2019 GT1 RWD rear diff fluid change

[josh2112]

The time has come for the 36,000 mile service on my Stinger. I can't seem to get anyone to answer the phone at any of the local Kia dealer service departments, so I'm thinking about changing the rear differential fluid myself.

I'm fairly confident with basic DIY service procedures (oil change, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, etc.) from my previous cars (all Hondas), and I did buy a low-profile jack and a pinch weld adapter plate expecting that I'd be doing my own work on the Stinger eventually.

Is changing the rear diff fluid doable for me, and does anyone have a good procedure for it? Specifically:
- Where are the fill and drain plugs?
- Is my diff LSD or non-LSD? (I think LSD since it's RWD, but the maintenance guide is pretty clear that the oils are not interchangeable)
- How much fluid is required?
- Best procedure for refilling? I have one of those pump bottle with long hose deals that I think should work.
- Any other considerations? (Need to come to temperature before changing, anything need to be reset after changing, etc.?)

Thanks!

 

[escblads]

It's a simple change, I just jacked up the drivers side rear of the car, the drain bolt is on the bottom of the diff, then the fill bolt is on the driver side near the top of it. Depending on what fluid you're using you may also want to get the limited slip additive to put in first before the new oil.

3.3TT - Transmission and differential oil

Have any of you change your oil for both of those yet? I wonder what is the mileage typically that I need to reach to change those. Also there is no transmission oil dip stick so checking it is annoying so I have not gotten around to that yet.

stingerforum.org

 

[D.J.]

Did mine the other day.

Dead simple and about a 5-10 minute job if you take your time
These super convenient bags of fluid make it really really easy.

The LSD and non LSD fluids ARE interchangeable in ONE direction. The fluid with LSD additive can be used in either LSD or NON-LSD.
Mine is NON LSD diff, and I used this LSD compatible fluid.

 

[josh2112]

Thanks @escblads and @D.J. ! I had no idea it came in bags like that, and I'll just get LSD-compatible fluid to be on the safe side.

 

[D.J.]

Thanks @escblads and @D.J. ! I had no idea it came in bags like that, and I'll just get LSD (Limited Slip Differential)-compatible fluid to be on the safe side.

I have never seen bags here in Canada.
I got my bags of fluid from Walmart - USA (Watertown NY)
Was under $20USD per quart

 

[escblads]

Thanks @escblads and @D.J. ! I had no idea it came in bags like that, and I'll just get LSD (Limited Slip Differential)-compatible fluid to be on the safe side.

Just to note, that was the same fluid I used, but I still had some audible binding in the diff when making turns, I ended up having to drain some fluid and added some LSD additive to correct it. Another user posted that using the Royal Purple gear oil worked without having to include any additive, but I'm not sure if that car had an LSD.

3.3TT - Transmission and differential oil

^^Don't use gravy in your diff :)

stingerforum.org

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Stinger requires 75w85 differential oil.

 

[Rodtheviking]

If its LSD it should be stamped into the case by the fill plug. Redline GL-5 75w85 works really well. And grab a hand transfer pump from Harbor Freight, makes it real easy.

Multi-Use Transfer Pump

Amazing deals on this Multi-Use Transfer Pump at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[josh2112]

If its LSD (Limited Slip Differential) it should be stamped into the case by the fill plug. Redline GL-5 75w85 works really wel.

Thanks, will definitely check that.

I got quoted $279 by my local dealer, and it would take him a week to get the oil. So definitely going to try this myself.

A couple more questions:

1) What's the oil quantity? Just fill until it dribbles out the fill hole?
2) Is this done cold, or drive it around a bit first?

 

[oddball]

1) Yes, that's the standard approach for manual transmissions, differentials, etc. Any gear case with a fill hole mid-way up on the side. Just try to have the car more-or-less level.

2) Either way.

 

[GenesisG70]

My stealer told me they did it but I don't trust them I will do it myself can you please take some pics of the process so many of us can benefit from the procedure? Thank you.

 

[D.J.]

My stealer told me they did it but I don't trust them I will do it myself can you please take some pics of the process so many of us can benefit from the procedure? Thank you.

They said they changed the diff fluid, but you think they didn't?

I hope this was a free service.

 

[josh2112]

Anybody have a ballpark figure for how much fluid goes in there?

 

[Rodtheviking]

3 pints for LSD.

Just measure what comes out.

 

[GenesisG70]

They said they changed the diff fluid, but you think they didn't?

I hope this was a free service.

They have left wrenches in the engine bay and overfill my engine repeatedly and said they have changed changed engine filter but they did not. So no I don't think they exchanged the fluid so I'm gonna do it my f self don't trust these rats.

 

[D.J.]

They have left wrenches in the engine bay and overfill my engine repeatedly and said they have changed changed engine filter but they did not. So no I don't think they exchanged the fluid so I'm gonna do it my f self don't trust these rats.

Which dealer is this? They sound beyond trash

 

[GenesisG70]

Which dealer is this? They sound beyond trash

Yeah they are trash pure trash like 99% of dealers, will try to do all maintenance myself from now on.

 

[josh2112]

Does anyone know the socket sizes for the rear diff fill and drain plugs? The biggest I have is 22mm and it's a bit bigger than that.

 

[Rodtheviking]

24mm or 15/16 will fit.. kinda

 

[Thomby]

2) Is this done cold, or drive it around a bit first?

Gear oil is pretty thick (get ready to squeeze that new bottle!). You can drain cold or warm, but warm will go faster. And be prepared for the sulfur smell from the wear additives.