How often should I change my manual transmission oil? I know Nissan says:

"If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months."

I don't drive on rough or muddy roads, but I'm wondering if I should change my manual transmission oil as if I did or, perhaps, even more often that that. BTW, I use Red Line MT-90 in my SE 5-speed. Red Line states:

"Being formulated with extremely stable synthetic basestocks, MTL and MT-90 will last much longer than conventional petroleum lubricants. However, we do not recommend extended drain intervals, since without a filtration system, there is no way to remove metal shavings other than draining the lubricant. The regular maintenance intervals are also recommended to insure that the proper level of the fluid is maintained."

Suggestions? Recommendations?

 

I personaly change my MT every 30K.

 

Thanks emax95. Anybody else want to comment?

 

Yeah, doesn't the manual say just to check it every once in a while? I don't think there is an easy way for the oil to get dirty, so all you really have to worry about is the oil breaking down (which I've also heard doesn't really happen easily). I just put MT-90 into my car (at 71k miles), and noticed the old oil looked brand new. I tested both the old oil and the new oil, and they both had similar consistancies. The only reason I put it in is for the supposed cold weather performance.

I've got 5 liters of brand new M/T oil to sell you if you want. Don't be concerned that its in a gallon milk jug

 

Not too many people weighing in here yet, but based on what I've seen so far, it looks like I could change out my tranny oil every 30K miles and still be real conservative. I don't tend to grind my gears, so I'm not too concerned about metal shavings. And the MT-90 should hold up just fine.

Thanks for your offer of M/T oil, Neptune97. But I think I'll hold off for now.

 

Thanks for your offer of M/T oil, Neptune97. But I think I'll hold off for now. [/B][/QUOTE]

You sure? I was only going to charge you $40

I DO tend to grind my gears, but I saw no evidence of metal shavings when I drained the oil. The bottom of the transaxle casing is very flat, and the drain plug actually comes out of the side of the casing...so wouldn't any metal shavings that were in there just sink to the bottom where they couldn't be drained?

By the way, am I the only one that took nearly 15 minutes to find the M/T oil drain plug?

 

Probably every 22K miles...but then I that's about two years of driving too. I've only grinded my gears a few times since I bought the car in 97.