Front differential fluid change? - Honda Pilot

Spartus · 01-02-2009, 12:20 PM

I've just completed the rear differential fluid change with VTM-4, the transfer case fluid change with Amsoil Severe Gear oil, transmission drain and refill with Honda Z-1 and engine oil change with Pennzoil Platinum.

Since this vehicle is AWD, is there a front differential fluid we need to change?

I always see threads about the rear differential fluid change but never about the front.

The vehicle in question is an '06 Pilot AWD EX.

jestmaty · 01-02-2009, 02:11 PM

A transmission fluid change is the recommended 'front differential' service item.

The transaxle houses the gears that drive the front wheels, and Honda ATF is the recommended fluid.

Do a search on transmission fluid change and you'll get all you need to do it yourself.

Spartus · 01-02-2009, 02:41 PM

So the front differential does not have a separate drain from the transmission? So the Pilot setup of the differential is similar to many front wheel drive vehicles where the differential shares the fluid with the transmission?

Basically, the drain and refill of the transmission also exchanges the differential fluid at the same time since they share the same housing?

Sylvatica · 01-02-2009, 07:12 PM

If you are referring to the "Transfer Assembly", then I can attest that the 2007 has a separate unit from the transmission, lubricated by a small quantity of 80W-90 gear lubricant, and is an easy fluid change.

jestmaty · 01-02-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spartus
So the front differential does not have a separate drain from the transmission? So the Pilot setup of the differential is similar to many front wheel drive vehicles where the differential shares the fluid with the transmission?

Basically, the drain and refill of the transmission also exchanges the differential fluid at the same time since they share the same housing?

You got it!! Correct.

I just crested 60k a couple of days ago, and have done ALL my maintanence myself. The tranny fluid change takes care of the entire front driveline.

dj5 · 01-03-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jestmaty

You got it!! Correct.

I just crested 60k a couple of days ago, and have done ALL my maintanence myself. The tranny fluid change takes care of the entire front driveline.

That is not correct for 2006 and newer Pilots. Sylvatica is correct, the front differential does have a separate drain from the transmission. I recently changed the fluid in my "06 with Vavoline synthethic 75w-90 gear lubricant.

Read more in the following link.
Quickest Fluid Change

jestmaty · 01-03-2009, 10:03 AM

Oops, I stand corrected!

I was still operating in New Year's Eve mode ( ie "hungover" ) when I responded.

Spartus · 01-03-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dj5

That is not correct for 2006 and newer Pilots. Sylvatica is correct, the front differential does have a separate drain from the transmission. I recently changed the fluid in my "06 with Vavoline synthethic 75w-90 gear lubricant.

Read more in the following link.
Quickest Fluid Change

Are you referring to the transfer case? If so, I changed the fluid in that to Amsoil Severe gear 75w-90.

My question is in reference to the front differential.

Medic721 · 01-03-2009, 09:58 PM

yup about 1/2 qt of mobil 1 gear lube. in 06 and newer piots.

-Mike.

Spartus · 01-03-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Medic721
yup about 1/2 qt of mobil 1 gear lube. in 06 and newer piots.

-Mike.

Yes, the gear lube I am aware of for the transfer case.

No one has answered my question about the FRONT DIFFERENTIAL.

jestmaty · 01-04-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spartus

Yes, the gear lube I am aware of for the transfer case.

No one has answered my question about the FRONT DIFFERENTIAL.

I already found my goof a few posts ago, but, I can pretty much say with 'utmost confidence' that we don't have front differentials on our Pilots.

Yes, it appears that 06 and newer Pilots do have a separate transfer case that are serviceable by a fluid change. I've spent a lot of time under my Pilot and I've never seen a diff.

My 04 only calls for a tranny fluid change at certain times. It seems that 06 and newer have another drain and fill point, the transfer case ( which you have already taken care of )

After that, the rear 'diff', ie VTM4, has a very easy drain/fill process to keep the fluid clean. There is no other draining needed on a Pilot.

Medic721 · 01-04-2009, 11:07 AM

jestmaty is correct no seperate front differential, but a seperate section of the transaxle. (transmission/axle). Gear lube for the one section and Honda ATF for the transmission.

-Mike.

Sylvatica · 01-08-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Medic721
jestmaty is correct no seperate front differential, but a seperate section of the transaxle. (transmission/axle).

Correct.

