LSD Service Bulletin - Oil Update

[user6985743]

Small update. My Stinger is at the dealer, waiting on Kia Canada to approve another LSD replacement (#2) as the new one I have has ~1.1k km and metal in the fluid.. I feel like this is going to be a reoccurring theme until the warranty is up.. Ive mentioned a replacement oil and TSBs but they are saying cant use them while under warranty....

 

[D.J.]

Small update. My Stinger is at the dealer, waiting on Kia Canada to approve another LSD replacement (#2) as the new one I have has ~1.1k km and metal in the fluid.. I feel like this is going to be a reoccurring theme until the warranty is up.. Ive mentioned a replacement oil and TSBs but they are saying cant use them while under warranty....

Can't use the TSB while under warranty?

 

[user6985743]

Can't use the TSB while under warranty?

Nope, saying have to use the required per factory.. so.. i guess right now is just gonna have to drive it and see. Its quiet so far, but only about 100km...

 

[5tinger]

Diff fluid change would be a pretty easy DIY job if you have jack and stands.

 

[5tinger]

Side note, anyone that hasnt had a LSD fluid change, any noise at cold(-10deg?) and operating temperatures (ie engine oil hot temp)? Like a whining, growl, or like a electric motor style sounding, while in turn, left or right, coasting, or underload? Want to make sure Im not going insane and unreasonable. Ive got about 1.1k km on a new LSD and Factory oil, but want a sanity check before I call fowl...

Would this noise be like the whine of a manual transmission car in Reverse?

 

[Volfy]

Would this noise be like the whine of a manual transmission car in Reverse?

Not really. Manuals whine because the reverse gear sets are straight cut, rather than helical cut like all the forward gear sets. The whine varies in pitch proportional to the reversing speed.

An LSD that doesn't quite have enough friction modifier makes more like a humming sound ONLY in turns. The sharper the turn, the more speed differential between the two rear wheels, the louder the hum.

Some folks report their LSD would chatter. I've never heard that but I suppose that could happen.

 

[user6985743]

Diff fluid change would be a pretty easy DIY job if you have jack and stands.

I do have the equipment to do it. But it was really cold and windy when I needed to do it and still had warranty, so I paid the dealer to do the change. I feel since the oil is the same, its gonna be the same result however and when the warranty runs out.. Probably gonna be left holding the bag

 

[Sybaritic]

So what just happened? Did they approve differential #2, or did you pay to have them change the fluid for diff #1? And did you use a different brand of fluid as a few of us recommended to get rid of the shudder, or did you stick with OEM? I hope you didn’t choose OEM fluid if you paid, because it’s inferior and much more $$ at almost $100 CAD/L, and you haven’t found work yet.

If you get diff #2, do what I did. Run it for about 1,000km, then change the fluid to Royal Purple. It’s not a bad thing to run it a bit to let the gears break in, and as we drain the inferior fluid out, some small metal particles will be drained out with the fluid.

You seem very high-strung and anxious. Don’t be too worried about this. I’ve seen many RWD-biased cars have this shudder; chances are the diff will still last a long time as long as you change the fluid regularly. I addressed mine only bc it didn’t feel right for a premium vehicle like this to have such shudders.

 

[Volfy]

Repeating the same thing and expecting different results is the very definition of madness. Understand the warranty concern. If I were in your situation, I'd let the dealer change to the same fluid, then if the issue returns, I'd displace the oil with 4-6oz of FM at your first convenience. Or change to a known good aftermarket LSD oil, if you prefer.

It's not like the dealer is gonna do an oil analysis later, conclude something else has been added, and blame you for it.

This is such a clear cut issue. Kia had figured it out 6-7yrs ago on the Stinger. Just because some dealers still insist on madness does mean you have bet your own car on that madness too.

 

[user6985743]

So what just happened? Did they approve differential #2, or did you pay to have them change the fluid for diff #1? And did you use a different brand of fluid as a few of us recommended to get rid of the shudder, or did you stick with OEM? I hope you didn’t choose OEM fluid if you paid, because it’s inferior and much more $$ at almost $100 CAD/L, and you haven’t found work yet.

If you get diff #2, do what I did. Run it for about 1,000km, then change the fluid to Royal Purple. It’s not a bad thing to run it a bit to let the gears break in, and as we drain the inferior fluid out, some small metal particles will be drained out with the fluid.

You seem very high-strung and anxious. Don’t be too worried about this. I’ve seen many RWD-biased cars have this shudder; chances are the diff will still last a long time as long as you change the fluid regularly. I addressed mine only bc it didn’t feel right for a premium vehicle like this to have such shudders.

Dealer did LSD fluid change with Factory Spec fluid. Too much/little initially caused the LSD to chatter and whine loudly at wheels. Changed fluid level, was better, but rear was still whining when in turns. Dealer replaced LSD (~60.5k km) with new one. Roughly 1.1k km in, that one also just got replaced with the one presently installed, due to same noises. It had burnt oil and metal shavings in it, according to the work order. So brand new one is installed presently and has ~150km.

Ya, stressed out as Im on EI and job hunt is crap. Hit a pot hole last year that burned up the front tires edges to the point Ill likely have to replace before they hit 50% life, Rears are at final bars in the center (thats its own annoyance).. Just maintenance costs got thrown out to left field more then I was planning for. Thats life however.

 

[Sybaritic]

Hi there, OK, I think I understand now. You’re on your second differential.

