[jsg1402]

Having read the thread about the trans fluid change with "Redline" trans fluid, I wanted to get some opinions on what's the best way to proceed. I know these Cadillacs are very particular about what type of parts are used but I'm hoping they aren't with the transmission and brake fluids. I don't have a problem with using the OEM trans and brake fluids which I guess my mechanic can obtain. Has anyone used aftermarket trans or brake fluids without any problems cropping up? If so what brands work well.
Thanks for any responses.

 

[sapien]

I'm running Red Line 75W90 in the rear diff, no issues and it does meet the GM spec for this car, and less expensive than the grape stuff from the dealer. I trust the other Red Line fluids too, have used them in various vehicles, you can order them on Amazon.

 

[Boat]

I'm the one that used the Redline fluid in the trans. I don't believe the fluid caused the whining- everything is still normal, and the whining went away as the weather got nicer (warmer). Heck, it's possible that the fluid just needed to break down a bit. I'm not concerned. Redline is also going into my Z06's transmission soon, very popular among Corvette owners.

That being said, if I were to do it again, I'd stick to OEM fluid for something as intrinsic as a Cadillac transmission. I can't say for sure whether the whining was an existing issue or not, as it was my first winter with the car.

I also recently changed my front/rear diff and t-case oils with Mobil 1 stuff. No issues thus far.

 

[jsg1402]

Thanks for the replies. I forgot about the rear differential fluid, will have to add that to the list. Any comment on brake fluid or anti-freeze?

 

[Boat]

I just stick with an off the shelf dot 3/4 brake fluid. Unless if you have a V that you road race, no reason to spend extra on a better brake fluid.

People have varying opinions on coolant. Some switch to green, others stay with dexcool. IMO dexcool is fine as long as you change it at a certain interval (no longer than 50k if I remember right?) I'd rather not go through the hassle of flushing it out to change to green coolant because it's hard to tell whether you flushed it well enough- dexcool and regular coolant shouldn't be mixed.

 

[1BadCadSTS]

I just stick with an off the shelf dot 3/4 brake fluid. Unless if you have a V that you road race, no reason to spend extra on a better brake fluid. People have varying opinions on coolant. Some switch to green, others stay with dexcool. IMO dexcool is fine as long as you change it at a certain interval (no longer than 50k if I remember right?) I'd rather not go through the hassle of flushing it out to change to green coolant because it's hard to tell whether you flushed it well enough- dexcool and regular coolant shouldn't be mixed.

Dex change interval is 5 year 100k. I wouldn't let it go that long though. Cheap insurance and any monkey can do a drain and fill on the rad every 75k. A full system flush is impossible without proper equipment.