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GL4 vs GL% GEAR OIL

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 09:46 AM
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GL4 vs GL% GEAR OIL

Hello there!

I was up until 6am last night reading and reading.. why is my clutch shifting badly specially n 2nd. well my clutch was replaced not too long ago(a month or so) I read from motovate.com or something that using the wrong OIL GEAR could cause this problem. that GL5 is not good for his car. and that he need GL4. i read my owner manuel and i just like him need GL4. i have calll just about any store n my area(northern VA) and no-one seems to have that kinda of oil anymore. they all say that it's the same thing, but GL5 is better then GL4. do any of you guys know where i can get GL4 gear oil or order it anywhere. Thank you for reading
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 10:25 AM
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www.myoilshop.com

Look for redline MT-90. Good stuff.
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by IwANnAMaX96
www.myoilshop.com

Look for redline MT-90. Good stuff.
can our or my car use syntetic?
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 02:52 PM
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Yes. Lots of people use and love redline (I'll be one of them soon). Use dealer code 675421 for 10% (I think) off.
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 03:11 PM
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Yes, use synthetic.
With our notchy trannies the synthetic makes the shifts soooo much smoother.
Use GL4.
GL5 can actually damage your tranny.
here.....
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/800

If you need a good, cheap source for synthetic fluid contact talkinghorse
He is a member here and an AMSOIL dealer.
He offers super cheap prices and quick shipping!
Here is his site....
http://www.lubedealer.com/lonestarlubes/
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:09 PM
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how many quarts do we nead for the gear fluid? also for the tranny fluid.
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:16 PM
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tranny fluid=gear fluid. I got 6 quarts, but I think 5 might be enough.
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by MDeezy
how many quarts do we nead for the gear fluid? also for the tranny fluid.
Check your manual - it says 5.
Do not use any gear oil that is only GL-5 specfied. I am using the Amsoil gear oil that is suitable for GL-2 to GL-5. So far so good (I put it in >23,000 km ago). According to Amsoil, one can basically forget about changing gear oil once you put their synthetic gear oil in.

Lo-Tse
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by IwANnAMaX96
www.myoilshop.com

Look for redline MT-90. Good stuff.
I'm interested n buying it from this site, but im not sure which one i need? i Defenetly want to go with syntetic, but im not sure what #, could you please show me the right one just tell me the syntetic # b/c i think syntetic and regular oils, have different #'s dont they? anyways thank you

P.
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 10:45 PM
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i was told that putting synthetic might cause leaks or something...
Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Lo-Tse
Check your manual - it says 5.
Do not use any gear oil that is only GL-5 specfied. I am using the Amsoil gear oil that is suitable for GL-2 to GL-5. So far so good (I put it in >23,000 km ago). According to Amsoil, one can basically forget about changing gear oil once you put their synthetic gear oil in.

Lo-Tse
I switched from the Amsoil GL-2 to GL-5 oil to the Amsoil spec GL4 only. Think it is specially made by Amsoil for the bottom end of boat motors. The tranny part. My transmission shifts like butter now. I used to grind gears with the GL2-GL5 stuff. Something about the GL5 stuff was too slippery and not allowing the gears to mesh. USE GL4 Only in our 5 Speeds. You'll thank me on your first shift!!
Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by PLUMMAXSE
I switched from the Amsoil GL-2 to GL-5 oil to the Amsoil spec GL4 only. Think it is specially made by Amsoil for the bottom end of boat motors. The tranny part. My transmission shifts like butter now. I used to grind gears with the GL2-GL5 stuff. Something about the GL5 stuff was too slippery and not allowing the gears to mesh. USE GL4 Only in our 5 Speeds. You'll thank me on your first shift!!
How long would it take for my shiftnig to be better? i just had my gear oil change at lube & tune for $50 and they asured me that they use GL4 syntetic 75-90 or 75-80 im not sure? i haven't driven the car much since then b/c i had to come to work, but just driving it from the shop to my job(like 2 miles) it's still shifting pretty bad just n second gear( only when i shift fast tho... thanx
Old Jul 9, 2004 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by mAxPwEr4Us
How long would it take for my shiftnig to be better? i just had my gear oil change at lube & tune for $50 and they asured me that they use GL4 syntetic 75-90 or 75-80 im not sure? i haven't driven the car much since then b/c i had to come to work, but just driving it from the shop to my job(like 2 miles) it's still shifting pretty bad just n second gear( only when i shift fast tho... thanx
You should feel the difference immediately. Your shifter should snick into gear instead of a clunk or grind. The syncros will spin slower thru the oil allowing the
gears to go into gear more easily. JMHO
The 2nd to 3rd gear should be easier to feel for a change.
Old Jul 9, 2004 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by PLUMMAXSE
You should feel the difference immediately. Your shifter should snick into gear instead of a clunk or grind. The syncros will spin slower thru the oil allowing the
gears to go into gear more easily. JMHO
The 2nd to 3rd gear should be easier to feel for a change.
all i feel is that my clutch is more stiff, but when i go from 1st to 2nd it still grinds. everyone tells me hold the clutch all the way down, but trust me i have the clutch as far as it can go. may be my syncro from 2nd gear went bad already? will i have to take the tranny apart to fix this? thanx for the info guys....

