Corolla initial gearbox fill when to change?

[RogerKlugerAus05]

I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla with manual gearbox and currently with 3.5 k miles. When do you advise to change gearbox oil, I am going to use Redline 75W-90 and also do you recommend GL-4 or GL-5, the handbook says either. I want to keep this car forever. Many thanks.
Roger

 

[simple_gifts]

Shouldn't you be using Redline MTL or MT-90?

 

[simple_gifts]

I have a 2003 echo and use a mix 1 qt MTL 1 qt MT-90; I changed it @ 60K miles but wished I had done it at 6K; much better than the factory fill IMHO. The RL deals with the winter temps of below 0 (C) MUCH better.

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

MT 90 is 75W-90 and is GL-4 and this is what I will use, but I wonder why the handbook says GL-4 or GL5. Interesting you use a mix, never thought of that but in Australia the temp is never that low for long so MT 90 is the one. Did you notice smoother changes when you changed?
Roger

 

[mdv]

I've been running MTL in my 99. Absolutely love the shift quality when cold. Much better than even a synthetic GL5 lube. As you mentioned, MT-90 is probably better for your location.

 

[simple_gifts]

Quote:

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Did you notice smoother changes when you changed?

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much better....

 

[Alan]

I would go with MTL also.

 

[The Critic]

Use MT-90. It's the recommended viscosity and is probably that way for a good reason.

I'd do a change between 5-10k if you desire.

 

[unDummy]

Either 75w90NS or MT90 will work well.
Regardless, a 30k-50k interval, or every couple years, should be practiced.

MTL could be used. But, you'll need to UOA it a few times to moniter wear levels. And since your location doesn't require it, why bother?

Not every automaker is afraid of GL5 gear oils. Makes me wonder if Toyota, Mazda,...have different synchro formulas or suppliers which makes the transmission more fluid immune.

 

[mdv]

Quote:

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Not every automaker is afraid of GL5 gear oils. Makes me wonder if Toyota, Mazda,...have different synchro formulas or suppliers which makes the transmission more fluid immune.

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My guess is that they are willing to sacrifice synchro wear for better protection of the differential part of the transaxle. I've always wondered the true reason.