The transverse mounted, front wheel drive configuration utilizes the transmission (lubricated with the same Z-1 ATF as the transmission) as the integral "front differential".

Power is simultaneously taken off the rear of the transmission via a separate but attached "transfer assembly" (lubricated with a small quantity of gear lubricant) which turns a propeller shaft.

This prop shaft is connected to the VTM-4, a rear differential with electronically controlled clutches, lubricted by proprietary VTM-4 fluid.

Fir na tine · 02-05-2009, 12:42 PM

Just to clarify for Spartus and all:

Transmission = ATF-Z1
Front Transfer case = Hypoid 80w90 GL5
Rear Differential = VTM-4

akulla · 02-06-2009, 06:00 PM

Gear oil 75w90 will work as well.

01-02-2009, 12:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Spartus Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 37 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Front differential fluid change? I've just completed the rear differential fluid change with VTM-4, the transfer case fluid change with Amsoil Severe Gear oil, transmission drain and refill with Honda Z-1 and engine oil change with Pennzoil Platinum. Since this vehicle is AWD, is there a front differential fluid we need to change? I always see threads about the rear differential fluid change but never about the front. The vehicle in question is an '06 Pilot AWD EX.

01-02-2009, 02:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
jestmaty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Katy, Tx Posts: 1,263 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	A transmission fluid change is the recommended 'front differential' service item. The transaxle houses the gears that drive the front wheels, and Honda ATF is the recommended fluid. Do a search on transmission fluid change and you'll get all you need to do it yourself. __________________ 2004 EXL-RES Sage Brush Pearl 2005 Bayliner 175XT Bowrider OEM Tow Package, side steps, Front window tint, interior wood trim, ss exhaust tips, Castrol full synthetic oil, 7 yr/100k extended warranty, crossbars

01-03-2009, 10:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
jestmaty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Katy, Tx Posts: 1,263 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Oops, I stand corrected! I was still operating in New Year's Eve mode ( ie "hungover" ) when I responded. __________________ 2004 EXL-RES Sage Brush Pearl 2005 Bayliner 175XT Bowrider OEM Tow Package, side steps, Front window tint, interior wood trim, ss exhaust tips, Castrol full synthetic oil, 7 yr/100k extended warranty, crossbars

01-03-2009, 09:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
Medic721 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 403 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yup about 1/2 qt of mobil 1 gear lube. in 06 and newer piots. -Mike. __________________ 2006 EX-L Nav, Billet Silver, Honda Hitch, ATF Cooler, PS Cooler, Honda Towing Harness, Honda Rear Mud Flaps, Catch-All 5 Piece Set, Rear Sub-Frame Kit, Honda Cross Bars, Spare Cup Holder, Factory Service Manuals, ScanGauge II, Softride Pull Pin Bike Rack, Poorman mp3 input, G-Net Navi Video adapter, AirLift 1000 kit.

01-04-2009, 11:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
Medic721 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 403 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	jestmaty is correct no seperate front differential, but a seperate section of the transaxle. (transmission/axle). Gear lube for the one section and Honda ATF for the transmission. -Mike. __________________ 2006 EX-L Nav, Billet Silver, Honda Hitch, ATF Cooler, PS Cooler, Honda Towing Harness, Honda Rear Mud Flaps, Catch-All 5 Piece Set, Rear Sub-Frame Kit, Honda Cross Bars, Spare Cup Holder, Factory Service Manuals, ScanGauge II, Softride Pull Pin Bike Rack, Poorman mp3 input, G-Net Navi Video adapter, AirLift 1000 kit.

01-02-2009, 02:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Spartus Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 37 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	So the front differential does not have a separate drain from the transmission? So the Pilot setup of the differential is similar to many front wheel drive vehicles where the differential shares the fluid with the transmission? Basically, the drain and refill of the transmission also exchanges the differential fluid at the same time since they share the same housing?

01-02-2009, 07:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Sylvatica Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 8 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you are referring to the "Transfer Assembly", then I can attest that the 2007 has a separate unit from the transmission, lubricated by a small quantity of 80W-90 gear lubricant, and is an easy fluid change.

02-05-2009, 12:42 PM	#14 (permalink)
Fir na tine Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South East Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Just to clarify for Spartus and all: Transmission = ATF-Z1 Front Transfer case = Hypoid 80w90 GL5 Rear Differential = VTM-4

02-06-2009, 06:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
akulla Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: california Posts: 57 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Gear oil 75w90 will work as well.

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