Has anyone changed their differential fluid themself?

[ZoneIII]

I just crawled under my Pilot to change my differential fluid and found that the fill hole is in an almost unreachable location, especially for my large hands, even for just checking the level, let alone filling the the differential. I see an opening in the frame in front of the spare tire (I have a full-size spare tire) but I'm not sure that even removing that will make the job possible. Has anyone else here changed their differential fluid and, if so, how were you able to access the fill hole?

[john802]

Check this thread for VTM-4 fluid change procedure.

Tools / parts needed to do VTM-4 fluid change:
1. 3/8" Ratchet wrench
2. 3" extension bar 3/8"
3. Two crush washer (18mm and 20mm)
4. Fluid Pump
5. VTM-4 fluid (2.79 qt)

BTW, if you have a full size spare, you can remove it for easier access to the fill/drain plug.

Good luck....

[ZoneIII]

I'll answer my own question in case anyone else was interested and since I just did the job myself. Actually, it's very fast and easy once you remove the spare tire. When you do, you have good access to the fill plug through an access hole in the frame. To remove the plugs, use the square end of a 3/8 drive extension. They do not have regular bolts heads like the oil drain plug. A 3/8" square drive fits them perfectly. The drain plug has an attached magnet to it to collect metal bits. Clean it and wipe off any shavings before putting it back in. Honda recommends that you replace the washers on the plugs just as they do with the oil drain plug. You don't really have to change it every time but, what the heck! It only costs a few cents. I stocked up on the washers when I bought the Pilot.

The trick is to get the fluid back in. I inserted a funnel into a piece of clear tubing about 5 ft. long that I had on hand and then inserted the end into the fill hole. I had my wife stand behind the car and pour the fluid into the funnel while I watched for the overflow when it was full. The whole job only took about 15 minutes.

[ZoneIII]

Thanks John. As you can see, I got it done. I do have a full-sized spare and I suppose it would be possible to access the hole if you had a compact spare but it is probably still easier with it removed.

I do have a fluid pump but I found the funnel and tube to be faster and easier and some people who may read this might not have a fluid pump. There is no need to run out and buy a pump to do this job.

When I reached the overflow point, I had my wife lower her end of the tube (with the funnel attached) to the same level that my end was to prevent spilling. Then I crawled out and raised my end while she put the funnel in the gallon bottle of fluid to save what was in the tube and avoid a mess. The job was fast, neat, and clean.

Nothing to it.