I had to cut this into 3 messages as there is a 1000 character limit.

Do you still have your X-Type? What brands are you running for consumables (brakes, tyres, filters, spark plugs, radiator/heater hoses, etc)?

I must apologise for my delayed reply, the last four years have vanished (back fusion surgery - only one disc, ankle surgery. excuses, excuses) in a blur of medical appointments and medications.

regards
Paul

Edging closer to 100,000kms has me interest renewed in servicing the poor girl. I have changed the engine oil and filter twice since I purchased her, for everything else she is well overdue. I have lashed out on spark plugs and manifold seals, coolant and a fuel filter. I just have to do the work now. I had to replace the rear brake pads last month due to the wear indicators driving me crazy, the rotors are still good for another set of pads. I have had a set of front pads on order since before Christmas (yes over 3 months), thankfully they aren't needed even yet but they just came in last week. Long story short, good friend good price poor customer service from supplier.

Hi Larry,

reading your last reply where you start by apologising for a delayed response just plain embarrasses me now.

I still have the same container of Castrol Syntrax 80W-140 I bought back then and the fluid is still inside that container not my TC. Further reading your last message I see this process needs doing every four years - I'm just in time (or not). In that time I've covered less than 25000km but time marches on deteriorating things as it goes. I have used some of this fluid to refresh the rear axle (last week).

Hi Larry,

My name is Paul, I live at Hervey Bay and I bought a X-Type earlier this year. I'm looking at servicing this vehicle myself so I was hoping to pick your brains a little. Since you are local to Australia I'm sure your preference for lubricants will be more relevant than a lot of suggestions on the forum.

I just read your post from July 2011 on draining/filling the transfer case fluid in your X-Type. Earlier in the same thread there is a .pdf file detailing the drain process by removing the companion flange. Did you find this necessary or did you drain it by some other means (I think by re-reading your post that you just drained it through the fill plug)? How did you go for sourcing/making the special tools to remove and install the pinion seal? When you raised your car on the passenger side to 540mm was this to the lowest point of the sill?

What other fluids do you use for your car? Any local knowledge you have would be most welcome.

regards
Paul