Synthetic VTM fluid

[spankomatic]

After reading all these VTM-4 fluid remarks I cant seem to find anyone talking about using an aftermarket Synthetic differential/gear fluid in place of the Honda VTM-4 fluid. Im a big fan of using proven technology in lieu of dealer bs about using their products. Harley is famous for this and mine is full of mobile 1 products...

What gives?

SpanKy

[thomasj2]

It gets changed every 30kmis, only takes 3 quarts and the dealer has it for under $25/gallon. Can you use something else, probably. But what are you saving? A few dollars every 30k mis. I stick with Honda's ATF, rear diff fluid, antifreeze and filters. Everything else is after market.

[iivtecracerii]

VTM fluid is almost like ATF (its even red). IIRC differential fluid is like gear oil. its not gonna work. Honda VTM and ATF fluids are not just "dealer BS". use them or risk breaking the component. i think the coolant is special too.

keep in mind the VTM unit is not like a traditional mechanical 4x4 rear diff. its a computer controlled electromagnetic wet clutch system.

[spankomatic]

Well I would think that an aftermarket synthetic would give you alot more than 30k miles and overall better protection. But I dont know enough about the actual VTM system.

looking at this other post, I may be way out to lunch

spanKy

[spankomatic]

Originally posted by iivtecracerii
VTM fluid is almost like ATF (its even red). IIRC differential fluid is like gear oil. its not gonna work. Honda VTM and ATF fluids are not just "dealer BS". use them or risk breaking the component. i think the coolant is special too.

keep in mind the VTM unit is not like a traditional mechanical 4x4 rear diff. its a computer controlled electromagnetic wet clutch system.

Thanks. i havent spend any time reading about the actual VTM system. Sounds like Im abit out to lunch with this one.

I bought this Honda for my wife so I wouldnt have to worry about it and Id have more time fiddling with my Road King. Looks like Ill have to suck it up and buy some dealer fluids.

thanks again,

spanKy

[Rapid Rob]

I too only use O.E. fluids in my Pilot.

Just one more vote.

[ncelk]

I think that something as Honda specific at the VTM-4 transfer case, I would be hesitant to use anything other than Honda fluids.

If there were a problem, Honda would send the fluid off to be tested, find that it was not Honda fluid, and then you have a warranty denial situation on your hands.

Oil is a another matter, but transmission and VTM-4 fluid, I would stick to OEM just to cover yourself.

Of course, if you are out of warranty, that is your call, but I still would not risk it, IMHO.

[whizmo]

I'm in the middle on this one: I don't want to takes risks, but I also think it is going overboard to insist on honda-branded fluids universally.

I'm using Honda VTM4 fluid and will probably use Honda ATF when the time comes, just to be on the safe side for these applcations which seem somewhat unique to Hondas and where any problem could become quite expensive. But I don't see much that is unique to the Pilot with respect to engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid, etc. so I'll use what meets spec and is on sale.

And if someone knowledgable comes forward with a good substitute for the VTM4 and ATF fluids that meets Honda specs, I wouldn't hesitiate to use something else. But it's got to be something which I have high confidence is the functional equivalent. So far, I haven't seen anything like this for the VTM4 fluid.

- Mark

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by whizmo
I'm in the middle on this one: I don't want to takes risks, but I also think it is going overboard to insist on honda-branded fluids universally.

I'm using Honda VTM4 fluid and will probably use Honda ATF when the time comes, just to be on the safe side for these applcations which seem somewhat unique to Hondas and where any problem could become quite expensive. But I don't see much that is unique to the Pilot with respect to engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid, etc. so I'll use what meets spec and is on sale.

And if someone knowledgable comes forward with a good substitute for the VTM4 and ATF fluids that meets Honda specs, I wouldn't hesitiate to use something else. But it's got to be something which I have high confidence is the functional equivalent. So far, I haven't seen anything like this for the VTM4 fluid.

- Mark

ATF Power Steering and VTM-4 (as wel as CVT and DUal-Pump for the CR-V) are specific formulas of hydraulic fluid.

The fluid is engineering for the application. The WRONG fluid just does not do the job, no matter how GOOD it is.

Brake fluid is mot generic, but there are still different formulations.
Any one works fine, but I am not sure I like the idea of mixing them.

Coolant is also fairly generic if you change it every year or two, as long as it is compatible with an aluminum engine.

However is you want to hope for 5 or 10 year life, I would again, not mix them.

And certainly there is a lot of history of bad coolant mixes causing big problems (old Prestone Type.)

Oil and Windshield fluid are generic within specifications.

[mattchalmers]

So if going with OEM fluid is the right thing to do, where can they be found for cheaper than retail? Is there an on line outfit that sells them?

[MinMet]

Originally posted by mattchalmers
So if going with OEM fluid is the right thing to do, where can they be found for cheaper than retail? Is there an on line outfit that sells them?

www.bernardiparts.com sells for $19/gl. Need to pay shipping though. Still better than $32/gl retail