I'm not really willing to spend the $60-70 on Amsoil or redline for 5 qts of gear oil on my maxima...but it seems that everyone else doesnt make a GL-4 gear oil anymore and the manual only calls for GL-4 75-90. Are there any options other than the 'racing' oils or do i have to bite the bullet and spend big bux on 5qts of gear oil.

 

I found some pennzoil GL-4 online however i've never been a fan of it after reading some UOA on it...

 

I thought it only took about two and a half quarts???

 

00-01 5spds take 5 qts

 

whoa, i had no idea. something to keep in mind. and maybe stock up on the 75-90 in case arabian gear oil prices go up suddenly...

 

Valvoline
Penzoil
Mobil 1

 

When I done my fluid change I used a product called GM synchromesh. It is a good product that makes the tranny smoother and quieter. The actual oil I used was 75/W90 gear oil. Worked like a dream.

 

are you sure this oil will not eat the synchros? that is the main reason we have to use GL-4, it doesn't have additives like in later oils that destroy our synchros over time.

if not, that is good info. i'll look into it next time.

 

In my research i've discovered that Pennzoil/GM Syncromesh is NOT API GL rated, so that means that you dont know if its ok to use in trans with yellow metals. Also Syncromesh shears really easily and should be changed every 10-15k. I would never run the stuff in a trans that didnt call for it.

I dont know about the 6spds but the 5spds call for:

 

All I can atone to is my experience with the product. I had no issues at all. It made my tranny shift smoother and get quieter. Use at your own risk of course but I have put the product in every manual tranny I've had and loved it.

 

Well i said screw it and just bought some MT-90, the local napa gave ma a kickin deal $54 out the door including tax Oh and the chick helping me was hot too thats always a plus.

 

Especially if she is single (or at least has a wimpy bf) and she messed your order up so you have to go back and talk to her and score some conversation points, just like Sims

 

I shoulda asked her out today, but got shy

 

Mobil 1 makes the tranny shift like nothing else out there, but it is GL-5 and Mobil 1 does not recommend using it. So just because it feels like it is better means squat. You could be corroding your synchros without knowing it.

There are some gl-5's out there that are backwards compatible like royal purple and motul.

 

You should have changed her oil..

 

Mobil 1's 75W90 may be used as a GL-4 lubricant

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub..._LS_75W-90.asp

 

mt-90 took a little over 2 qts in my 6spd

 

perhaps however i'm exceptionally leery of anything that says GL-5, since it is a common misconception that GL-5 is simply a GL-4 but better when in reality they are different and one is not better than the other. Its not a matter of GL-5 simply superseding GL-4 since GL-5 lubricants require different properties to do their intended job. This is all very similar to people thinking that they can run DOT 5 brake fluid in a system that calls for DOT3 or 4. The chemical composition is different and DOT5 can fubar your brake system.

 

Yes i am well aware that 6spds only require 2.3 or so qts of fluid in their tranny I however wanted fluid for my 2001 5spd manual and it requires 4.5 quarts......

 

Not according to Mobil 1. Their synthetic uses high amounts of sulphur. I emailed them ages ago and they told me to take the stuff out of my tranny immediately.

Also read the description...
"Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant LS 75W-90 can also be used in rear axles where API Service GL-4 lubricant is recommended"

I don't think rear wheel drive cars have brass synchros in the rear axles

 

Tried Redline, Mobil1 (kinda had to) and Specialty Formulations (no longer in business). Now on Amsoil, and loving it. Not going back.

 

I've tried Mobil 1, amsoil, redline and motul. Motul is the best in cold climates, then amsoil, then redline. Mobil 1 doesn't count since it shouldn't be used.

 

ive never changed manual transmission fluid ever and never had any problems. From what i've understood, it doesn't take as much abuse as an automatic. I've replaced plenty clutches, but never gear oil.

 

+1 .. I think the manual calls for a fluid change around 80k or 100k.. but many drive way past that without problems. a friend drained his first time at 130k and only because tranny axle bearings were going bad. the fluid looked very clean.

 

That's just asking for trouble. Manual calls for a changes every 30k in harsh driving environments, going more than 80k is foolish imo. When i changed my fluid it was BLACK and had noticeable particles in suspension in the fluid. Remember there is no filter or magnetic drain plug on the MT's on these cars once the oil is contaminated its going to be wearing away at all the metal on medal contacts in the trans.

For the love of god change your fluid now.

 

I have 02-6 spd w/130k+ and have never changed the gear fluid but I also don't have any problems with shifting unless I slam it into 5th. Don't really slam it into 5th that often but occasionally.
I think its about time to change it anyways. Any recomendations on which may be a better oil. I was looking at redline and amsoil.. Those are the only two im interested.

 

I am pretty sure there ARE magnets in the manual tranny.

It just doesn't have a magnetic drain plug.

They were pointed out in the FSM somewhere.

 

Both are about the same in terms of quality and protection. Some claim smoother shifts with Redline others claim smoother shifts with Amsoil. Either way you are getting great protection.

 

^^ sounds good, I will just go with whatever is cheaper in my area I quess. I'm taking a road trip to chicago from denver this weekend so I hope to get this done before.
Also can't wait to see how this car runs at sea level since i've only drove it above 5,000 feet

 

I'll pull a lot harder...when I took my 01 to Tahoe (7000ft at the passes) my car was noticeably down on power.

 

I just changed my fluid with redline mt-90 today and the car was a little rough feeling but im sure it will probably go away once it gets use to the new oil. I did notice shifting was smoother and the car even sounds quieter. I don't believe its ever been changed untill now.

 

i use amsoil gl-4 and it works amazing. I got it from Ed on here, he's a certified amsoil dealer. His member name is talkinghorse, just PM him how many qts you need and your zip code for shipping. You can even pick it up to save on shipping. i got 5 qts for like 55 bucks, might be slightly higher now.

 

when you 'drained' the MT did you use the plug on the side? or what?

 

I just drained and filled with MT-90 yesterday in my '03 6sp...there were magnets in both the fill plug and the drain plug.

 

which ones are which..i personally dont know of the fill plug, if its on the top...i only know of the plug up top

 

Both plugs are on the side...top=fill; bottom=drain. The plug requires a 10mm hex head to remove (auto parts store - I got one that goes on my 3/8" drive ratchet). There is a washer on each plug...they are reusable.

This diagram is taken from the front left corner of the car looking over toward the right front wheel.

 

thanks man i highly appreciate it.

 

Phatboislim, theres the info...

http://www.shiftice.com/redline_mt90.html

 

thanks man. i was considering doing royal purple but switching to synthetic had me worried...have the mind frame of switching from conventional to synthetic motor oil in a high mileage car, so i opted not to. ill use redline

 

Redline is synthetic also....also from the research i did when i originally started this thread synthetic is about the only option for maintaining GL-4 compatibility. GL-5 does NOT superceed GL-4....GL-5 is not suitable for use in a trans that contains yellow metals such as brass.