VXR8 new owner, diff and gear oil question

[drew.h]

I've been driving my VXR8 (2008 manual 6.0L) around for a couple of weeks now and from time to time I get a clicking from the rear end. The service history is up to date, but no mention of the diff oil being changed. A quick search says I should use castrol saf carbon mod 75w90, but I can't find it anywhere. What is the recommended diff oil and where to buy?

Looks like the gearbox oil was changed 5 years ago, is it worth doing at the same time? Again, what is the recommended and where to buy?

Searching around forums I've found other stuff that needs checking/sorting, such as disconnecting the centre speaker, swapping the wires on the parcel shelf bass speakers and fixing a fast flash nearside indicator. Anything else I should check/change?

[vxr2010]

walkinshaw uk for the diff oil (or landrover from memory ) , gearbox oil if it’s been changed not long ago should be fine , as it’s supposed to be in there for some time , not trying to worry you a clicking diff could be a problem ? google and see what you find , an oil change may resolve it ,

[mfp4073]

Castrol Syntrax oil for the diff, and Royal Purple Synchromax for the gearbox. You won't go far wrong with those two. Try AAS in Newcastle for the best price and advice.
As for the time period for changing the diff and gearbox oil it really depends on how you drive the car and how many miles you cover.
I have 68,000 miles on my car and I've changed the gearbox oil twice, I replaced the diff 4000 miles ago after a rebuild and changed that oil after around 3500 break in miles.
Don't forget oil Is cheap.....diff, gearbox and engines rebuilds not so much.

[vxr2010]

is the castrol syntax not the monaro diff oil rather than r8 ? the r8 is more specific as it’s a different design

[mfp4073]

vxr2010 said:

is the castrol syntax not the monaro diff oil rather than r8 ? the r8 is more specific as it’s a different design

Oops....If that's the case I apologise, I wasn't aware the diffs were that different.

Edited by mfp4073 on Thursday 6th August 22:09

[drew.h]

I've emailed AAS and Walkinshaw, to see what they suggest. There is 6 months warranty with the car, so I'm not too worried.

[MontyPythonX]

Personally, i'd pick up the phone and give them a ring.
Neither were particularly responsive to emails when i tried

[fred bloggs]

The correct test for the diff is roll along at 20 mph in 1st , select second gear, and then with full throttle,bang the clutch home.

If the car leaves two big black lines, the diff is fine. If it leaves only one, you need a new diff.

[vxr2010]

if there is an issue with the car best highlighted now , as if it’s after 6 months and you say it’s broken then there won’t be a working warranty in place

[vxkev]

Diff clunking is a common thing with these and Monaro's usually changing the oil sorts it in Monaro's it is Castrol syntrax 75w/140 but VXR8's are different there is a castrol for them and I am sure somebody will be along to say which it is although Royal Purple is a good oil it does give these diffs knocking noises

[drew.h]

@fred bloggs
"I was just testing my diff officer", LOL. That will test the LSD, but open and welded diffs can also leave an 11. Its probably safer (but not as fun) to test an LSD by jacking the car up, making sure both wheels turn together in the same direction and also independently with a little force.

@vxkev
Thats the conclusion I came to reading old forum posts, but I couldn't find anyone agreeing on the correct oil.

Both AAS and Walkinshaw were quick to get back to me. Both can supply the correct oil mail order. Both about the same price.
For a VXR8 2008, AAS said Royal Purple 75w140 for the diff and Royal Purple Synchromax for the manual box. Walkinshaw didn't say (fair enough). If I get chance tomorrow, I'll phone the garage and see when they can take a look.

[vxkev]

drew.h said:

@fred bloggs
"I was just testing my diff officer", LOL. That will test the LSD, but open and welded diffs can also leave an 11. Its probably safer (but not as fun) to test an LSD by jacking the car up, making sure both wheels turn together in the same direction and also independently with a little force.

@vxkev
Thats the conclusion I came to reading old forum posts, but I couldn't find anyone agreeing on the correct oil.

Both AAS and Walkinshaw were quick to get back to me. Both can supply the correct oil mail order. Both about the same price.
For a VXR8 2008, AAS said Royal Purple 75w140 for the diff and Royal Purple Synchromax for the manual box. Walkinshaw didn't say (fair enough). If I get chance tomorrow, I'll phone the garage and see when they can take a look.

Are you on Facebook as there are groups on there and many more people to help

[drew.h]

I have already asked to join one Facebook group, but no reply. I'll try one or two of the others.

[vxkev]

drew.h said:

I have already asked to join one Facebook group, but no reply. I'll try one or two of the others.

Oh okay what name do you go by I will add you

[drew.h]

I've put requests in again today for the facebook groups Vauxhall VXR8 and Monaro owners and VXR8 / Monaro Owners With Vx-Enthusiast. Are these the best to join?

[vxkev]

Yes mate I can't see the applications so if you pm me your FB name I will ask admin to allow you in

[drew.h]

Just checked and I've been added now. Thanks for the offer to help.

[vxkev]