It will probably shudder again; it would have been better if you had the dealer put in the aftermarket fluid as we are experienced owners advised you. Dealers will usually do it if it’s customer pay and you bring them sealed bottles of fluid (my dealer did it for me when I brought them Redline diff fluid for my front diff fluid change); it’s only when Kia Canada is paying for the warranty that they MUST use factory fluid.

Anyways, try not to stress about this. Even if it shudders a bit at low speeds, the differential will likely still last a long time. Or if the job hunt is really bleak, selling the car might be a good idea since it’s very expensive on gas, maintenance and 19-inch tires.

 

[user6985743]

Hi there, OK, I think I understand now. You’re on your second differential.

It will probably shudder again; it would have been better if you had the dealer put in the aftermarket fluid as we are experienced owners advised you. Dealers will usually do it if it’s customer pay and you bring them sealed bottles of fluid (my dealer did it for me when I brought them Redline diff fluid for my front diff fluid change); it’s only when Kia Canada is paying for the warranty that they MUST use factory fluid.

Anyways, try not to stress about this. Even if it shudders a bit at low speeds, the differential will likely still last a long time. Or if the job hunt is really bleak, selling the car might be a good idea since it’s very expensive on gas, maintenance and 19-inch tires.

Ya, Kia Canada is paying for it. I did ask about them putting in an oil that I wanted, said at present they have to use the OEM fluid, and it was put in all 3 so far. I've only shelled out a dealer LSD service fee for it so far.

Selling the car is a thought. However selling it and replacing it with a reliable, affordable car leaves me at a greater loss then just straight up keeping it, as Im not driving it much right now anyhow. I generally do the maintenance on my vehicles and only had the dealer do the LSD as I have no garage, it was cold/windy as hell and warranty, which has been useful.

 

[jari.zerrudo05]

I have a 2019 Stinger GTS AWD, replaced the factory fill LSD and transfer case fluids @ 68k. Now approaching 82k.
Used AMSOIL 75w90 severe gear front and rear, along with 4 oz of AMSOIL slip lock.
I believe my mechanic used 3 oz on the rear and used the remaining 1 oz in the transfer case.
No problems before and after replacing the factory fill, the fluids didn't look that dark so I think 60k might be a sweet spot instead of the 36k that kia calls for severe applications (I do a lot of hard street driving).

 

[user6985743]

Here is the noise from the LSD I here for reference. Am I crazy?

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

 

[D.J.]

Here is the noise from the LSD I here for reference. Am I crazy?

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Are you sure that noise is coming from your differential???

Were you turning in tight circles during that audio recording? A video might have been better to demonstrate what you were doing when that noise was being created

 

[D.J.]

along with 4 oz of AMSOIL slip lock.
I believe my mechanic used 3 oz on the rear and used the remaining 1 oz in the transfer case.

Why was the differential additive added to the transfer case?

 

[user6985743]

Are you sure that noise is coming from your differential???

Were you turning in tight circles during that audio recording? A video might have been better to demonstrate what you were doing when that noise was being created

I was doing tight turns during that audio clip, off gas and slightly on it. Before I first had the LSD serviced, its never made that noise. Its not rocks, tires or exhaust thats making that noise. But it doesnt sound great.

 

[kevantics]

I was doing tight turns during that audio clip, off gas and slightly on it. Before I first had the LSD serviced, its never made that noise. Its not rocks, tires or exhaust thats making that noise. But it doesnt sound great.

I also just have my car diff oil changed from the dealer and it has the same noise. Did you ever get it resolved?

 

[user6985743]

I also just have my car diff oil changed from the dealer and it has the same noise. Did you ever get it resolved?

Nope still not resolved. I think Im on #3 or 4.. not sure, and not much point at looking at the paperwork as either # is too much.
LSD#2/3 included the transfer case replacement and had to get new staggered tires, else no warranty. I am still not happy about that.

LSD#3/4 will be new and with now with equivalent 3rd party oil. Presently trying to figure out a oil that will work WITHOUT adding additional FM, but everything I have found has been all over the map and is not 100%.

The dealer been good through all this, but I hate that they are the only pressure point to get this resolved. Kia Canada is pretty much useless.

Presently have this for info (because no-one seems to follow up, and may help someone else);
3/4x LSDs that have had 300-1000+ km for grinding to become noticeable (becomes more audible as the km accumulate). ~1200 -1500 km will be audible @ ~20km+ in stop light 90° turns, with HVAC/Audio going (reasonable levels). Standard driving, no burnouts, drifts, racing etc.

What I have found so far, for compatible lubricants;
***Doesnt Work***
Mobil 75w-90 LSD - does not correct grinding/whining sounds
Valvoline 75w90 LSD - does not correct grinding/whining sounds
OEM 75W85 LSD GL5 - does not correct grinding/whining sounds

***Works***
Redline GL-5 75w90 - seems to work as is
Amsoil sever gear 75w90 - seems to work as is. Some add F.M. on top
Royal purple 75W90 LSD - seems to work as is
Lucas Synth 75w-90 - seems to work as is

Valvoline 75w90 LSD + Trans-X Posi-Trac LSD additive - Seems to work

***Additives***
Mopar LSD lubricant
CRC Trans-x
Amsoil Slip Lock

This list isnt 100% and is based off Stinger/G70 forum comments and have minimal to no followup confirmations. So.. take it with a grain of salt. Let me know if you have had experience and any data to back it up (Lubricant info, FM info (if added) and km/miles when done, km/miles since install, and any issues noted since)

 

[Snowwhite]

Motul worked great for me. With the LS additive already in it. A year now and no issues or noise.make sure it’s 300LS.