Quickest Fluid Change

[Medic721]

Yesterday I decided to change all of the fluids and filters on my 2006 w/ 5800 miles. I know, I don't want to debate 'wasting money when it isn't necessary.

I changed the oil with mobil 1 synthetic 5W20 (40% left after first change at 2880) normal and easy as usual.

Drained the transmission fluid. Honda ATF-Z1. the magnet on the drain plug had significant deposits on it, Fluid was bright but I changed it to clean the magnet.

Drained the 'Transfer Assembly' Mobil 1 75W90 Synthetic. Really didn't need it but why not, only half a quart.

Changed the Fluid in the rear. Honda VTM-4 fluid was clear and the magnet on the drain plug was clean. At least I know it is all good.

I changed the Air Filter (didn't need to) now I have a spare.

Changed the cabin air filter (I was suprised how dirty it was.) I couldn't get a purolator filter but I picked up a fram cabin filter and I like it better than the honda (More substantial than the paper filter)

All completed in less than 1.5 hours. No jack or need to lift the vehicle. I did remove the spare tire just to make it easier. I am amazed how quick and easy that was.

Just wanted to share.

-Mike.

[mattchalmers]

I will do it before anyone else this time.....

[whizmo]

I just did the engine oil and rear diff at 10K, as per what the maintenance reminder was telling me I needed to do. Yes, it is fairly easy as these things go and you don't need to jack the car up.

From what I've heard here, you really don't get a whole lot of fluid change on the transmission without draiining the torque convertor. I think the technique I hear used is to go through 3x or 4x drain/refill cycles as s subsitute for draining the TC. Of course, if you're doing this at very short mileage intervals, this could serve the same function.

- Mark

[helpless]

Originally posted by Medic721
Drained the 'Transfer Assembly' Mobil 1 75W90 Synthetic. Really didn't need it but why not, only half a quart.

Just wanted to share.

-Mike.

Where is the Transfer Assembly fluid filler?

Is it a maintenance item that requires replacement?
I don't see it in the manual.

I've done all the fluid changes myself from the engine oil, transmission oil, and the rear differential fluid, but never the Transfer Assembly.

[Medic721]

The transfer assy, drain is in the bottom (3/8" square drive) look at where the rear drive shaft comes up. the filler is the same looking plug in the on the front edge of that case. (toward the front of the vehicle.

-Mike.

[andyschneider]

Originally posted by Medic721
The transfer assy, drain is in the bottom (3/8" square drive) look at where the rear drive shaft comes up. the filler is the same looking plug in the on the front edge of that case. (toward the front of the vehicle.

-Mike.

I've never heard of anyone changing this fluid before - and in talking with a master tech at the dealership he never told me about it on my Pilot (and if the dealer had a way to make some money, I'm certain they would)...

I commend you in changing your fluids - but if you keep to this interval, the only real value is making you feel better, and not necessarily extending the life of your Pilot. But it's your time and money - c'est la vie!

andy

[Medic721]

I certainly do not plan on changing them this frequently in the future, But will most likely change them all yearly. (about every 20k miles)

I will try to take some pics of the 'transfer fill and drain' if anyone wants.

btw always make sure you can open the fill plug before you open the drain! (I had a BAD experience many years ago).

-Mike.

[andyschneider]

Originally posted by Medic721
I certainly do not plan on changing them this frequently in the future, But will most likely change them all yearly. (about every 20k miles)

I will try to take some pics of the 'transfer fill and drain' if anyone wants.

btw always make sure you can open the fill plug before you open the drain! (I had a BAD experience many years ago).

-Mike.

I'm very interested in this transfer assembly. Nowhere in any of the docs I have do I find reference to (a) its existence as a fluid to replace, or (b) the spec of the gear fluid you're referring to. I do have 4 quarts of M1 gear fluid from back in my GM SUV days, so I have stock - but I can't remember anyone in this forum ever talking about it!

thanks - andy

[Aru4mie]

Originally posted by andyschneider


I'm very interested in this transfer assembly. Nowhere in any of the docs I have do I find reference to (a) its existence as a fluid to replace, or (b) the spec of the gear fluid you're referring to. I do have 4 quarts of M1 gear fluid from back in my GM SUV days, so I have stock - but I can't remember anyone in this forum ever talking about it!

thanks - andy

Here's a link from acuramdx.org.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showt...5&pagenumber=1

It seems the early MDX models (2001-2002) uses the same tranny fluid to lubricate the transfer assembly. The newer models (2003-2006) uses a different type of fluid and has a separate drain/filler box for that purpose.

[Medic721]

The Factory Service Manual specifies API GL-5 80/90W Gear Oil for the Transfer Assy. I used the synthetic Mobil 1 that is why it was 75/90W I'll try to take pics tomorrow night working till 11:30pm tonight. Yes I'm sittinig in the ambulance borrowing internet service.

-Mike.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by andyschneider


I'm very interested in this transfer assembly. Nowhere in any of the docs I have do I find reference to (a) its existence as a fluid to replace, or (b) the spec of the gear fluid you're referring to. I do have 4 quarts of M1 gear fluid from back in my GM SUV days, so I have stock - but I can't remember anyone in this forum ever talking about it!

thanks - andy

Me neither.
Glad you brought it up Medic721.

My motorbike uses the Hypoid oil in the tranny and in the final shaft drive. So I have a new bottle of the right stuff too.
Thanks,

[andyschneider]

So in looking thru that thread from the MDX forum, it appears as though they changed the design on the MDX at some point, but unclear whether it was done in the same timeframe for the Pilot. Regardless, the owners manual says NOTHING about this as a scheduled maintenance - so the fact it's stuck in the service manual is a bit disconcerting. And the change interval is also another question - is it 30k miles or 100k miles? Something's missing here.....

[Sunday Rider]

I will have to look at the '03 service manual. Are you looking at the '06 service manual?

[Aru4mie]

For all 03' to 05' model Pilots, the transfer assembly shares the same fluid line with the transmission. The same transmission fluid lubricates it.
Whereas in the 06' model, the transfer assembly has a separate fluid line and requires a separate drain and refill fluid change.

[andyschneider]

Originally posted by Aru4mie
For all 03' to 05' model Pilots, the transfer assembly shares the same fluid line with the transmission. The same transmission fluid lubricates it.
Whereas in the 06' model, the transfer assembly has a separate fluid line and requires a separate drain and refill fluid change.

First, a question. Where do they list the change requirement for this? I can't find it in my '06 Owners Manual (unless I'm missing it someplace...).

Second, an observation. If this was a design change for '06, I wonder if the earlier design (03-05) is at all related to the infamous 70mph vibration issue that some folks get? This is in the same area as the driveshaft location - if there's a lube issue with the transfer assembly, it's entirely possible that it could be a vibration source. (I haven't heard of anyone with an '06 with that vibration issue...).

andy