Is the Mazda OEM differential fluid, synthetic?
Redline?I assume so but don't have anything to back that up. I did use a synthetic replacement. FSM only states:
Specified oil grade: API service GL-5
Specified oil viscosity: SAE 80W-90
i feel lot better about having changed mine too. I plan to change AT fluid before 30K miles... still need to order that fluid and find a weekend with some time.
EDIT: I am glad this entire driveline is fairly easy to maintain. I cringe at what the '07-'15 AWD CX-9 owners have to go through to maintain the "lifetime" fluid in their transfer case.
According to owner's manual, both front transfer case and rear differential use Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1, part no. 0000-77-SG1-QT, with list price $29.95 per quart:Genuine Mazda Fluid (0000-77-80W9-QT) SAE 80W-90 Rear Differential Oil - 1 Quart
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Thanks for the clarification. So Mazda changed recommended gear lubricant for its AWD system although the system is the same through all model years. Since Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 recommended now is almost 3 times more expensive than Mazda Premium Rear Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90, I'd say something must be added to it for better performance or longivaty to Mazda's AWD system. It only takes a quart for the change, I'd definitely go with new and more expensive Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1. Wonder what gear lub did Lbear use for his 2016 CX-5?As stated in manuals.
For your 2015 CX-5 AWD, does the owner's manual specify gear lubricant for transfer case and rear differential the same as 2013's or 2016's? And are you saying the rear differential needs more than factory specified 0.48 US quarts to fill up to the filler hole? So one quart of gear lubricant may not be enough for the lub change for both?I used Amsoil in mine. No concern about lubricating qualities. Perhaps I will lose some .x on the MPG but not gonna sweat it. I've said this before but on rear diff... rear fluid was not at fill line on stock fill. I put in more fluid than what came out. A few others who changed said the same. FSM states to fill line for proper level.
EDIT: I plan to change every 20-25K miles so long life fluid does not really blend in with my maintenance schedule. Transfer case oil quantity was seemingly spot on though.
Very appreciated for your info! Otherwise for $30 a quart, I'd just get a bottle of Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 thinking it should be enough for 0.48 US quarts X 2 but ended up I've to get more during the change! Not good!Mine is same as 2013. Correct. I needed more than one quart to change both. Front was seemingly spot on... rear needed more than half quart. Unfortunately I didn't measure. I don't think 3/4 quart but it seemed around or shy of 2/3 quart was what it took.
EDIT: Vehicle was cold and level.
When changing the differential fluid... Do you just add/pump in the fluid until it leaks? Or is there a way to measure how much fluid should be added into the differential? Planning to do the differential fluid change soon.