Which gearbox oil?

[Simpo Two]

Things are getting a bit stiff in the gearbox department and since I'm not sure when its oil was last checked/changed it seems sensible to change it.

Car is a 1997 Griff with 33K miles. The handbook says 'Mobil ATF 220' - is this still the most suitable or has something better come along? (We all know, for eample, that the recommended engine oil is too thin).

Many thanks!

[carsy]

You wont get a straight answer on this one just like with engine oil. Its going to be what sits right with you. Some stick to ATF others manual transmission fluid.

I however use 0w40 Mobil 1 engine oil, mines the LT77 Rover box though.

[rigga]

T5 box ATF.

[pk500]

i used atf in my t5

[neutral 3]

Thoroughly re greasing the linkage made the change on my one much better.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks folks - so ATF or equivalent it is.

[AV8]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks folks - so ATF or equivalent it is.

There is no equivalent. It's either ATF or it isn't. You need Dextron 2 or Dex 3 which supersedes Dex 2. IIRC it takes about 2.5 litres or so.

[Pete Mac]

I just changed my gearbox oil this weekend on a T5 box. I used Comma Automatic Transmission Fluid AQ3 which is to Dexron III specification. I can't say that the box feels any different but it was the right thing to do.

I confirm that it takes about 2.5 litres, not 1.4 litres as I have seen written elsewhere.

It is a right sod to squeeze the oil in and I strongly recommend you buy yourself a little transfer pump such as this from Classic Oils before you start the job:

http://www.classic-oils.net/Product-346/Garage-and...

I have bought myself two, one for the gearbox and one for the diff (which is even worse to do than the gearbox). Sealey amongst others do a similar but more expensive pump.

[carsy]

It neednt be that difficult. Get an extra pair of hands and a meter of clear tubing. One end of the tubing in the gearbox, the other end up in the engine bay held by your helper and then just get the helper to pour the oil down the tube.

Expertly demonstarted by Quinny here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fb7w3dEZeE

[Simpo Two]

AV8 said:

Simpo Two said:

Thanks folks - so ATF or equivalent it is.

There is no equivalent. It's either ATF or it isn't. You need Dextron 2 or Dex 3 which supersedes Dex 2. IIRC it takes about 2.5 litres or so.

Thanks - and fortunately I do have an expert lined up.

The handbook says 1.4 litres so thanks for that correction too.

[Quinny]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks - and fortunately I do have an expert lined up.

The handbook says 1.4 litres so thanks for that correction too.

The handbook quantities for the gearbox and diff oils are actually pretty much correct....


Just the wrong way around... Diff is about 1.4ltrs, and gearbox 2.5 ish..


I also use the tube method to refill the diff
http://youtu.be/ojkGpn6sPmI

Edited by Quinny on Thursday 21st November 16:57

[Tame Technician]

Any one tried Royal Purple, was recommended to me before for a a different box, but they make dextron spec atf too.

http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/products/max-at...

http://www.oil-shop-uk.co.uk/acatalog/Royal_Purple...

http://www.monkfishperformance.co.uk/royal-purple-...

Edited by Tame Technician on Thursday 21st November 20:48

[Pete Mac]

Tame Technician said:

Any one tried Royal Purple, was recommended to me before for a a different box, but they make dextron spec atf too.

http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/products/max-at...

http://www.oil-shop-uk.co.uk/acatalog/Royal_Purple...

http://www.monkfishperformance.co.uk/royal-purple-...

Edited by Tame Technician on Thursday 21st November 20:48

Never tried it but for that price it better be good......!

[Pagey430]

Castrol SMX-S in LT77 has worked best for me, more protection than ATF I believe

[Brummmie]

Tremec say ATF in my TKO 600, but i have changed to this and my change is much much better...

http://www.driftworks.com/redline-gearbox-oil/

[AV8]

This is from the T-5 Service manual from Tremec themselves.

2-4. APPROVED LUBRICANT. Most T5
transmission models use Dexron II automatic
transmission fluid. Refer the vehicle owner’s manual
or service manual for lubricant specifications.
CAUTION
Do not mix different bands or types of transmission
lubricant. DO NOT USE GEAR OIL IN THE T5
TRANSMISSION SINCE THIS MAY DAMAGE THE
BLOCKING RING MATERIAL.


By blocking material they mean the baulk/synchro ring material.