Honda Pilot VTM

Discussion in 'Pilot' started by pjw, Jun 27, 2005.

  1. pjw

    pjw Guest

    I own a Honda Pilot that has about 20k miles on the odometer and is 1.5
    years old.

    The Maintenance Manual calls for the replacement of the VTM-4 rear
    differential fluid "every 15k miles up to 30k miles or every 1 year, then
    every 30k miles or 2 years." So, I guess replacement is due. Have I done
    any harm by waiting so long?

    I haven't even looked under the rear of the car iet. What's involved in
    replacing the fluid? What type of special fluid is required(Honda I
    presume)? Any special tools necessary? Any other parts required?

    I'd appreciate any tips or advice. THANKS

    ~pjw
     
    pjw, Jun 27, 2005
    #1
  2. pjw

    motsco_ _ Guest


    -----------------------

    No harm, but it might make bad noises when doing tight left-hand turns
    atlow speed. Start here to look in the articles, or sign in, and use the
    SEARCH function. There are other forums too.
    http://www.hondasuv.com/pilot/index.php
    It's easy to do, but the nuts might be TIGHT.

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_ _, Jun 27, 2005
    #2
  3. Check out the Maintenance section of the forums on http://hondapilot.org.
    I think someone did a complete write-up on how to do it, what he used,
    etc. It's pretty easy if I remember correctly. You do need to use
    the Honda fluid though, and make sure the funnels, pumps, etc. you use
    are not contaminated with any other fluids. Some people have mentioned
    that any non-Honda fluid, even a small amount, caused issues.

    Here's the URL for the VTM-4 fluid change. You'll need to go in a
    few pages to get to the list of things you need.

    http://hondapilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1023&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
     
    Mike Iglesias, Jun 27, 2005
    #3
  4. pjw

    TWW Guest

    I had our Pilot serviced by our local Honda dealer at 15k, which included
    the VTM fluid replacement, for a total cost of $109.31. Given that you
    probably paid around 30k for the vehicle, the service cost is "chump
    change."
     
    TWW, Jun 29, 2005
    #4
  5. pjw

    pjw Guest

    Thanks for your responses. With your input in mind, I slipped under the car
    (without jacking it up) and realized that the fluid change was going to be
    a breeze.

    I placed the drain pan under the differential, removed the "fill" then the
    "drain" plugs and let the fluid flow.

    While it was draining I used my floor jack to take the front end up 6-8".
    After the drain was completed, I dropped the jack, attached a cap which
    turns "open/shut." The cap has an 18" flexible tube on it(I use this for
    tranny fills) to the top of the gallon container and slipped back under
    the car.

    I plugged the "drain" and inserted the tube in the "fill." The hollow of
    the spare allowed me to hold and squeeze the conatiner until the fluid
    began oozing out. Popped in the "fill" plug and the job was done.

    Thanks Again!
    ~PJW
     
    pjw, Jul 2, 2005
    #5
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