P.
Old Jul 10, 2004 | 03:09 AM
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Originally Posted by PLUMMAXSE
I switched from the Amsoil GL-2 to GL-5 oil to the Amsoil spec GL4 only. Think it is specially made by Amsoil for the bottom end of boat motors. The tranny part. My transmission shifts like butter now. I used to grind gears with the GL2-GL5 stuff. Something about the GL5 stuff was too slippery and not allowing the gears to mesh. USE GL4 Only in our 5 Speeds. You'll thank me on your first shift!!

WHEn I was looking for gear oil, the most readily one was the GL2-GL5. I called up Amsoil and ask them, the person said that the oil is good for GL4 requirement too.

To be honest, I did not feel any difference when I changed fromt the factory gear oil to the synthetic. Feel exactly the same in warm weather - felt much better in winter of course.

IMHO, the main difference between synthetic gear oil and non-synthetic one is the much longer lifetime. The improved shifting that most people felt after putting in synthetic oil is probably due to the fact that you are replacing old regular gear oil with new oil.

Lo-Tse
Old Jul 10, 2004 | 06:10 AM
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GL-5 WILL damage your syncros and other soft metals. I speak from experience unfortunately
Old Jul 12, 2004 | 07:57 AM
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AHHHH, I dont know what to do. I really wanna change my Tranny Fluid, but my only choice is Redline or Amsoil? There has to be something out there...what is Nissan using?
Old Jul 12, 2004 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by mAxPwEr4Us
I'm interested n buying it from this site, but im not sure which one i need? i Defenetly want to go with syntetic, but im not sure what #, could you please show me the right one just tell me the syntetic # b/c i think syntetic and regular oils, have different #'s dont they? anyways thank you

P.
Look for MT-90. That's the 75W90 GL-4 synthetic. You need 5 quarts.
Old Jul 12, 2004 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by MaxSE99
AHHHH, I dont know what to do. I really wanna change my Tranny Fluid, but my only choice is Redline or Amsoil? There has to be something out there...what is Nissan using?
Talk to your local Nissan dealer and you'll be surprised.

They use motor oil. 10/30 to be exact
Old Jul 12, 2004 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by CullenJ76
Talk to your local Nissan dealer and you'll be surprised.

They use motor oil. 10/30 to be exact
I was looking online today for some gear oil and when I stumbled onto Royal Purple's site they had a chart to recommend there fluid....When I was looking thru the chart they had a BMW Tranny that took SAE80 GL-4 and there recommendation was 30 Weight Oil, so Im guessing a 10w30 would be ok in our trannys....but which one. I would change it yearly at that price
Old Jul 27, 2004 | 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by MaxSE99
I was looking online today for some gear oil and when I stumbled onto Royal Purple's site they had a chart to recommend there fluid....When I was looking thru the chart they had a BMW Tranny that took SAE80 GL-4 and there recommendation was 30 Weight Oil, so Im guessing a 10w30 would be ok in our trannys....but which one. I would change it yearly at that price
a low-detergent/additive like Mobil1 or amsoil would be fine.
Old Jul 27, 2004 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Lo-Tse
WHEn I was looking for gear oil, the most readily one was the GL2-GL5. I called up Amsoil and ask them, the person said that the oil is good for GL4 requirement too.

To be honest, I did not feel any difference when I changed fromt the factory gear oil to the synthetic. Feel exactly the same in warm weather - felt much better in winter of course.

IMHO, the main difference between synthetic gear oil and non-synthetic one is the much longer lifetime. The improved shifting that most people felt after putting in synthetic oil is probably due to the fact that you are replacing old regular gear oil with new oil.

