5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Tranny fluid: switch to synthetic at high mileage?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 18, 2012 | 10:45 AM
  #1  
jsmith24's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 314
Tranny fluid: switch to synthetic at high mileage?

Hi all,

I've got 212k on the motor and about to do a transmission fluid change - sadly, the first in 100k. My question is this: can I switch to the MT-85 synthetic fluid? I've heard that some folks think that changing to synthetic OIL with high mileage can possibly cause leaks in seals and gaskets, and just want to know if that same logic holds for transmissions.

Any thoughts?

Jack
Old Aug 18, 2012 | 11:22 PM
  #2  
StevieB's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 256
From: Montreal, QC,Canada
I switched to synthetic fluid at over 100k on 2 different Maximas with no issues other than smoother shifting. If you don't leak now I doubt you would with synthetic, and at that mileage you could develop one anytime anyway.
Old Aug 19, 2012 | 05:18 AM
  #3  
jsmith24's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 314
Originally Posted by StevieB
I switched to synthetic fluid at over 100k on 2 different Maximas with no issues other than smoother shifting. If you don't leak now I doubt you would with synthetic, and at that mileage you could develop one anytime anyway.
Point taken on the possibility of leaks...hadn't thought of it that way before! Thanks for the advice and experience!

Jack
Old Aug 19, 2012 | 11:20 PM
  #4  
awsgrayrd's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15
I swapped mine to a Royal Purple synthetic fluid when I bought my 5.5. That way I can start fresh new records. Shifts great when the fluids are warm. I highly recommend the just a drain and not a flush. Drop the pan and spray clean with like brake cleaner to get the buildup removed. While you're at it, change the filter. I want to say, when I did mine a couple months ago, I spent $15 for the filter and $12 a quart of fluid.

Good luck!

V/r,
Gray, Raymond.
Old Aug 20, 2012 | 05:34 AM
  #5  
jsmith24's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 314
Hello!

Thanks for the input. I should have mentioned this - I have the 6 speed manual with HLSD. So, no filter for me, no pan to drop.

While I'm at it, does my fluid choice change since I have the HLSD?

Jack

Originally Posted by awsgrayrd
I swapped mine to a Royal Purple synthetic fluid when I bought my 5.5. That way I can start fresh new records. Shifts great when the fluids are warm. I highly recommend the just a drain and not a flush. Drop the pan and spray clean with like brake cleaner to get the buildup removed. While you're at it, change the filter. I want to say, when I did mine a couple months ago, I spent $15 for the filter and $12 a quart of fluid.

Good luck!

V/r,
Gray, Raymond.
Old Aug 20, 2012 | 06:53 AM
  #6  
dwapenyi's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,998
Don't know about the 5.5 gen manual tranny, but the 4th gen specifies GL-4 fluid only. Check your manual, and if it says GL-4 only, get GL-4 only. No GL5-4-3 combo stuff either. GL-4 only. Did I mention GL-4?

For example, Redline MT-90 75W90 is GL-4 synthetic gear oil. Great stuff.



DW
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HOKUSMAX
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
4
Nov 13, 2017 04:34 AM
pjgreek
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
12
Sep 9, 2015 09:30 PM
pktaske
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
0
Sep 4, 2015 08:40 AM
dcardello
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
7
Sep 3, 2015 11:44 PM
sdotcarter
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
2
Sep 2, 2015 09:53 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:33 PM.