What fluids to use for PM service?

smokeyyank · #1 02-16-2017, 03:03 PM

Did some searching but couldn't find the exact answers I was looking for. I'm going to do some PM service in the next few weeks and need to order the parts. I'm looking at ATF and have a few options. I can pay $16 for the a liter of ZF fluid or about $70 for 5l of Pentosin. They also have the febi bilstein at $9 a liter. Also see I can go with redline. What is the best fluid to go with?

Filter I'm going to get the ZF kit.

For a diff service am I fine do just drain and fill or do I need to look at replacing some seals as well?

Thanks

semcoinc · #2 02-16-2017, 04:06 PM

A couple years ago at 82k miles I changed my ATF to AMSOIL Signature Series ATF and changed the filter.

AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

I did an initial fill and then changed the fluid 4X running about 20 miles between each drain and fill. Each drain and fill took about 4 qts. In this way, I got the entire system flushed with good fluid, minimizing or eliminating the old fluid residual rolling around in the converter and other places. A total fill is listed as 10.2 qts, so despite my perhaps overkill, I'm certain that I got to an all new fluid.

At 96K miles now with no complaints with a recent 1200 mile 4,000# trailer pull under my belt.

Updating my previous post: I am at 100,000 miles and continue to experience smooth operation.

Used the same ATF in the Xfer case as well.

For the Front and rear Diffs I used this:

AMSOIL Severe Gear® 75W-90

These AMSOIL products have always delivered for me for over 25 years.

Despite this, I did recently change to Shell Rotella T6 for my engine oil as I felt I was no longer using the AMSOIl to its fullest 25,000 mile potential and the Rotella T6 oil analysis shows to have as nearly a high TBN number as the AMSOIL.

and lower cost.

Mike

smokeyyank · #3 02-16-2017, 05:08 PM

Good to know, thanks for the info.

itscoo2pyopants · #4 02-17-2017, 01:36 AM

I've been using redline fluids for years. Kind of nice, you can buy them by the gallon.

OEM fluid for the xdrive transfer case (2004+).

smokeyyank · #5 02-17-2017, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itscoo2pyopants

I've been using redline fluids for years. Kind of nice, you can buy them by the gallon.

OEM fluid for the xdrive transfer case (2004+).

Thanks for the info. Don't have X drive though, so I believe I can get away with regular gear fluid.

I was reading somewhere that the Pentosin makes ZF fluid and just sells it under their own name for a little less. Anyone know the truth to that?