How To Change The Differential Fluid In Your Car - Honda S2000

[@VisioRacer]

Always wondered how do they change the diff oil and now I've got my answer without asking. Thanks Jason, always great to see your educative videos!

[@Makedeth]

Yo visioracer, you got awesome videos too!

[@Vamp898]

Quite some people wonder about the following thing: My manual doesn’t tell me to change the diff fluid and/or I cant find my diff at all. Well the reason is quite simple: Your drive-train and your engine are on the same side. Its like that. If you have an FWD and your engine is sitting in the front, then also your diff sits in the front and because that allows an very simple an robust build, the diff sits inside the transmission. So if you change your transmission fluid, you also change your diff fluid. Engine, Transmission and Diff are one big unit when the drive-train and the engine are on the same side. Only when Engine and drivetrain are separated (like RWD but engine in the front) the diff sits obviously where the drive-train is, and as this is separated from the engine, its stand-alone, have its own fluid and so on. Same with AWD. For example the S660 is RWD, but as the Engine also sits in the back, the Diff is again inside the Transmission which is directly mounted to the engine.

[@TestPilot97]

I love how you actually make sure the drain plug is torqued to spec. I never see that (in fact i didn't know there was a tool for that until this video!). Most people just feel by hand

[@MrSupernova111]

There are a lot of slackers out there. I have multiple torque wrenches for different spec ranges from smallest to largest.

[@lordadamfirst]

I can't find a single 23mm socket that is short enough to allow a torque wrench to fit on the end in the gap under the car 😂. Ah well

[@kcwalkman]

As always your channel provides so much amazing help to to right when I am tackling a project. Thank you so much Jason. I appreciate it.

[@denlin68]

I love your S2000 videos because I just bought a S2000 the same time you did and mine had $50 dollars tires too!! All your videos are super helpful for me! Keep it up!

[@TheV8Pumpkin]

you went from getting your hands dirty from board markers to actual car stuff 😁👏

[@vincentgrueter7759]

Love these videos. Hands on and really well explained. Keep up the great work!!!

[@Twinyduc]

Thanks for all your good videos ! Just to add a little more information about oil grades, SAE norms have slighly changed since 99' : the old SAE 90 (wide viscosity range) was split into 2 categories with smaller viscosity range : SAE 90 and SAE 110. Honda recommands SAE 90 for the diff oil so new SAE 90 AND SAE 110 fits perfectly for the S2k.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

I use the Mobil 1 75w-90 with a drill pump for this.. works great....10 min start to finish....👍 nice job!

[@Calyx]

The finger snap at the start was just perfect lol

[@frankmagana1408]

Make a video on how to change blinker fluid

[@bazzie85]

Frank Magana hasn't Alex already done that?

[@mrcutestuff]

That was Chrisfix !

[@YansenHaryanto4547]

what the hell is blinker fluid? never heard

[@mrcutestuff]

LOL!

[@SE45CX]

+Yansen Haryanto Blinker fluid is something that you need to change on the 1st of April ...

[@johnsmith-eq1zc]

Recently changed the diff fluid in a Toyota. Uses auto transmission fluid. Instead of using a pump which I don't have, attached a small funnel to clear plastic tubing and fed the tubing down from the engine bay and easily just filled from above until start seeing it leak out of the fill hole. Quite easy.

[@Oliver0200]

john smith smart

[@bajicdusko]

Good to mention that bottom plug is magnetic and attracts all chips from transmission damages. It's the easy way to tell if gears or bearings took some damage or not.

[@tudorart]

Jason, the 90 is not the grade at the operating temp as that 90 is measured at 100 C and your diff sits at around 65ish C. Your best match to the sae 90 but in a multigrade for 65 C is 75W110. I'm also an engineer (for Daimler) but drive an S2K. Good luck!

[@GadgetGuru-r4w]

Oh man, after changing my engine’s oil, this looks like a breeze. Thanks again!

