your second rear diff change...

[2006Ridgeline]

I don't remember exactly when I had my past oil changes, but they were at about 9k (I know, that was waaaay to long to go, but the story to explain it is even longer!), and one other one before this one which seems to be too soon now that I think about it. Let's see. I only get the oil changed when the MM tells me to. If it was reset at about 9k then I should've been reminded again at about 16.5k, all things being 'normal.' Maybe my last oil change was actually supposed to be a "b" service and the idiots didn't notice it and just changed the oil because that's what I asked for! I can't remember if it was a "b" code the last time or not. This time the code is "A1" so I need an oil change. Doesn't seem right to need another one so soon. Does any of this make sense? Not to me! I think I need to get a base line established. Get the oil and vtm4 fluid changed now, reset the MM, and keep an eye on it.

[Dnucci]

Originally Posted by MyBrainHurts

I am finally seeing b6 on my dash at 11,700Mi. But my question is this. I do all my own maintenance on my vehicles, but have never had a 4x4 to deal with before. Is this something i want to do myself, or is it worth taking in? If so, is it a pricey service?

Many ROC members have performed this maintenance, including myself.
The trickiest part is "pumping the oil into the differential. I used a fluid transfer pump (~$5-$10 at an auto parts store), but next time I will probably use a large syringe for better control and cleanup.

Note: you will need 2 washers (different sizes) and I could only find the VTM-4 fluid at the Honda dealer.

[2006Ridgeline]

I looked online to see what my local Honda dealer charges for VTM-4 fluid change...$129.95 now on "special" for $116.95! What a ripoff. I'll be doing it myself. I have a pump but will probably get a new, clean one. How much fluid do I need? I can get it tomorrow if the parts department is open.

[NotaChevy]

Originally Posted by 2006Ridgeline

I looked online to see what my local Honda dealer charges for VTM-4 fluid change...$129.95 now on "special" for $116.95! What a ripoff. I'll be doing it myself. I have a pump but will probably get a new, clean one. How much fluid do I need? I can get it tomorrow if the parts department is open.

You need 1-gallon. Check this out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TWO-Gallons-Honda-Acura-VTM-4-Differential-Fluid_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33731QQitemZ80318 69962QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[2006Ridgeline]

Thanks, I found that ebay guy selling one gallon for five bucks plus ten for shipping. Comes out the same for the first two gallons, then he gives a break for extra two gallon quantities. If we ordered 10 gallons, it would cost a total of $130.00 which is (obviously) $13.00 per gallon -- not too shabby! Then we'd have to distribute them to the members who need them. Guess it would only work regionally where we could group together and pick up/drop off the orders to each other. Just a thought. I don't need two gallons, and don't really think I'd want to store a gallon for another 30k miles since it took me 10 months to go the first 19k, it'd take me almost a year and a half before I'd need the second gallon.

I noticed that there are several south Florida members, and quite a few southern California members. Seems like those two regions could possibly put something together. PM me if you're interested in a south Florida group purchase. Anybody interested in coordinating one for another region?

EDIT: I hope I'm not violating any forum rules by posting this here. It just kind of happened!

[kanji]

what's a good syntetic differ oil do you guys/gals proposed on using? Is everyone here sticking with Honda's OEM differ oil or going with a different brand?

[2006Ridgeline]

Didn't want to leave this thread hangin'

I got my diff oil changed at the dealership the other day for $53.35 -- not too bad! I now don't plan to buy any oil as stated above.

[csimo]

Originally Posted by kanji

what's a good syntetic differ oil do you guys/gals proposed on using? Is everyone here sticking with Honda's OEM differ oil or going with a different brand?

To the best of my knowledge there is no aftermarket replacement for Honda VTM-4 fluid. I know little about this fluid and it may be synthetic to start with.

Then of course you could call Amsoil and I'm SURE they will come up with one of their products that they will tell you replaces VTM-4. Amsoil will tell you they have a replacement for anything... even if they've never heard of it before, and unfortunately there are enough gullable people out there that use the stuff.

Stick with Honda VTM-4 fluid on this one.

-Joe

[Whaleya]

Since the rear diff isn't a "normal" diff but has clutch packs as well, I would stick with the Honda fluid.

-W

[carolinaridgeline]

A very good point. Another good reason to use Honda oil products in this situation especially if you are still under warranty. How much VTM-4 fluid is needed/required for a change?