Oil change/other fluid change questions.

Wow, this is all too much. So I drain and fill the trans and also the differential fluids? How often do you do the diff.? This kinda stuff intimidates me. I would have never thought of something like the differential fluid...It makes me wonder what else am I supposed to be doing that I'm not?

[Reaper450128]

This is what I would recommend, just based on what I've seen:

Oil: As stated in this thread, 3000 miles for regular, 5000 for synthetic.
Transmission: Check it often, do a standard drain and refill every 10000 miles or anytime it starts to look or smell burnt. The full fluid exchange we discussed in the previous few posts is a more extreme change that shouldn't have to be done often as long as you keep up on the regular changes.
Differentials: Check them when you change the transmission fluid, if they are low, top them off. The fluid in the rear will wear out with time, if you start to notice some binding (or just roughness) when turning, change it. The front diff fluid shouldn't really break down that fast, as its only acting as a gear lubricant in a (relatively) unstressed component instead of a torque transmission component like that in the rear diff. I changed my rear a little while after I got mine simply because I didn't know when it was (or if) last done, and I noticed a big change in how smooth the turns felt.

Not to make things more complicated, but you shouldn't forget other important fluids like the brake fluid either. Check the level whenever you've got the hood open, its just a matter of looking at the reservoir, and if it starts to look nasty brown, you might consider having it changed. Its a longer procedure that requires getting the car completely off the ground for probably an hour or so, but given the importance of its job, personally I don't mind the hassle. Just make sure if you do it yourself, bleed the breaks in the right order, I know it can be found somewhere on the boards here, or in a service manual. Coolant is another thing that should be changed periodically, usually once every year or two.

[James Scott]

Stacey: Don't fret! The degree to which you want to service your SVX depends to a large degree on how much you like your car and how long you want to keep it! The basic care is simple. We here on this website tend to be fanatics >> We probably love our cars too much! Therefore, the care you read here will tend toward extreme or at least some unecessary suggestions!

Basic Things I remember we're supposed to do:

1) SVX weaknesses that tend to fail early:
Rear axle bearings >> replace
Brake rotors tend to warp >> turn or replace
Transmission, auto >> If you're getting slipping when
shifting gears, install Smallcar.com SVX shift kit (maybe even if
you're not, since this helps prevent early wear of auto
trans!) >> rebuild or replace with AT rebuild or 5-Speed
trans

2) 60,000 Mile :
Spark plugs >> replace
Timing belt >> replace (also, water pump if indicated,
since in the same area/expensive labor TB)

3) Add Trans cooler if in warm area or want additional
Trans
wear protection

4) Better braking can be had with Stainless brakelines,
cross-
drilled/slotted rotors, and aftermarket brake pads

5) Good tires help with tire noise and driveability. I use
Yokohama AVS db on stock rims. If you change to larger
diameter rims, your ride will be more responsive (on lower
profile tires)

6) Etc. . . . Etc....... Etc.......

HAVE FUN!