Willie,
I do the AYC fluid change on my 6 myself. According to the workshop manuals it is a simple drop and replace procedure.
The tricky bit is getting the filler plug back in because of limited access.
I have changed it twice since I had the car, and am now at 32k miles with no problems as yet.
Given below is a copy of exactly what I did.
You really need to get a copy of the workshop manual for the relevant diagrams to show the filler drain plugs etc.
If you can't get hold of these let me know and I'll post you a copy
of the diagram.
LANCER EVOLUTION 6 AYC FLUID CHANGE : Read all this before proceeding to change.
According to the EVO6 workshop manual, the changing of the AYC fluid is a simple
drop and replace procedure, and so can be done at home with the correct technical
diagram, the AYC fluid (£11.00|PLS|vat from Co-ordsport), and simple tools.
However, since there are 3 different oils associated with the AYC type differential,
caution needs to be applied.
These oils are namely, the differential oil that lubes the pinion and ring gears,
the AYC fluid that lubes the torque transfer mechanism (clutches), and the ATF fluid
that is present in the hydraulic system that actuates the steering ' assistance '.
However, it does require the patience of a saint to replace the filler plug ,
because of the very limited access, but it can be done. Check your hand for fit
between the differential housing and the cross member BEFORE you remove the plug
( if you have very large hands then maybe a friend can help.)
When replacing the plug, I found that the only way I could reach up high enough
and clear all the obstructions was to hold the plug between my middle and ' ring '
finger ( not possible with fore-finger and thumb ) then by squeezing my other hand
up and over the crossmember, enough to help manipulate the plug, I could get the
plug in position and manage a few quarter turns, enough to get the threads started.
It sounds tortuous, but it is possible, but give yourself plenty of time.
When you are ready to change the AYC fluid, make sure you have a large syringe,
the biggest you can get,( mine was a 60ml one so I had to do about 12 injections
to get the 0.7 litres of fluid into the AYC portion of the differential), a length
of tubing about 2-3 feet long (external diameter and amp;lt; 1/2inch),the genuine Mitsubishi
AYC fluid, a 17mm ring spanner for the filler plug, a 24mm socket for the drain
plug , the technical diagram showing the filler and drain plugs and you'll be there.
Be sure to have the relevant technical manual guidance, since the diff. oil filler
and drain plugs are also close-by and there is the possibility for confusion.
However, the AYC filler plug is stamped AYC OIL, and there is AYC stamped on the
diff housing near to the AYC drain plug. ( AGAIN, CHECK DIAGRAM)
Invariably, the car will be jacked up some for access( don't forget your axle stands ).
Drain the old fluid off,replace drain plug. Remove filler plug.
Fill the AYC portion of the diff until the fluid spills over, let down the car onto
level surface, the fluid will spill over some more. When the fluid stops spilling
over, the level of the AYC fluid is now level with the bottom of the filler hole.
Replace the filler plug.
- Mr Mime