Why does the oil need changing after gears? - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

camguynj · 06-12-2014, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS376

Very interesting. Probably, since I got GM factory gears (presuming they are the same 3.91's that go right into the 1LI), I don't really need to go through the 500 mile oil change, etc. But I'll probably do it anyway.

I got GM 3:91s installed in mine by a very experienced dealer mech. He said no break in fluid change was needed. Did a few heat cycles and approx 1,200 mi later all is good

I'll change at 15k mi from the install.

Three of Swords · 06-12-2014, 12:03 PM

You can make the assumption that changing the gears after 1500 miles is suggested because:

a) The owner's manual states a break-in period is 1500 miles.
b) The owner's manual says to change the fluids after the break-in if you plan to race or drive competitively.
c) Many of us 'drive competitively'. It's a sports car! If you'll never take it to the drag strip or other track, and drive like a grandmother, then you shouldn't bother. Personally, I knew I was going to be at the track some day and changed the fluid at 1500 miles!

It's up to you whether you feel you should do it, of course...

Source: 2011 Camaro Owner's Manual page 9-17

Highland Ranger · 06-12-2014, 03:06 PM

Just to be clear though, I'd like someone to point to the page where it says change diff fluid at 1500 miles. My manual says 15000. Racing is something else.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

SS376 · 06-12-2014, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camguynj

I got GM 3:91s installed in mine by a very experienced dealer mech. He said no break in fluid change was needed. Did a few heat cycles and approx 1,200 mi later all is good

I'll change at 15k mi from the install.

Thank you, and I also wanted to compliment you on your excellent taste in model year, transmission choice, color, exhaust system, and rear end gears

Our cars are nearly twins.

Mr_Draco · 06-12-2014, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highland Ranger

Page 11-7, severe schedule of the 2014 manual 3rd printing says 15,000 miles for rear axle fluid change. It does not delineate between zl1 and other models.

The break in section does not mention the diff ( page 9-19) other than to say fluid should be changed before racing.

Can you give me a page number and version of manual you are looking at?

They must have changed it cause in my '11 manual it says to change it after the 1,500 mile break in (doesn't say anything about racing or competitive driving). And in the scheduled maintenance section says 50k for severe usage.

camguynj · 06-12-2014, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS376

Thank you, and I also wanted to compliment you on your excellent taste in model year, transmission choice, color, exhaust system, and rear end gears

Our cars are nearly twins.

Thanks for the compliments. Mine was born 09/20/12. When was yours?

Driveshaftshop · 06-13-2014, 07:34 AM

Aftermarket gears are not made as good as a factory OE one, there are several processes and seating/lapping steps that are not done. this is why aftermarket has heat cycles and "break in", the gears are actually seating to each other, normally its from 300 to 500 miles and then the fluid is changed. as you can see in the other post the metal from this process is in the oil so making sure this is done is really needed.

SS376 · 06-13-2014, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camguynj

Thanks for the compliments. Mine was born 09/20/12. When was yours?

Mine is 4/13. Bought it new 1/14. It was the only manual trans NPP leftover new '13 within a couple hundred miles.

SS376 · 06-13-2014, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driveshaftshop

Aftermarket gears are not made as good as a factory OE one, there are several processes and seating/lapping steps that are not done. this is why aftermarket has heat cycles and "break in", the gears are actually seating to each other, normally its from 300 to 500 miles and then the fluid is changed. as you can see in the other post the metal from this process is in the oil so making sure this is done is really needed.

So since I had GM 3.91's installed, and not aftermarket gears, technically the same procedure is not really needed for these?

JCunningham · 06-13-2014, 11:20 AM

how about everyone check your diff fluid at 500 miles new or replaced gears and then decide if you want to change it.

AAM 3.91 gears you buy separate are the same gears they put in the 1le diffs.

Driveshaftshop · 06-16-2014, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS376

So since I had GM 3.91's installed, and not aftermarket gears, technically the same procedure is not really needed for these?

in theory you are correct, i would still check/change it .

06-12-2014, 12:03 PM	#16
Three of Swords Drives: 2011 IBM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MI Posts: 300	You can make the assumption that changing the gears after 1500 miles is suggested because: a) The owner's manual states a break-in period is 1500 miles. b) The owner's manual says to change the fluids after the break-in if you plan to race or drive competitively. c) Many of us 'drive competitively'. It's a sports car! If you'll never take it to the drag strip or other track, and drive like a grandmother, then you shouldn't bother. Personally, I knew I was going to be at the track some day and changed the fluid at 1500 miles! It's up to you whether you feel you should do it, of course... Source: 2011 Camaro Owner's Manual page 9-17 __________________

06-13-2014, 11:20 AM	#24
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	how about everyone check your diff fluid at 500 miles new or replaced gears and then decide if you want to change it. AAM 3.91 gears you buy separate are the same gears they put in the 1le diffs. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

06-12-2014, 03:06 PM	#17
Highland Ranger Drives: 2014 CRT Convertible ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: NW NJ Posts: 377	Just to be clear though, I'd like someone to point to the page where it says change diff fluid at 1500 miles. My manual says 15000. Racing is something else. Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

06-13-2014, 07:34 AM	#21
Driveshaftshop Drives: own more cars than i can list Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 1,124	Aftermarket gears are not made as good as a factory OE one, there are several processes and seating/lapping steps that are not done. this is why aftermarket has heat cycles and "break in", the gears are actually seating to each other, normally its from 300 to 500 miles and then the fluid is changed. as you can see in the other post the metal from this process is in the oil so making sure this is done is really needed.