Lo-Tse
If you want to use AMSOIL use the GL4 only type. They sell it in Gal as AGT-1g for 19.10 a gallon or qts ALU-QT for 6.15 per qt. It is GL4 or MT(marine transmissions). This is 100% Synthetic for GL4 only applications. This is the best for the trannys. It won't leak if your trannys not leaking already. I know, I've had the Amsoil GL5 and GL4 in my 5 speed. You will notice the difference.
Old Jul 29, 2004 | 06:57 AM
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Gl-4

I used Redline MT90 in my nissan truck after I couln't find regular GL-4. It worked fine until the motor went out.

I finally found some GL-4 gear oil at local NAPA store. The manager said they are a franchise store and all NAPA stores may not carry it.
Old Jul 29, 2004 | 07:13 AM
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redline mt-90 user here also, just put in new clutch and fresh redline, everything feels nice !
Old Jul 29, 2004 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Ceasars Chariot
redline mt-90 user here also, just put in new clutch and fresh redline, everything feels nice !
What clutch did you end up going with?
Old Jul 29, 2004 | 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Lo-Tse
Check your manual - it says 5.
Do not use any gear oil that is only GL-5 specfied. I am using the Amsoil gear oil that is suitable for GL-2 to GL-5. So far so good (I put it in >23,000 km ago). According to Amsoil, one can basically forget about changing gear oil once you put their synthetic gear oil in.

Lo-Tse
The basic difference between GL-4 and GL-5 oil is that GL-5 has twice as much extreme pressure (EP) additive in it. At elevated temperatures, this chemical is corrosive to yellow (copper based) alloys like those used in synchros. If an oil is rated GL-2 to GL-5 it probably has too much EP additive in it for use in a Maxima transmission. It would be OK for replacing GL-2,3,4, or 5 oil in a non synchro gearbox, one without bronze bearings, or one that operates at a very cool temperature. If you have shifting problems after using a GL-5 oil, the damage is done. Switching to GL-4 might stop the deterioration, but the only real fix is to rebuild the transmission. Sorry . . .
Old Jul 29, 2004 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by BigAl
The basic difference between GL-4 and GL-5 oil is that GL-5 has twice as much extreme pressure (EP) additive in it. At elevated temperatures, this chemical is corrosive to yellow (copper based) alloys like those used in synchros. If an oil is rated GL-2 to GL-5 it probably has too much EP additive in it for use in a Maxima transmission. It would be OK for replacing GL-2,3,4, or 5 oil in a non synchro gearbox, one without bronze bearings, or one that operates at a very cool temperature. If you have shifting problems after using a GL-5 oil, the damage is done. Switching to GL-4 might stop the deterioration, but the only real fix is to rebuild the transmission. Sorry . . .
If the Amsoil gear oil (specified for GL-2 to GL-5 application)is unsuitable for GL-4 application, why would Amsoil still specified it? Amsoil will be exposing themselves to serious liablility issues.

As far as I know, all modern vehicles (anything that were built in the past 15-20 years) that come with a standard transmission have synchronisers (at least for the forward gears). Manual transmission without synchroniser is a real pain-in-the-butt to shift - you have to shift at the exact shift point or you would not be able to get into the gear.

Why would a manual transmission operates at elevated temperatures? The reason why the gear oil needed only be changed at extended intervals is because under normal working conditions, the transmission did not generate or expose to heat. Therefore they last a long time as compare to engine oil.

I agree that one should not used a gear oil that is specified ONLY for GL-5 application in our Max.

As I mentioned in my post, I have the Amsoil GL-2 to GL-5 gear oil running in my car for over 30,000 km now and it feel fine. If the gear oil is killing my transmission, can anyone tell me when will I start to feeling the "crunch"?

Lo-Tse
Old Jul 30, 2004 | 07:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Lo-Tse
Why would a manual transmission operates at elevated temperatures? The reason why the gear oil needed only be changed at extended intervals is because under normal working conditions, the transmission did not generate or expose to heat. Therefore they last a long time as compare to engine oil.

I agree that one should not used a gear oil that is specified ONLY for GL-5 application in our Max.

As I mentioned in my post, I have the Amsoil GL-2 to GL-5 gear oil running in my car for over 30,000 km now and it feel fine. If the gear oil is killing my transmission, can anyone tell me when will I start to feeling the "crunch"?