[@kingofank]

maybe I'm just a massive tool nerd, but the thing I took away from this was the pump top for oil. I've gotta change my manual transmission oil, and that sounds a lot easier than using a transmission funnel.

[@StevePatak]

Removing the filler plug first also ensures the plug isn't seized and that you will in fact be able to refill the diff once drained. nothing sucks more than draining out the old fluid then not being able to refill.

[@dogsbyfire]

Informative, concise, clear. Thank you!

[@nikoyochum6974]

0:20 I see that Ada county plate, when did you move to Boise and why? and where in Boise are you? edit: also, if you haven't already, you need to go up and down highway 55, it is a brilliant road, would recommend doing it during the week when there is little traffic

[@mckav2358]

This was very helpful. I notice that when you raised youre car it was completely level, front -rear. How important is this when changing engine gearbox & diff oil? Do you have a clip on changing manual gearbox oil ? Thanks

[@ji.a.1400]

hey man I live your videos and I'll never stop watching them. bul like be more descriptive. because some people don't even know where a differential is located so just include that in videos and be more detailed. don't be afraid to post a linger video

[@EngineeringExplained]

Here are 10 more videos on differentials for those curious: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqeTm4x6jNVjkKM

[@ji.a.1400]

Engineering Explained no no man I'm not saying that I don't know how to do it. I'm saying that some people just want to see more detailed versions of your videos. you are really good at what you do and how you explain it. so if you go into more detail. then you will be really successful man

[@mostaffakamel800]

بدء الدردشة 03:59 م ?can we use water/methanol injection for diesel or gasoline engines

[@victoroliveira3256]

Always helpful and done right thanks again

[@wholeNwon]

I looked at this topic a couple of years ago for my own car. I required GL5 w90, which was hard to find. I called the car's manufacturer and the reply was that there is no authorized substitute for my model. I checked the web site of one of the leading lubricant manufacturers and that said that their multi-viscosity products were not recommended when straight 90 weight was specified. I think I checked the S2000 owners' club, too, though I don't have a sports car. I ordered the right oil from MIller's which has a U.S. distributor. It was reasonably priced. Also the magnetic drain plug should be wiped clean, if necessary. I was surprised that my car's differential oil looked almost like new even after 150K.

[@EngineeringExplained]

My transmission oil actually looked pretty great. The diff oil not so much.

[@mrcutestuff]

Quick and Simple! :D Love it! :D

[@TheReacTT]

Jason maintains the stereotype of his channel by wearing gloves not to get his hands dirty XD

[@jimmesc]

the drain plug is likely magnetic so clean any metal off of it and while you're under there check the breather as well

[@integrafreak1]

I always remove the top bolts first in case they are seized up for some reason LOL

[@sergioolivares-rueda5272]

Fantastic! doing this myself next week!!!

[@blurglide]

The other reason to remove fill plugs first is in case they're stuck. If you've already drained the fluid out, you'll have to flatbed it to a pro instead of just driving it. Also, some diffs ONLY have a fill hole. In that case, you can either remove the cover and let it drip out or, my preference, get a syringe pump and suck out the old oil. If you can't get it all, just do slightly more frequent change intervals.

[@harryhenderson792]

just got my oil changed, new air filters , and wipers, all free at ford, its great

[@harryhenderson792]

Willy Lamb well its the extended warranty , which I did pay for, , but the convenience is great , I'm lazy

[@shreeshaipod]

I was changing the fluid in the transmission on my tiburon in much the same way, and didn't have the oil pump used in the video... Needless to say using a funnel and a small tube going into the fill port took a lot longer than I anticipated...

[@DevinGiles]

Hey Jason, I have a turbo time attack S2000 that we have been building and rebuilding. I want you to come out and give it a review

[@dhanushachary7052]

hey Jason could you explain about hydrolic coupling or a torque converter........✌

[@EpicTurtle113]

Learning at 2am, love it

[@unknown1859]

Vasko Gaming Australia??

