Changing differential fluid

[erikwells]

I have a 2002 Honda Foreman 450 ES and I cannot find the manual. That said I want to change the differential fluid. I think thats the right term? At any rate what is the right kind of oil/fluid to use and is there any real trick to it or is it a task suited for the shop? Thanks.

[Macgyver55]

It's a relatively easy job and requires no special tools. I personally use the Honda gear lube but it is a bit more expensive than what you can buy at the auto parts store. Each differential, both front and rear have a small drain plug near the bottom of the housing to drain it. The rear differential drain plug is kind of hidden by the skid plate that bolts on the bottom so you will need to remove that for access. After it is fully drained, reinstall the drain plug then refill back up to the level of the fill level hole located on the side of the case(not the large one where you fill it). The front, if I remember correctly, you simply fill up to the bottom of the large fill hole.

You can get away with using regular or synthetic 70w-90 gear lube but as I said I've always just used the Honda stuff.

[erikwells]

Macgyver55 thank you very much I'm a bit mechanically challenged however I now feel a bit more confident about getting this done.