Mazda RX8 Differential Parts - Oil, Mounts, Drain Plugs & More

Mazda RX8 differential parts for owners servicing, refreshing or maintaining the rear driveline with confidence. Covers differential oil, magnetic drain plugs, mounts and cooling covers for a properly considered service or driveline refresh.

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Full synthetic GL-5 lubricant in the correct 80W-140 grade for RX8 rear differential servicing. Two 1-litre bottles supply the full service quantity.

$100

Fresh RX8 limited slip differential oil in the right volume. Suits the OEM Torsen diff and clutch-type LSD upgrades, eliminating chatter and protecting gear sets.

$120

Reinforced urethane mounts that eliminate diff movement under load, sharpening rear-end feel and reducing axle tramp on corner exits.

$250

Adds 750cc of diff oil capacity and external cooling fins to tame chronic heat build-up in the Series 1 RX8 differential.

$690

Swap the stock diff drain plug for a super magnetic unit that collects metal particles, turning every oil change into a real condition check.

$70

What owners are saying

AUTOEXE Premium Cat-Back Exhaust Muffler for Mazda RX8 (Series 1 & 2, 2003-2012) AUTOEXE Premium Cat-Back Exhaust Muffler for Mazda RX8 (Series 1 & 2, 2003-2012)

Just installed my spanking new Autoexe Stainless Muffler, and here's a short take of my initial impressions: The Autoexe catback is lovely - very unique 2 box design and the tips are the tapered kind (ie cut at an angle) each lasercut with the Autoexe logo. Very nicely polished midpipe which connects beautifully (and easily) with the exhaust outlet. Most importantly, the exhaust tips have a perfect visual alignment, unlike other exhausts i've seen where one tip protrudes out more than the other. The Autoexe definitely doesn't have this problem. Also, the 2 box design has a lower profile than stock. Previously, i used to scrape and even dent the exhaust box when clearing humps or even parking - not so with the Autoexe. The Autoexe performs really well, at least on my AT. There is a noticable increase in low end torque, and the car just feels substantially lighter. Revs are much more responsive, and the slight lag felt when launching the car seems to have melted away. Linear acceleration is also much faster (at least across 1st 3 gears), and i'm reaching 120-130kmh much faster on 2nd gear alone (NB mine is the 4spd AT). I'm very pleased with the low-torque gains on the Autoexe - finally i have that slight 'lurch' from start which the manuals seem to have, but the ATs don't. The Autoexe starts off idle with a really low, bassy growl. When first installed, it was barely audible, but sounds louder now. In time, the db will increase to an extent. On higher RPM revs, exhaust sounds deep and wet, and def not those shrilly Remus' we hear on the expressways from time to time. Installation was a breeze, and took under an hour at Monster Garage at Ubi, who's the only authorized dealer in Singapore, so these guys know their stuff. The torque/hp improvement was a shocker esp on low end, esp when mine's an AT. I've heard of bros installing Fujitsubos and HKSs that have either no or negative benefit. In this respect, I'm mighty pleased with the Autoexe. Sound is not loud, but a soft low bassy growl when idle, which develops into a mature wet sound at higher revs.

APEXi Electronic SMART Accelerator Controller with Harness for Mazda RX8 (Series 1 & 2, 2003-2012) APEXi Electronic SMART Accelerator Controller with Harness for Mazda RX8 (Series 1 & 2, 2003-2012)

Boost 1 felt impressive indeed. Very easy to chirp the rears and get TRC active. This would probably be the all-round mode you could use every day. Lovely accelerator response and a positive feeling that the car is faster off the mark. Boost 2... where do I start? Perhaps with the black lines I've been leaving on my test track. This mode is absolutely ridiculous, and care should be taken when the car is in Sport mode and TRC turned off. You can easily get the car to light up the rears with the absolute minimum of effort. The first time I tested this I was genuinely surprised and had to tap the brakes and give out a sigh of shock. Amazing power delivery... it feels as though the car has been turbocharged and off the line performance is stellar. All in all, for around $250 delivered, this is one amazing piece of hardware. Overall rating: A++ Takes the sluggishness out of the IS to transform it into a spritely beast.

The rear differential is one of the harder-working components in the RX8 driveline. Because of this, the parts surrounding it deserve the same attention as the engine and gearbox during any serious service. This range brings together the maintenance and supporting hardware most commonly needed when refreshing or looking after the rear end.