[@EpicTurtle113]

nope lol

[@javeronh.3996]

that pump would come in handy for a lot of stuff on my truck. is it easy to clean out? so I don't cross contaminate some fluids. great videos and I hope you had a great Christmas (or Holiday) and a Happy New Year

[@thekiller500099]

i acually have ap1 s2000 also but year 2000. how much oil do you think it used? the full bottle? and do you think i can buy the pump thing in autozone or walmart? ordering online in the holiday season is not a good idea.

[@zed4me]

Is there a general way of finding out if a car is level? When lifted, I use a spirit level on the body of the car but I'm never sure if the body is parallel to the ground 100%

[@stephonovich88]

Noticed you didn't show torquing the fill bolt. Almost no clearance to get to it. I think a crows foot would work, but I've just used a box wrench and estimated for that one.

[@RobertWelchman]

so the number on the right is the viscosity when warmed up... a differential won't operate at as hot as an engine, so are you sure you're getting warm enough to operate in the 90 range? what is the temperature where that oil will have viscosity at 90? Also the differential will take longer to warm up.

[@marcoscamacho8913]

awesome video!

[@dragger168]

do you have to warm up the differential and transmission fluid when doing a drain for them?

[@ayowser01]

How often does the factory service manual suggest to change the fluid?

[@jack59184]

just nice and clear steps. good

[@bt6847]

Hey where di you buy those two new washers? Thanks.

[@Ba88age]

I just picked up a 08 s2k how did you torque the fill bolt I can't get my torque wrench with socket on the bolt due to a metal cross member that runs right behind the dam thing?

[@guilhermecardoso1297]

hey Jason, how do I know the recommended torque tighten of the plug? I have a 2010 Honda Civic

[@guilhermecardoso1297]

Curiosity?

[@peejayem4700]

Guilherme Cardoso unlike the rwd s2000 I think you'll find the diff in your front wheel drive car is in the transmission case. Torque values are usually found in the owners and/or workshop manual.

[@peejayem4700]

The owners manual for my Honda (s2000) has lots of torque values, including the diff.

[@AgiDaKinG]

I noticed the title said how to change the fluid in your 'car' but what if you daily drive a motor home? is it the same process?

[@jakobganske]

Motorhomes are usually based on vans, like the ford e350. I guess it's generally the same but especially with offroad models the diff can be much bigger so more oil is needed

[@crispcan]

Is that a crack in the frame? 2:18

[@Homme_Pur]

don't forget to turn the wheels, and check level after the oil need to circulate through the diff' if you don't do it you may broke it. I have already did this error on traineeship, the bearings broke 10km after and it was not a very pleasant time

[@AndrewFRC135]

Ahh, I see its rocking the heavy stock exhaust. Do you have plans to go to true dual exhaust (H or X pipe) or a larger 3" single exit down the road? I know you discussed this as one of your five most important mods. And if so, would you consider a system with, shall we say, a somewhat heartier exhaust note? :)

[@YansenHaryanto4547]

is it true that 75w-90 better protection when cold, faster to heats up? *on this car*

[@luisk6007]

Yeah that exhaust is gonna have to be upgraded, right? Anyway great video! Will save us a lot of money.

[@luisk6007]

Just finished watching the mod plans video, were you thinking about going with an Amuse R1 Titanium exhaust?? It's extremely light and sounds amazing.

[@robgerety]

Is there enough room to get a click type torque wrench and 23mm socket on the oil filler plug?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Not without removing components, or a super short 23 mm socket.

[@billasohyeah]

would it be beneficial to have a magnetic plug? on the differential, gearbox and engine oil sump?!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Sure! The diff has one.

