2017~2025: When to change CX-5 Rear Differential Fluid?

[wlong01]

I don't think Mazda has a set schedule for changing the fluid. What kind of change schedule are people that just drive normally using?
I have 54,xxx on my 19 and the fluid has never been changed. I know Honda has a pretty tight schedule for changing diff fluid. Usually the
first change is around 13,000 miles then around 20,000 after. Weird that Honda would want it changed so often and Mazda doesn't.

 

[cz5gt]

Rear diff is not loaded that much unless you offroad a lot. The front transfer one is more important. It wont hurt to change them at this mileage if you plan keeping the car.

 

[GFrosty]

I don't think Mazda has a set schedule for changing the fluid.

For my 2016.5, the Owners Manual states the following regarding the rear differential and the transfer case fluid change through notes #5 and #6:

*5 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the rear differential oil at every 48,000 km (30,000 miles).​

a) Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier​

b) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet conditions​

c) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation​

d) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles)​

*6 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.​

​

It also warns of the general "harder-use" conditions for following the more-aggressive "Schedule 2" maintenance:

• Repeated short-distance driving
• Driving in dusty conditions
• Driving with extended use of brakes
• Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used
• Driving on rough or muddy roads
• Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
• Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
• Driving in extremely hot conditions
• Driving in mountainous conditions continually

While there isn't a specific recommended interval if not engaging in such usage, it wouldn't be unreasonable to swap new fluid at 30Kmi. Particularly if you feel as though your usage edges toward the "harder-use" list above.

 

[Conrad 16.5]

I don't think Mazda has a set schedule for changing the fluid. What kind of change schedule are people that just drive normally using?
I have 54,xxx on my 19 and the fluid has never been changed. I know Honda has a pretty tight schedule for changing diff fluid. Usually the
first change is around 13,000 miles then around 20,000 after. Weird that Honda would want it changed so often and Mazda doesn't.

I plan on changing the fluid in my diff at around the mileage that you have now.

Question for you. It seems that in most cases, folks have found the diff fluid to be low from the factory.

Have you ever checked yours? When I checked mine, I found it to be 12oz low of the correct fill that should take the fluid to the filler port threads. I added 12oz to top it off.

 

[wlong01]

I plan on changing the fluid in my diff at around the mileage that you have now.

Question for you. It seems that in most cases, folks have found the diff fluid to be low from the factory.

Have you ever checked yours? When I checked mine, I found it to be 12oz low of the correct fill that should take the fluid to the filler port threads. I added 12oz to top it off.

I never checked. I assume you need to put the car on a lift to check.

 

[Conrad 16.5]

I never checked. I assume you need to put the car on a lift to check.

No lift required, at least for me. There's plenty of room under the rear of the car to get at the diff filler port.

Remove the plug and pump in the OEM lube till it starts to run out of the port. Now it's filled properly.