Mazda RX8 differential parts, differential oil, magnetic drain plugs, mounts and cooling covers, are grouped in one place for owners who want to approach the job properly.

Differential servicing: getting the fluids right

Fluid condition is the single most important variable in differential longevity. Fresh oil restores the lubricating film the gears and bearings depend on. Also, selecting the correct specification matters. RX8 differential oil requirements differ depending on whether the car has an open differential or an LSD. For example, using the wrong fluid in a limited-slip unit will cause chatter and accelerate wear. Therefore, owners with an LSD should confirm they are selecting an appropriate RX8 LSD oil rather than a standard gear oil.

In addition, draining and refilling is the right moment to fit a RX8 magnetic drain plug. It captures fine ferrous particles in the fluid and keeps them away from precision surfaces between service intervals.

Supporting hardware worth refreshing at the same time

A fluid service is a natural prompt to inspect the surrounding hardware. Meanwhile, rubber differential mounts harden and crack with age. Tired items introduce driveline vibration that is easily mistaken for other causes. As a result, addressing RX8 differential mounts during a driveline refresh removes a common source of NVH without significant additional labour.

Moreover, for builds running harder or in warmer conditions, a RX8 diff cooling cover is worth considering as part of a more thorough driveline upgrade plan.

RX8 differential parts at a glance

  • Differential oil, match the specification to your differential type; also, LSD units require an appropriate friction-modifier formulation
  • Magnetic drain plug, fits during an oil change and works passively between services; as a result, fluid stays cleaner between intervals
  • Differential mounts, renewed rubber reduces driveline vibration; moreover, it sharpens response through the rear end
  • Diff cooling cover, relevant for track use or builds that place elevated thermal demand on the rear differential

Planning a differential upgrade as part of the wider driveline

Rear differential work rarely benefits from being done in isolation. Before starting, review mount condition and confirm which differential configuration the car has. Then, select fluid accordingly. Combining a fluid change with fresh mounts and a magnetic drain plug in one session avoids pulling the hardware twice.

Finally, each product listing includes fitment and specification details for the full range of Mazda RX8 differential parts. Read them carefully to confirm the part suits your differential configuration and the work you have planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the differential oil on my RX8?

Most RX8 owners service the differential oil every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres as part of routine driveline maintenance, though more frequent changes are worthwhile on cars used hard or on track. Checking the fluid condition at each major service interval is the best guide to whether a change is due.

Does my RX8 have a limited-slip differential, and does it need a different oil?

The RX8 was available with both open and Torsen-type limited-slip differentials depending on specification and market. If your car has an LSD, it requires a fluid formulated to suit that differential type - using the wrong oil can cause chatter or premature wear on the clutch packs or torsen internals. Check your differential specification before selecting oil.

What does a magnetic drain plug do for the RX8 differential?

A magnetic drain plug captures fine metal particles that circulate in the differential oil before they can cause abrasive wear on gears and bearings. Inspecting the plug at each fluid change also gives a practical indication of how much internal wear is occurring, making it a useful addition to any differential service.

When should I replace the RX8 differential mounts?

Differential mounts deteriorate over time and with heat cycles, and worn mounts can introduce driveline vibration, imprecise throttle response and increased NVH at the rear of the car. They are worth inspecting whenever the differential is out or the underside is being worked on, particularly on higher-mileage or track-used RX8s.

What is an RX8 differential cooling cover and who needs one?

A differential cooling cover is a component designed to help manage heat in the differential housing, which can be a concern on cars driven hard or used in circuit conditions where sustained high loads raise fluid temperatures. It is most relevant to owners building for track or spirited road use rather than standard street driving.

Can I service the RX8 differential myself, or does it need a specialist?

A basic fluid change on the RX8 differential is within reach for a competent home mechanic with the correct tools and a suitable drain plug socket. More involved work such as mount replacement or cooling upgrades benefits from workshop experience with rear driveline components, and confirming torque specs and fluid quantities before starting is essential.

Should I address the differential mounts and fluid at the same time?

Combining a fluid change with mount inspection or replacement is sensible when the differential is already accessible, as it avoids duplicating labour and ensures the whole assembly is in good condition at the same time. Reviewing all supporting hardware together is a practical approach to a thorough driveline refresh.