Gents,

Got a problem with a 2002 Vinson 500 auto 4x4 front differential... Found a puddle of diff oil under it in the garage after a long ride last weekend. Plan to have it fixed, but have a couple of questions since we're hoping to take it with us tomorrow.

-What size allen wrench is need to drain the front differential?

-If it's a slow leak and we keep our eye on it (fill when necessary) would it be OK to take it out for a day of riding? Slow leak..

-Anybody see their front diff on a Vinson just fail like this? One guy we talked to said it was likely grass that got forced up into the seal and ruined it.

-What fluid type should I use to fill it up? Not standard gear oil I'm thinking....

Not really a Suzuki guy, so kind of unsure of the situation with this machine. Thanks for any help you could provide.

 

What... Nobody in the Suzuki forums can answer these pretty basic questions? Especially the one about the allen wrench size... If I posted this same question in the Polaris forums I'd have three answers by now Guess this area doesn't get a lot of action...

Will check in the AM and see if there's an answer.

 

Try a 10mm allan key for the bung (I think thats it). As for oil, you are safe to top-up so long as the leak is not letting a river out. I use GL5 LSD oil grade EP90.
The seal is easy to fix once you get universal off. The pinion is held by circlips but they don't need to be touched.
Have a search for 1 of the online parts suppliers and there should be a breakdown of the diff assy to look at.