I went with the Amsoil Syncromesh MTF for my '07 MCS. Two quarts cost me $26 from Napa, and they had them in stock. Took all of about 15 minutes to change the fluid, and the old stuff was pretty clean at 30k. Still, the transmission was getting a little clunky, and the new fluid totally cleared it up.

Lifetime oil, my ***. Next, they're going try telling me I can go 15k on an oil change or something silly like that.

 

did this a bit ago using Amsoil MTF fluid - works well, and as easy as anything.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...52-post96.html

highly recommend amsoil

 

Syncromesh is a fantastic MTF. I'm not sure where you live, but I would look into other options in cold climates. Just personal experience. I drove my MR2 year round and in the winter months the syncromesh does take a bit of warming up. It's very notchy when cold.

 

Thanks...I'll keep this in mind. I do live in a cold climate, but I expect some degree of stiffness when the transmission is cold. I do mostly highway driving anyway, so it warms up quickly.

 

Is Amsoil Syncromesh MTF the correct oil to use with a limited slip transaxle?

 

Which limited slip? The factory limited slip?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using NAMotoring

 

Factory option 2TA.

 

Has anyone tried the Mobil 1 75w90? Would there be a good reason not to try it?

 

After buying three quarts of the Amsoil I found out I can't use it with my LSD. Anyone need some Amsoil Synchromesh Transmission Fluid?

 

Yes there is a reason, it's a hypoid gear oil for a differential, not an ATF for a transmission.

 

But, the differential and the transmission run in the same oil. The Amsoil is fine for a non LSD, but specifies "not for limited slip transaxles". I neglected to read the fine print.

 

It kind of depends. Do you have a factory diff? If you have a clutch-based diff like an ATS or an OS Giken then it's important to use a trans fluid recommended by the diff manufacturer. If you have a gear-based diff like a Quaife or OEM then you can just use whatever fluid is recommended for the transmission.

EDIT: wow I'm really failing at reading this morning. Since you have the factory diff if that is the fluid Amsoil recommends for the mini transmission then you're fine to put it in.

 

As near as I can tell, the Mobil 1 would be similar to Redline. ATF is for automatics, we are talking about manuals.

 

ATF is often used as manual transaxle oil in many cars.

 

I would say ATF is rarely used in my experience.
I put Mobil 1 gear oil in the trans yesterday, cost $22. The stuff coming out was pretty black (94k). Definitely make this part of your service routine. Drove to town, shifts are very smooth.

 

Very false. Gear oil, some specifically marketed MTL, motor oil. All things I'd call "common" in Manual Transmissions/transaxles. ATF? I can't think of one car off the top of my head that comes with it.

I've seen ATF used in power steering systems, not manual transmissions though.

 

I guess you never worked in a shop then?

Lets see:

Ford, Mazda, GM, Chrysler, Well, crap anything with a BorgWarner T5 takes it.

Did you know that Honda cars take 5w30 motor oil for older manual transaxles?

Lots of BMWs take AFT as well for the gearbox. - 98 E36 M3 requires ATF for the transmission... Several modern manual gearboxes use ATF for gas mileage reasons as well as tighter clearances and a better "feel". All T-5's, T-56's, and Tremec's use ATF. It's fairly common (and nice).

So, take your "very false" and have a nice day!

Some day I'll tell you chillen about HSMO fluid, and brake systems that use ATF for the brake booster!

edit - Added this listing showing many, many modern cars taking ATF in the gearbox. - http://www.carquestprofessionals.com...0%206.6.13.pdf

 

Hope you didn't put in the GL-5 stuff.

GL-5 can be very, very harsh to internal brass hardware and blocker rings.

 

You may be right about a convential GL-5. However, I did my research. Mobil 1 synthetic gear oil is different. From Mobil MSDS:
'...highest level of inherent formulation stability and helps to protect against thermal and oxidative degradation, wear and corrosion, viscosity loss associated with premature shearing.'
'Excellent rust, staining and corrosion protection of copper and its alloys. Helps to reduce wear. Long component life.'

Brass is a copper alloy. Just because it meets a spec, doesn't mean it can't exceed it. It's my understanding that Valvoline also makes one that meets GL-4 and 5 that is safe.

 

You used the wrong stuff.

You would have no problem with Redline D4atf.

 

If I could have found Redline locally, I might have tried it. There is nothing wrong with Mobil 1 75w-90, don't spread misinformation.

 

Agreed.

 

So far, you guys are convincing me that no matter what oil I choose it will be the wrong one.

Can anyone explain what makes an oil bad for the R56 manual transmission? Or good? Because so far all I'm seeing is "you're wrong!". Frustrating.

Thanks for any info!

 

Redline Product MTL (note the GL-4 rating)
Tex MTL94 (OEM product - note the GL-4 rating)
Pro+Plus Gold 75w85 (Note the GL-4 rating)

I'd add that Syncromesh (Pennzoil) is pretty good, but its not a synthetic fluid. I've run it in several cars in the past with no problems.

You could run a quality AFT as well as noted above.

edit - note added - http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/..._Gear_Oil.aspx

Note - that Mobil 1 does not recommend a GL-5 product in a trans.

"There are transmission applications that recommend API GL-4 type products where we would not recommend using an API GL-5 fluid because transmissions typically have components made from “yellow” metals. However real axles where GL-4 fluids are recommended do not have “yellow” metal components. As a result, the application of an API GL-5 fluid is acceptable."

"real axles = rear axles".

 

I suppose I might try the Valvoline gear lube or Syncromesh next time. I find it interesting that Valvoline meets GL-4 and GL-5 simultaneously. I think Exxon/Mobil is just being politically correct by saying their LS gear lube is not recommended when it is specifically designed for 'limited-slip differentials, final drives, transfer cases and other gear applications.' I also wonder if they are referring to an older GL-5 in that link, as the current one is safe for copper/brass.