RDM and PTO fluid at 100K?

[VTchemist]

My 2003 has hit 100k miles. It is a V6 AWD. I'll be taking it in to have the plugs changed, timing belt replaced, transmission fluid and filter changed, and the radiator flushed.

The dealership did not advise changing the PTO fluid or the RDM fluid. The manual recommends the PTO to be changed. Lots of folks here or the board recommend RDM fluid changes to avoid RDM failure.

I've looked at the DIY sheets on changing the plugs and belt for the L81 engine. There is just too much for me to take apart (intake manifold) to get access to the plugs (and they are the original plugs). That's why I want to take it in.

Has anyone had experience with PTO fluid exchange? I read the RDM posts, but I don't think I will be able to get under my VUE (I'm handicapped) to drain, fill, and check the levels.

Any comments would be appreciated. Dealer is asking $750 for the the service. They told me the tranny service did not cover the PTO or RDM fluid service.

BTW, I am not having any rear-end noise. But I'd like to keep the vehicle for another 100k miles!

[D C]

I thought the PTO fluid was the trans fluid. They should be drawing from the same supply.

Personally, I would change the RDM fluid and replace it with a synthetic fluid with positraction friction modifiers. No experience doing it, but I'd be putting in the best fluid I could find.

[newbievueowner]

PTO is not the same as the trans fluid. PTO is basically the 'transfer case' for AWD's and likely uses 75W90 synthetic gear lube.

I'm going to give the RP syncromax fluid a go and see how it works out. It supposedly replaces the #12378514 RDM fluid part number. I don't think I currently have any issues with the RDM other than it's lack of performance, I'm hoping that new fluid may help correct that.

[D C]

Just checked and you're correct. In '03 it is not shared fluid with the trans. That's not the case for some later transmissions. And per GM, the fluid doesn't require servicing.

[newbievueowner]

And per GM, the fluid doesn't require servicing.

Sure it doesn't, that's because they want you to buy a new vehicle every 5-6 years.

[VTchemist]

The dealership quoted $175 for changing the RDM fluid. Changing the PTU fluid was also $175.

The 02 and 03 V6 automatics have the Aisin transmissions and do not share the transmission fluids (as on the Honda models). You have to use the special synthetic fluid for the PTU.

BTW, I did have the 100K service done today. Dealership changed the plugs, timing belt, and transmission fluid. The valve cover gaskets were leaking pretty bad, and the serpentine belt was pretty worn. All were changed. Total bill was right at $900.

I had the radiator fluid changed at 72K miles. The water pump went out. That shaved about $100 of the bill today.

I'll have the PTU and RDM fluid changed in a couple of months (after I have more cash...)

[newbievueowner]

The Honda's also have a separate PTO fluid, it's just a synthetic 75W-90 GL5 gear lube. $175 for the RDM and $175 for the PTO change seems pretty damn steep to me, especially with you being in the States and all!