Agree on the fluids change, like voting in Chicago, do it early and often. As for the 5W20 in many vehicles, that is basically a method to get maximum mpg for the sales blitz. It says 5w20 on my Kia van, and I run 15W40 Rottela, 265,000 miles. If you look hard enough you find that Rover recommends more frequent oil changes under arduous conditions. And elsewhere they define arduous as frequent short trips, slow operating speed, extended idle periods, etc. So Mom's milk run to school and bank and burger line and traffic in summer heat meet those specs. Going 15000 on oil might not be the best way to baby your vehicle.

 

I will mention that the closer the W number is to the second number, the less polymers they have to put in the oil to give it the multi-viscosity properties. So a 5w20 is probably more stable than a 5w30 or 10w30. But it's still very thin and might not protect as well. I know that starting about 2000 Honda started using 5w20 in everything.... everything except the S2000, which has a little 2.0 4 cylinder that can rev to 9000 RPM. They still suggest 10w30 in that. I guess 5w20 has it's limits.

For those that don't know, to make a 10w30 oil, they take oil that would be a straight weight of SAE10, and add magic to it that keeps it from thinning out any more than an SAE30 would at operating temp. So it behaves like 10 when cold and 30 when hot.

 

Another question, sorry guys, transfer fluid what are you guys using and differentials?

 

Front diff (old Castrol SAF-XO 75W90) Castrol Syntrax Castrol Syntrax Transaxle & Manual Transmission Fluid - 75W-90, 1 Litre - Supercheap Auto Australia

Rear diff varies - either same, or if electronic torque managed Castrol SAF Mod Plus (your local GM dealer has it as GM P/N 92184900, its the Castrol SAF Carbon Mod Plus )

You will have problems finding the Shell TF 0753 other than dealer. Worth the price.

 

Buzz, is Castrol limited slip 75w90 the correct one here in US , there are so many different products for each country from Castrol. I spoke with parts person at our local land rover dealer. His view there are choices for differentials, transfer case not so. Thanks Buzz and others.

 

I'm just saying that the Castrol SAF-XO is now Syntrax.

 

yes it says syntrax and it can be bought at Autozone at a very good price.

 

Is this ok?http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znet.../6674/image/4/

 

That be it. The ETM rear (if so equipped) takes something else. Point is that whatever it costs, it is cheaper than $2200 diff. A diff that is smaller than one on a D1, holds 1/3 the fluid, still splash lubrication, more horse power, and more vehicle mass to be moved. I'm old school, and that sounds like a formula for increased wear, not increased service intervals.

 

In defense of why they MAY have thought they needed less fluid, there are no axle tube in the LR3 housings, due to having independent suspension. I think on a regular rover style axle a lot of oil is wasted lubricating the axle shafts.

Obviously the amount of failures they have indicates that they got something wrong.