazing job and I hope they do more like this. And besides, it’s a Cadillac 😎