Current mileage:
152,411
Rechecked the LDU leak, this time actually opened the fill plug to see if anything comes out, and yes started to drip right away, so closed it back up and left it alone. Also, had been looking for a LDU oil/fluid change DIY and couldn't find much here on TMC, so below is my attempt. I did not do a full drain and fill this time, but these steps should help you if you ever need to.
Great video to watch for reference:
Great post from @David99
DIY drive unit fluid flush
===============================================================================
Transmission fluids:
Front drive unit part number 1035000-00-F and earlier: Mobil SHC 629
Front drive unit part number 1035000-00-J and later: DEXRON VI (DEXRON 6) automatic transmission fluid
Rear drive unit (small and large): DEXRON VI (DEXRON 6) automatic transmission fluid
Component / System Capacities:
Transmission (front, small drive unit) 1.8 quarts 1,750 ml
Transmission (rear, small drive unit) 2.4 quarts 2,250 ml
Transmission (rear, large drive unit) 1.5 quarts 1,400 ml
===============================================================================
Grabbed some (2 quarts | 1.5 quarts 1,400 ml) Dexron VI from Autozone and a pump:
Get a 5/16 Allen/Hex Bit to remove the drain and fill bolts later:
DIY LDU Oil Change:
1. Jack up the car on all 4 corners if you can. At the least try to have it as leveled as you can. I was able to get 1 jack stand under the front passenger side, then used 2 hydrolic jacks in the rear to level out the car, with about 2 feet of clearance to crawl under the rear of the car.
2. Remove rear under tray/aero sheild and aero sheild strakes, all 10mm bolts and clips. There are lots of bolts but only about 4 clips. Missing in the picture below are 4 bolts holding the 4 strips onto the bumper.
3. Locate the fill bolt on the driver side of the Drive Unit. Remove it slowly. Then remove the drain bolt just below the fill bolt.
4. Allow to drain for a few minutes into a pan. Then reinstall drain bolt (
20.65ft-lb or 28NM).
5. Using the Pump, pump Dexron VI into the fill hole until a little comes out. A little less than 2 quarts (1.5 quarts 1,400 ml) is needed. Reinstall the fill bolt (
20.65ft-lb or 28NM).
6. Reinstall the rear under tray/aero sheild and aero sheild strakes and all bolts.
7. Lower the car down, and go for a ride.