[@babykilla1231]

Hey! I just got my EE shirt in the mail too!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Awesome!! Post a photo on Instagram! :) #eeshirt

[@janronelrecano1208]

question yall! Will a socket+ratchet fit on that 23mm fill bolt? Or theres not enough space and I must use an actual wrench? I have yet to put my s2000 on all 4s. However, the GP diffuser is in the way and I have to work on removing it first lol. Its blocking the rear jack point (at the diff) :O

[@n7565j]

My F350 took 75-140 Syn. 4 stinking quarts of the stuff!!! Took a $100 dollar bill just to change the diff oil!!!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Big diff!

[@TheArchetypeGamer]

Engineering Explained try changing a differential on a semi that about 10 to 15 pints

[@suryamp12]

BTW, the SAE conventions changed. You probably want 75W-110 now. Amsoil makes a great diff oil in that spec.

[@suryamp12]

Willy Lamb neither. They should do their own research on the matter. Bob is the oil guy has good reading material.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I've heard a lot of people say that, but never seen something from SAE discussing the change. Is there a link you could share?

[@andersw1152]

When the S2000 came out there was no SAE110 and the recommended SAE90 had a very large viscosity span. Old SAE90: 13,5 - 24 cSt @ 100°C New SAE90: 13,5 - 18,5 cSt @ 100°C Or you can google sae j306 1998 and see for yourself. I like to see how you torqued that fill bolt btw, I'm using a crow foot on mine to get it to fit. I'm guessing you didn't use your torque wrench though since it was left out in the video? ;)

[@yazn2322]

When and why do I have to change it ? Many people complained about getting wining noise after changing the fluid

[@Greekphysique22]

Engineering explained are you from boise? I recognized that county ID. Im from north Idaho by the way that's why I'm asking

[@charleshu5752]

what torch wrench did you use

[@jdhsingi]

Why is it necessary to change the washer each fluid change? Thank you for sharing.

[@EngineeringExplained]

The washer itself acts like a seal, and crushes under the specified torque. When it crushes it makes a nice seal. When you reuse it, it's not guaranteed to do this. A lot of people get away with it, but the parts are like 60 cents so I don't see much reason not to.

[@jdhsingi]

Thank you very much.

[@captnebulace]

fantastic thank you for this!

[@thomasduhig924]

Did you need air tools to take your fill plug off? My f-350 needed a 1/2 impact to get it off

[@EngineeringExplained]

You can always lengthen your breaker bar with a metal pipe. Mine was quite difficult to take off, yes, but likely because who ever tightened last way over-torqued it.

[@bhimapossinla6073]

My friend told me to use 75w-140 with BRZ differential (Subaru recommend 75w-90) Is 140 good or bad ?

[@AmateurSuperFan]

That pump is so smart!

[@middletonrippberger]

diff nerd question. The s2000 uses a torsen diff. Do you know if it uses the type-1 cross axis gear set, Or the type-2 parallel axis helical gear set?

[@bazzie85]

Stephen Middleton Type II

[@bazzie85]

Stephen Middleton also, type I is the cross axis helical gear

[@mujjuman]

hey bro, i have a request for a video. can you please explain how and why does a turbocharged engine give better fuel economy and more power vs a regular NA engine that it replaces? for example, a VW 1.8T in the Jetta (newer engine/model) it makes 170hp and 184ftlb while giving an EPA rating of 25/36 mpg (these are VW figures, it was dyno'd and people found out that it is likely to be underrated) while the most updated version of the 2.5 5cyl that the 1.8T replaced made 170hp and 177ftlb while giving 24/31mpg (i used to get 23-26mpg daily driving). I had a loaner Jetta 1.8T for 3 weeks and I was hitting 32+mpg all day while feeling much faster than the 2.5 lol... I was very impressed. There are other examples of this like for example in BMWs moving to 4cyl turbos instead of their NA 3.0 I-6 for their entry level engines. And not to mention VW's 1.4T that replaced the economy 2.0 NA that VW used for almost a decade (it seems to be replacing the TDI as well but thats a different story lol). I dont have an explanation as to how or why these cars give better fuel economy because I always thought that turbo = more air = more fuel = more power... and more fuel = worse fuel economy but these smaller turbo engines have been giving better fuel economy while making the same or oftentimes more power since forever, it seems. sorry for the long and annoying comment, i've been meaning to ask you this but i couldnt figure out the best way to send you a request. so i figured i'll ask this on your most recent upload because i figured you'd be more likely to reading the comments. thanks for your time. i hope you can understand my question that i'm asking, i can clarify further if you need me too.

