2011 2.5i CVT and Differential Fluid Change

[drm4633]

Originally Posted by AllWhiteOB

Hm, now I am totally confused . I think the rear diff on my 2013 OB, 2.5i, CVT takes a hex head. So do I need 13mm hex or square? Does anyone know?

1/2" square works but I think 13mm square is proper. I will verify when I get my socket in.

[drm4633]

Originally Posted by island21638

Great write up! Looks like we drive about the same.33,000 a year all highway. My wife has 41K on her 2012. Our tires still have 8-9/32nds and brakes look new. Did you have to do anything other than oil and filters @ 67K? It seems to get better with every mile. The engine is smooth as glass and I have been using Amsoil Long Life from 7,500 and that helps. We never used a drop of oil.

Air filter, plugs, and brake pads since they were sqeauling. Just replaced the oe tires with the new conti lx20s. I like them so far.

[AllWhiteOB]

Originally Posted by drm4633

1/2" square works but I think 13mm square is proper. I will verify when I get my socket in.

Is it possible that the 2013 is different though? It looks like a hex head is required, not square, but I didn't get too far under to try to see if a 1/2" ratchet will be close - then I would know I guess. -4 F here ... the garage isn't much warmer either .

[drm4633]

Quite possible the 2013 is different but the write up is for a 2011. Maybe we could update for other years? The 3.6 auto versions are likely different too.

[NickH]

Do any of the drain plugs or fill plugs use any rubber gaskets?

Thanks,
Nick

[drm4633]

The trans fill and drain plugs have gaskets and the front diff has a gasket.
The rear diff plugs do not have any gaskets.

I re-used all gaskets this go around and need to find a parts source for them.

[NickH]

Originally Posted by drm4633

The rear diff plugs do not have any gaskets.

After a bit of reading, it appears that the rear diff plugs utilize a liquid gasket. Just wanted to let you know.

Regards,
Nick

[drm4633]

Originally Posted by NickH

After a bit of reading, it appears that the rear diff plugs utilize a liquid gasket. Just wanted to let you know.

Regards,
Nick

Yep, three bond 1105. Thanks for the heads up. No leaks yet but that doesn't mean its right!

The manuals say use it but it was hard to see any residue on the plugs I took out. It seems 3M silicone T-3 sealant is an equivalent as well.

Anybody use the three bond or alternatives?

[NickH]

Originally Posted by drm4633

Yep, three bond 1105. Thanks for the heads up. No leaks yet but that doesn't mean its right!

The manuals say use it but it was hard to see any residue on the plugs I took out. It seems 3M silicone T-3 sealant is an equivalent as well.

Anybody use the three bond or alternatives?

I haven't used 1105 before, but the service manual says that an alternative is "DOW CORNING No. 7038."

Nick

[drm4633]

The dow corning seems just as elusive as the three bond.
Any experience out there with something we can get our hands on easily?