LSD Break-in Question

[Highway1]

I Replaced my clutches in my LSD as well as added an extra one. I did the whole figure-eight circle thing then drove on it lightly for a few days before whaling on it.

My question is should I drain and add new fluid? Or is that only necessary if I replaced the carrier and or pinion bearings?

Thanks

[samiam3356]

I didn't on mine after adding new clutches. Did 10-12 figure 8's with a bunch of left and right hand turns as well. The diff held ~70lbs before breaking. :) Ihad some friends that suggested changing it out but I never did.

I've got a pdf document that goes over rebuilding them. Not sure if it has anything about the fuild it not but i'll post it up if I can find it.

[Holland]

I did the same as you, 3 clutch new everything and I didn't change fluid after break-in. Everything seems fine.

[samiam3356]

Just looked that file over and it says nothing about changing it out after break in. I would think its being a little over precautious. I was going to attach the file but it won't let me attach a pdf file. If you want it, them pm me your email and I'll send it to you.

[jlevie]

I always change the fluid in a differential (or a rebuilt transmission) after break in. The logic being that there may be break in wear and some fine metal particles in the fluid.

[drumad]

Can someone host that PDF? I remember seeing a DIY PDF somewhere and I can't find it anymore. It was pretty picture intensive and thorough.

[samiam3356]

It used to be on a website that is down now. If anyone wants its pm me your email address and I'll send it to you.

hmmm I might be able to share it on google docs.

[gearheadE30]

Seeing as fluid is cheap and not all that difficult to change, I'd go ahead and do it. You went to all the trouble to make the diff work right; no reason to skimp now at a possible expense of its longevity.

[drumad]

Gah, another reason we need a google docs account.

[AndrewBird]

Seeing as fluid is cheap and not all that difficult to change, I'd go ahead and do it. You went to all the trouble to make the diff work right; no reason to skimp now at a possible expense of its longevity.

This.

It might be overkill, but it's cheap and easy.


Like your mom. ;)

[Highway1]

yeah i guess i'll change it. my roommate thinks i'm crazy for draining almost new redline fluid. he said if i collected it he would buy it from me for his rock crawler. lol

[Wanganstyle]

if you feel bad take it to a drift day or auto X first then change it so you don't feel that bad. Otherwise just bite the bullet and change it. New clutch discs/steels will some wear in crud; like what collects inside the LSD capsule on the grooves for the external spline discs and center ramps

The serious drifters with expensive LSD units change the fluid every event or two to prolong the diff internals.

[Highway1]

I changed the fluid a few weeks ago and it was definitely murky and full of particles. I highly recommend flushing the fluid to anyone rebuilding a diff. Even if you only replace the clutches without new bearings. Break it in and then change it.