Lo-Tse
I was relating information given me by a lubrication engineer from Mobil Oil. I am an engineer that works mainly with industrial equipment. Many gearboxes do not have synchrinizers in them . . . but not automotive transmissions. Gear Lube is used in more than cars. Car gear boxes DO get hot compared with . . .say . . . the lower unit of an outboard motor that operates under water. I have seen used gear oil that is pretty cooked. Transmission lube does run cooler than engine oil, but a bigger reason it lasts longer is that it isn't subjected to the contamination (carbon soot, condensation, fuel dilution, etc.) that an engine produces.

Because Amsoil uses a high quality PAO/POE basestock perhaps they are able to get by with a less corrosive dose of EP additive. . . .or maybe because the base oil has lower amounts of aromatics and sulfur compounds the resulting blend is somewhat less corrosive. Or maybe you are not operating your car in extreme heat (no desert trailer hauling?) I am glad you are having good results using it. However there are conventional gear oils sold with GL-3 to GL-5 claims too. They have the typical strong stench of the EP additives used in a GL-5 oil so I would certainly not trust them.

Amsoil does sell a synthetic GL-4 oil. I'd certainly feel safer using that.
Old Jul 30, 2004 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by BigAl
I was relating information given me by a lubrication engineer from Mobil Oil. I am an engineer that works mainly with industrial equipment. Many gearboxes do not have synchrinizers in them . . . but not automotive transmissions. Gear Lube is used in more than cars. Car gear boxes DO get hot compared with . . .say . . . the lower unit of an outboard motor that operates under water. I have seen used gear oil that is pretty cooked. Transmission lube does run cooler than engine oil, but a bigger reason it lasts longer is that it isn't subjected to the contamination (carbon soot, condensation, fuel dilution, etc.) that an engine produces.

Because Amsoil uses a high quality PAO/POE basestock perhaps they are able to get by with a less corrosive dose of EP additive. . . .or maybe because the base oil has lower amounts of aromatics and sulfur compounds the resulting blend is somewhat less corrosive. Or maybe you are not operating your car in extreme heat (no desert trailer hauling?) I am glad you are having good results using it. However there are conventional gear oils sold with GL-3 to GL-5 claims too. They have the typical strong stench of the EP additives used in a GL-5 oil so I would certainly not trust them.

Amsoil does sell a synthetic GL-4 oil. I'd certainly feel safer using that.

I think you bring out a valid point - most likely because the Amsoil GL-2 to GL-5 gear lube is a synthetic material therefore much less additives are needed. I totally agree with you that one should stay away from conventional petroleum based gear lube that claimed both GL-3 to GL-5 application.

I actually called the tech line of Amsoil today and they assured me that their GL-2 to GL-5 gear lube is safe for GL-4 application. When I mentioned that GL-5 lube is usually unsuitable for GL-4 applications, he brought up the same point -most likely because those are petroleum based lube. The argument does make some sense since one can "tailor-made" the polymeric material that possess the right properties for used as synthetic gear lube. In contradt, , the only way to "adjust" the properties of the petroleum based lube in order to achieve the desired target is to mix in various additives.

BTW, the reason that I did not get the GL-4 lube was because in the Amsoil catalog, this lube was "mentioned" for marine motor applications.

It has been a good discussion!

Lo-Tse
Old Aug 1, 2004 | 06:38 AM
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I've used both versions of Amsoil's gear lubes in a few different GL4 specced transmissions. I still prefer the GL2-GL5 blend in the Series 2000 75W-90. When you look at the specs, it flows better in cold and certainly protects better when hot.

My cars are driven on roadcourses in summer heat so the gearboxes get much hotter than anything street driven. To date, I have not had any problems with their fluids in this application. I've been using them for over three years now as well in this application.
Old Aug 1, 2004 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by iwannabmw
I've used both versions of Amsoil's gear lubes in a few different GL4 specced transmissions. I still prefer the GL2-GL5 blend in the Series 2000 75W-90. When you look at the specs, it flows better in cold and certainly protects better when hot.

My cars are driven on roadcourses in summer heat so the gearboxes get much hotter than anything street driven. To date, I have not had any problems with their fluids in this application. I've been using them for over three years now as well in this application.
Good to hear from someone who has good experience with the GL-2 thru GL-5 gear oil. I agree with you that THE SERIES 2000 is better (at least just on its spec). However, my vehicle is purely street driven, I decided that the extra money would not be well spent and therefore chose the cheaper AGT.

Lo-Tse
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