While changing the transmission fluid and filter (I used Mopar filter, ATF+4, and re-usable gasket) on my 1996 Eagle Vision TSI (3.5L, 64K miles) this weekend, I noticed that it has a front axle differential. The fill plug was labeled 80-90W gear lube and there appeared to be a drain plug at the bottom. I guess I should not have been surprised by this since it has a longitudinal engine, but admit that I had assumed the design was similar to our transverse engine minivan where the transaxle is lubricated by the transmission fluid.
I really don't recall hearing much in this newsgroup about changing the gear lube in the differential for the LH vehicle. Is the differential gear lube fluid used from the manufacturer supposedly good for the life of the vehicle? If not, what is the recommended change interval (years or miles)? I'm thinking of changing it this next weekend, but wondered if anyone could offer advice based on their experience.
Specifically, will running the vehicle beforehand and then opening the fill plug help the fluid drain quicker? Is any particular brand of non-Mopar gear lube recommended or is there any brand to specifically be avoided? What is the capacity (I am guessing from the differential size it holds about a quart)? As with old rear end differentials, do you fill to the bottom of the fill hole? What is the best way to fill given the awkward fill hole location?
Thanks in advance for advice. The job looks simple enough, but I figured it won't hurt to get pointers from someone who has done this before.
Bob