Originally Posted By: GMorg
From the cited thread above:
"I have also contacted David Canitz at RP. He explained that VersaTrak fluid (GM 12378514) is the same part number that is used for the Corvette manual transmission fluid and that RP Synchromax is recommended as a replacement in that application. I did not fully understand if he was suggesting that VersaTrak fluid is the same as the manual transmission fluid or that the part number is used for more than one fluid. He also said that he had heard of others using Synchromax in some other applications, but he added "we are not claiming that the Synchromax is a warranty replacement for all Versatrak.""
And from NHHEMI in the same thread:
"Go visit any Saturn forum and specifically the Vue sections and you will find posts from people who have run RP in place of Versatrak for 60K+...However, understand your AWD system is different than that in the Vue's, Equinox, Torrent, etc...Your AWD system( I decided to go look )was used in the Montana, Aztek, and Venture. Different system so different parts. That can be a big reason."
I would think that the OP's Rendezvous is the same unit as in the Montana and Venture.
I have no experience with Synchromax in the transfer case, but I was not pleased with groan it left in the RDM. I also was not impressed with RP's response when I communicated my experience. I did find it interesting that they said that they had never actually tested Synchromax for my application.
I understand it did not work for you in your application. I don't think anyone intentionally mislead you however which is what it sounds like you are feeling? I sure didn't. I went out of my way to help you. I told you to try it because I had read about guys with Vue's using it with no problems.
After you reported your issues I did some digging and found you have a different AWD system than the Vue and other GM AWD systems so that can be the issue right there. YOur syystem was used on a certain type of vehicle in a certain time frame. No clue if the OP's Rendevous uses the same system? GM used different systems in their various AWD offerings. I would not assume anything at this point.
RP told you to use it because to that point they, apparantly, had not run into a problem and have successfully seen it replace that fluid. They even pointed out it is not a warranty acceptable replacement which most companies would not do.
I will wager that if someone with a vehicle like yours asks David again about replacing Versatrak he either says Synchromax won't work or that results may vary. A small company like RP does not have the resources to test their fluid in every single application. Versatrak apparantly is callled for in the Vette tranny and they have used Synchromax to replace it successfully( my take on your info from DC above ).
I am guessing here they "assumed" it would work in your RDM as well as it replaced that fluid successfully in other applications it is called for in. Apparantly it didn't work for you. It does work in the Vue RDM so there is soemthing different about yours. Also, I seem to recall even Versatrak fluid doesn't hold up well in your RDM and that you need to change it frequently( what was it - every 30K I believe ). While obviously the RP fluid made noise and the OE fluid was quiet I wonder if your RDM does not have issues.