[@mujjuman]

If you already made this video, then I apologize and I will look for it. I must have missed it.

[@bobhope4288]

The lower displacement is for fuel efficiency. (1.8 vs 2.5) The turbo is for power. Boost just varies how much air you can jam into the cylinders, effectively changing how much volume your engine can displace, it might help to think of turbos as "variable displacement engines" because they can change the volume of air/fuel they're combusting. So when cruising at no boost, you're driving a lower displacement engine, getting better fuel economy. When at full boost, a larger volume of air and fuel is being pumped into the cylinders, effectively giving the engine the displacement of a larger engine. The catch is that off boost, it feels like a lower displacement engine and on boost it burns through fuel like a larger displacement engine.

[@mujjuman]

Thanks for the great explanation Bob!

[@RR-cg2rq]

I assume the next video is going to be about the exhaust? hahaha

[@brennanfurca7009]

Did you know the spec for SAE 90 changed since the owners manual was written for the s2000. Correct current fluid spec is 110. Look it up.

[@rairsantos]

What's the sizes of the 2 washers?

[@Unb3arablePain]

Oh and if you have to take the back case off, don't use a gasket but instead RTV to put it back on. I used a gasket and now have a small leak. They just suck

[@konnorvonemster]

How do you find what the manufacturer spec fluid is? Should it be in the owner's manual or somewhere else?

[@DefWun]

Konnor von Emster Start with an Owner's Manual (if you have it).If you don't have it,a repair/service manual,call to a local dealer service department or Google are other options.

[@konnorvonemster]

Thank you!

[@drink15]

What if my owners manuel doesn't list changing Differential Fluid like my Subaru does? I assume just to leave it unless I have problems.

[@uzbekistanplaystaion4BIOScrek]

Have you tried looking for the service manual of your car online? If that fails, you could always ask a local subaru workshop for a copy of the service manual or even call subaru and ask if they'd send you one. You should definitely change your diff oil, as it'll make your diff last longer and replacing one isn't cheap.

[@drink15]

s i d e w a y s l i f e s t y l e Thanks for the reply. Is this something you would trust a quick lube shop to do or is this a dealership job?

[@pavlo5.055]

Is it okay to use 75w90 if my car recommends 75w85?

[@yupikajej7691]

How often should the diff oil be changed? (if car is just for daily drive, more or less)

[@bazzie85]

yupi kajej for Honda s2000? every 30,000miles (about 45,000km)

[@Binford2500]

It's always a good idea to take the fill plug off first, because if you drop the drain plug out, then find out that the fill plug is stuck, you're SOL.

[@visualkeirockstar]

do all cars have that? ive never heard of it.

[@marccharbonneau1114]

Front wheel drive car usually have a transaxle instead of a differential and a transmission. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transaxle

[@mikeong9756]

Is the torque specification for a wet or dry bolt?

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Mike Ong lightly moistened.

[@hasanal-ghanimi4783]

mate ur videos awesome ,hope u if u have a links help me to start to be a automotive mechanic Im from iraq and we do not have schools for that even if u have a written steps can help me to start that which I can keep searching about it I m materials engineer

[@qwertyu3864]

Did I see that same car in Salt Lake City Thursday?

[@pouncypoy]

I can't wait for Jason to race his Honda S2000.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I'm hoping to do that this summer, but I'm super far away from the nearest tracks, so I haven't quite figured it out yet.

