Hey...

Who here has experimented, not read, with different types of gear oil? I have posi, limited slip and I know I need the GM additive, but what oil to use. I want something that will lubricate the gears and bearings well. Regular gear oil, synthetic(which one).

I remember reading some of you guys went through this before. Was it you IROCKER or possibly PALRIC. Not sure but anyways, I need something good. I know the track does abuse the bearings and all but I think a better oil will help extend its life. I had the bearing done two years ago, dorve the car for what 5000kms and 22 runs at the track and its making noise again.


Thanks

 

Ya because your going to need it... hahahaha

 

FWIW I just changed my diif oil and put in Kendall synthetic along with the GM posi lube. No problems here.

Bob

 

I've run with three different scenarios:

1) Dino oil with GM Additive - no real problems at first but started to get posi chatter later on. I didn't know it was posi chatter at the time, I just knew the sound wasn't right.

2) Synthetic with GM Additive - This was an attempt to fix the posi chatter. I still had the chatter for a little while but it went away over time. After that, no complaints.

3) Royal Purple LSD Synthetic (NO additive) - Because I was hearing a bit of noise and my diff cover was leaking is the only reason I changed it. I put in the Royal Purple (VERY expensive but I got a small deal on it), which is a synthetic specifically made for limited slip differentials. It does not require the additive (in fact it says so right on the bottle). I have no troubles or complaints with the Royal Purple solution thus far...no funny noises or chatter.

There ya go.

 

I migh not be able to afford the Royal Purple, never mind where to find it, but I will be going with the MOBIL 1 Synthetic Gear Oil and add the GM additive.

Thanks

 

I use Amsoil gear oil. If you have a 9 bolt, you do not use posi additive.

 

88redxtsy: Sounds like a good combo...I might even suggest saving yourself a couple bucks and using the Motormaster syth instead of the Mobil1.

Acceld: Not true...without the additive I got posi chatter. Changed to syth with the additive and the problem went away. At $5 for a bottle of the stuff from GM, there's no harm in putting it in.

 

irocker, do you have a the Borg-Warner 9-bolt or a the regular gm 10-bolt. the posi units in each are a different design. everything i have ever read about each rear end has said 10 bolts use the posi and additive and like Acceld Z said, 9-bolts do not use posi additive.

 

I do have the 9 bolt and without the additive I had problems. And yes I know they're different...BW has cone-type clutches or something to that effect.

I shouldn't say that Acceld is wrong...as it seems from any of the discussion that I've seen on this topic there is no right or wrong answer. Some people with the BW rear have problems with the additive (I'm assuming Acceld is one of them) like the one wheel peel...and on the flip side some have had no problems (being myself). There is a tonne of threads out there that will support both cases. Perhaps a suggestion for James is to do the fluid change and not to put in the additive. If he experiences problems then put the additive in at that point.

 

I have the 10 bolt rear. As for posi chatter......I don't think I've ever heard such noise. Always the whining noise from the bearings. Than again my car has so much noise that I have no clue where its coming from

IROCKER- thanks for the money saving tip. I will go with the motomaster sythetic. But why? Who makes it for them? I know they buy their oil from Imeperial Oil (Esso) who is also conected with Mobil. Okay, I think motomaster might be Mobil 1 oil.

If I do hear noise I will let you guys know first hand with my experiance. So for now it's the Motomaster syntec plus GM additive.

Thanks again.

 

Not sure who makes it...but you may be right, it may be Esso.

As for posi chatter...if you have it you'll know. It's not a pleasant experience.

 

I have a 10 bolt LSD, and I pumped it full of CT stuff.... I didn't use any GM additive... but the CT stuff said it was specifically for LSD units. I have had no problems to date.... The posi grabs hard enough to melt both slicks out of the water box.

 

Actually, it's true The harm is that your posi will cease to function. I don't think we are talking about the same thing. The GM additive is different form the "friction modifiers" in most synthetic gear oils.

 

I had the GM additive in my BW 9-bolt for two years and it still works...I'm not sure what better proof is needed than that?!?

 

I added GM additive to my 9 bolt and my posi ceased to function. I drained and refilled without the additive and my posi now works. I beleive Dave has had the same results. I'm not pulling this out of my ***, it's what the general says to do with 9 bolts. I can come up with the TSB # if you'd like. Once again, I think we are going to have to agree to disagree

 

I think you're right, Acceld Z. Mine was the total opposite. Put in synthetic and had no posi. Drained it, put in regular gear oil and GM additive. No problems. Go figure.

 

Hey guys for what it is worth I re & re'd mine with GM oil and additive. Paranoid. Went with what the factory said. Same with my tranny.

You OUGHT TO ASK mark97z about his synth and additive experience. What a freaking nightmare to-date he is in for over $1100 and now this posi (new one) is on the way out too. Not the gears -- the bearings and these are new -- what a mess. A black hole on the credit card.

RP.

 

I will never ever use synthetic in anything other than an engine again. As palric said, I'm currently out $1100 (yes I know I overpaid...) for all new bearings because I put synthetic lube in the rear. That was WITH the GM additive. I think the oil was Penzoil gear lube.

I have the remains of the bearings which fried themselves, the synthetic just isn't thick enough to lubricate a rear end properly in my opinion. This was with a rear end with 55000km on it.

Bear in mind that this was for a 4th gen, but I think the rear ends are the same.

When in doubt - use the GM stuff. The car came with it new and I bet you have NEVER heard of anyone having problems with it. If you check out camaroz28.com there are more horror stories like mine there. My car now has the GM lube with the GM additive in it.

Mark
'97 Cayenne Red Z28
LS1 DS, STB, !CAGS, Cutout, K&N FIPK

 

I will agree to disagree.

 

To each his own, but I won't use synthetic anywhere again, especially in the engine. It's ok for racecars, that get tore down every year, but to run the stuff on the street.
There's nothing good enough to last the 50,000kms. that's
Besides, I hate the waiting at the track when they gotta clean that stuff up, after a street car blows a rod out of the block.
Just old fashion, I guess.