VLSD Worries/Questions, Please Enlighten Me

[Touge-Spirit]

I recently bought an S14 which has the factory VLSD option. I do not know much about LSD's so I would appreciate it if someone answered the following questions for me:

1)How can I test if my VLSD still works or not?
2)If the previous owner never changed the VLSD fluid could the VLSD be broken? She was an older lady who was not interested in cars much so I doubt she thought about changing the fluids in it.
3)What is the best fluid to get for a stock VLSD?
4)Is VLSD fluid hard to replace? Any FAQ out there?
5)Any other things besides fluid that I should consider in regards to maintainence on the VLSD?

YES I used the search function but I couldn't find all of the answers to my specific qustions. Thanks in advance for the help.

-Mike

[swwifty]

1. You can test it two ways. The first is drop the clutch in first gear, and see if you leave two tire marks or not. The second and not so easy, is jack up the car and spin one of the rear wheels with your hand. They should both move in the same direction.

2. It is possible that the fluid is low, and the VLSD isn't working as well or is worn out. How many miles are we talking about?

3. The "best" fluid is always debatable. I use Mobile 1 75w90 in my diff.

4. The fluid is pretty easy to replace. Here's a quick run down. Jack up the car. On the bottom/back side of the diff you'll see a bolt with a 1/2 drive. Take this out, and fluid will begin pouring out. On the side of the diff on the left (driver's side) is another bolt with a 1/2 drive. This is the filler bolt. Take that out and pour new fluid in (be sure to put the drain bolt back in otherwise it'll just run right back out). It's kind of tight back there, so you'll need to buy a pump in order to get the fluid into the diff. It takes 1.3 quarts. You'll need to fill it till the fluid is level with the filler bolt. This basically means once it starts to pour out from the filler bolt, it's at the right level.

5. Just change the fluid, and your good.

[Touge-Spirit]

Originally Posted by swwifty

1. You can test it two ways. The first is drop the clutch in first gear, and see if you leave two tire marks or not. The second and not so easy, is jack up the car and spin one of the rear wheels with your hand. They should both move in the same direction.

2. It is possible that the fluid is low, and the VLSD isn't working as well or is worn out. How many miles are we talking about?

3. The "best" fluid is always debatable. I use Mobile 1 75w90 in my diff.

4. The fluid is pretty easy to replace. Here's a quick run down. Jack up the car. On the bottom/back side of the diff you'll see a bolt with a 1/2 drive. Take this out, and fluid will begin pouring out. On the side of the diff on the left (driver's side) is another bolt with a 1/2 drive. This is the filler bolt. Take that out and pour new fluid in (be sure to put the drain bolt back in otherwise it'll just run right back out). It's kind of tight back there, so you'll need to buy a pump in order to get the fluid into the diff. It takes 1.3 quarts. You'll need to fill it till the fluid is level with the filler bolt. This basically means once it starts to pour out from the filler bolt, it's at the right level.

5. Just change the fluid, and your good.

Thanks for your reply.

I have 81,000 miles on my car so I am guessing my VLSD should still be good. Do most auto stores carry the pumps? I have an auto tranny so I am guessing I will have to do the wheel test?

[aznpoopy]

you can still do a burnout with an auto s14.

the other way is much easier.

put a jack on the diff. jack the rear end in the air. spin a wheel. done and done.

[swwifty]

Originally Posted by Touge-Spirit

Thanks for your reply.

I have 81,000 miles on my car so I am guessing my VLSD should still be good. Do most auto stores carry the pumps? I have an auto tranny so I am guessing I will have to do the wheel test?

Yeah, your VLSD is still probably good. I'd just change the fluid as soon as you can. Most auto stores do carry the hand pumps.