[@pouncypoy]

Engineering Explained Ahhh i see, best of lucks. Im looking forward to when you'll have it all figured out. :D

[@VoraciousPhantasma]

So the W in 75W stands for winter and NOT weight right?

[@erko4]

Yes

[@motomanb2]

How would the old oil get dirty? I understand it breaking down but its sealed

[@DefWun]

lem bordeaux Metal-Metal contact wear.Magnetic drain plugs will confirm this.

[@harsathsamuel7324]

could you present a video how koenigsegg direct drive works plzz

[@EngineeringExplained]

Search my channel, already did. :)

[@BhavinTolia]

how comparatively good is Liqui Moly considered to be...?

[@cobra454tim]

good choice I run that Mobil in my subie too.

[@crasbee]

How long did you have the smell of gear oil in your garage and/or your hands? :D

[@EngineeringExplained]

I did it after an oil change, and the diff oil sank to the bottom of the drain pan. Didn't really smell much; I was pleasantly surprised. Used to work with forklifts, and the gear oil odor would fill several bays of our shop.

[@benson4u215]

Engineering Explained hydraulic jack fluid and brake fluid are horrible smelling if you get any on you too

[@gitaarmovies2003]

you forgot to change the blinker fluid

[@SirDankNewton]

Pro tip: Always loosen the fill plug before the drain plug just in case the bolt is seized.

[@ForTehNguyen]

another reason to open the fill port first is for whatever reason the fill port is stuck, you wont get screwed over by opening the drain port first, unable to fill the fluid, and have a disabled car

[@MrAhgohgoh]

Does the differential fluid smell good?

[@ibragimov2]

What would happen if I put 75w-140 instead of 75w-90 on a 75w-90? It so happen that the shop no longer have the 75w-90 so they put 75w-140

[@EngineeringExplained]

It’s less efficient, but hopefully still protects. Mine recommends straight 90, and I’m using 75W-140, but it’s a rebuilt diff and the builder recommends 75-140.

[@MetallF]

not an expert but why is the old oil dirty ? it doesn't go through the engine to get burned and the seals should keep the contaminants out.. the only place i can think of is excessive wear from the teeth themselves... I changed the diff oil on my old vitara and it wasn't dirty at all, and last time i changed it was about ~5-6 years ago.

[@Oliver0200]

MetallF it still lubricates moving parts

[@mibars]

That oil filler plug in my S2000 seized to hell... Ratchets won't fit there some old small adjustable wrench, and a hammer saved my day... Took like an hor or two to remove that seized plug! You've missed one step (that you did on video) - Cleaning the magnet on drain plug. It accumulates metal particles from differential wear. You don't want to have it in your diff :) I went one step further and I flushed the diff with little bit of fresh oil to get all that nasty black stuff out

[@ivann97x]

Is this only for rwd cars?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Any differential that's housed individually.

[@ivann97x]

Ok so if it's integrated on the gearbox like fwd cars both share the same oil? Please correct me if I'm wrong, thanks!

[@alexandrefelipemuller]

I understand the right number should be no lower than 90.. but if it is higher??

[@EngineeringExplained]

Depending on the situation, higher viscosity ratings can be appropriate. For example, if you're tracking the car and notice the diff temperatures are getting very warm (you'd have to have a way to monitor the temp), you could use a higher rating which would have a similar viscosity at super high temps when compared to a 90 at lower temps.

[@KeepOnJeepinOn]

Alexandre Muller the higher numbers are for towing. My Jeep uses 90 for normal use and 140 if it's used for towing/off roading

[@ZoidsXtwonine]

I hate to be that guy, I really do, but it sounds like you said at video mark 2:45, "On my ass 2000."

[@MrApolui]

Instead of getting a LSD you could just fill very thick oil in the diff, could you?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Nope.

[@MrApolui]

Engineering Explained in rc Cars that's possible.