Fluid Recommendations?

WilliamBos · September 17, 2009

Hi All,

Going to do some pre winter maintenance soon, and would like some help on fluid brands.

For Trans Pan drop/filter change, using Dex VI syn.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/consumer...ission-fluid/36

Rear Diff - Can I use this in the front too with no problems, or is it required? (Does get real cold up here in winter though.)

http://www.valvoline.com/products/consumer...oil/gear-oil/59

What about brake fluid, does synthetic exist?? Or just DOT4?

And who makes synthetic Power steering fluid? (Besides Amsoil/RP.)

oldschool327 · September 17, 2009

http://www.prestone.com/products/functionalFluids.php

DOT 3 and 4 both come in synthetic. Go crazy and use DOT 5

You can use Dexron for your PS. Help keep the system cleaner also. Use VI if you want Syn.

smattei14 · September 17, 2009

AMSOIL....

Front to Back...

they stand behind there products. For me info google Amsoil...there is a ton of info out there.

oldschool327 · September 17, 2009

GMC Denali 2006,

Will doesnt like AMSOIL, been trying to sell him on it for about a week. Great stuff though and I use it religiously.

Brian

clyde101 · September 17, 2009

Hi All,

Going to do some pre winter maintenance soon, and would like some help on fluid brands.

For Trans Pan drop/filter change, using Dex VI syn.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/consumer...ission-fluid/36

Rear Diff - Can I use this in the front too with no problems, or is it required? (Does get real cold up here in winter though.)

http://www.valvoline.com/products/consumer...oil/gear-oil/59

What about brake fluid, does synthetic exist?? Or just DOT4?

And who makes synthetic Power steering fluid? (Besides Amsoil/RP.)

I've used exactly what your going to use for the diffs with no issues...and yes you can use that up front, its better and your not going to hurt anything

For the transmission...I recommend a complete fluid change (flush if you will) and filter change from a reputable shop if the vehicle has less than 100,000 on it and the fluid is not all nasty and burnt smelling....i did mine at 50k and girlfriends buick with 86k and no issues. and double check to make sure they top the fluid off though....if you elect not to do this a pan drop and filter change is better than nothing

dlstewart01 · September 17, 2009

Hey guys, all brake fluid is synthetic. Except for Dot 5 which is silicone.

You can mix Dot 3-4 and 5.1. Dot 5 cannot be mixed with the others.

I have used Dot 4 for many years with no issues.

Spurshot · September 17, 2009

I don't think it matters. ...as long as it's a major brand. Just do it.

txab · September 17, 2009

And who makes synthetic Power steering fluid? (Besides Amsoil/RP.)

Just google synthetic power steering fluid and you'll fine your answer

WilliamBos · September 18, 2009

GMC Denali 2006,
Will doesnt like AMSOIL, been trying to sell him on it for about a week. Great stuff though and I use it religiously.

Brian

It is not that I do not like AMSOIL, it is that it is not convenient, I cannot buy it off the shelf anywhere locally. Other stuff I can.

WilliamBos · September 18, 2009

I had a trans flush done by the dealer @101,000kms - put Dex VI in, but NOT going to do another flush, just a pan drop/filter. My Cuz is going to do it for us, as he wants to see what is in the pan, for wear reasons I guess.

I've used exactly what your going to use for the diffs with no issues...and yes you can use that up front, its better and your not going to hurt anything

For the transmission...I recommend a complete fluid change (flush if you will) and filter change from a reputable shop if the vehicle has less than 100,000 on it and the fluid is not all nasty and burnt smelling....i did mine at 50k and girlfriends buick with 86k and no issues. and double check to make sure they top the fluid off though....if you elect not to do this a pan drop and filter change is better than nothing

smattei14 · September 18, 2009

GMC Denali 2006,
Will doesnt like AMSOIL, been trying to sell him on it for about a week. Great stuff though and I use it religiously.

Brian

It is not that I do not like AMSOIL, it is that it is not convenient, I cannot buy it off the shelf anywhere locally. Other stuff I can.

I understand...I hear ya on that....I just order a few extra to have here at home...then you don't have to worry about ordering everytime.

But I know what you mean.

Spurshot · September 18, 2009

GMC Denali 2006,
Will doesnt like AMSOIL, been trying to sell him on it for about a week. Great stuff though and I use it religiously.

Brian

It is not that I do not like AMSOIL, it is that it is not convenient, I cannot buy it off the shelf anywhere locally. Other stuff I can.

I understand...I hear ya on that....I just order a few extra to have here at home...then you don't have to worry about ordering everytime.

But I know what you mean.

Yeah, I'm not going to mail order my oils. I have nothing against Amsoil, but I want a commonly available oil. I get most of my oil from either Costco or Kragen. On the road, I can pull into a Mobil station and get oil. I'm good with this brand and availability.

WaterGuy · September 19, 2009

I had a trans flush done by the dealer @101,000kms - put Dex VI in, but NOT going to do another flush, just a pan drop/filter. My Cuz is going to do it for us, as he wants to see what is in the pan, for wear reasons I guess.

A good experienced trans mechanic can "read" the piles of stuff in the pan and can say exactly if all is well or if there are problems a coming.