Manual transaxle fluid; change it?

mtbon · Jun 28, 2006

I maintained this vehicle 'pre-BITOG', so please forgive me.
Here's my question: My 1996 Chevy Cavalier 5 speed manual transmission with 138K miles has never had a fluid change. Clutch and everything is original. Should I change the fluid or leave it be? TIA.

1040 WreckerMan · Jun 28, 2006

I would change it. It's never too late unless there is a mechanical problem, which you didn't indicate. I'd drain and refill with any oil of your choice. There're others who will give oil choices based on better knowledge of this car, but new, clean oil is better than what' in it and don't worry it is not going to explode in next 10 miles cause you didn't change it sooner

mtbon · Jun 28, 2006

New fluid won't 'shock the system' like in a AT? I definitely want to change it, but I want to understand what may happen (good or bad) when I do. Thanks.

Quest · Jun 28, 2006

MT gear box with GL3/4/5 fluids, there's never such as thing call "shock".

change it asap and enjoy the ride.

W115nut · Jun 28, 2006

Hi there,

First of all, an oil can satisfy GL4 and GL5 simultaneously but that hardly makes it OK to use in a transmission with brass synchros.

A general rule of thumb, do not use GL5 in the transmission unless the manufacturer recommends it.

Second, use conventional oil unless you plan to fix the transmission if it develop leaks.

Third, there are metal particles in the gear oil and they will destroy your transmission. Honda specifies 30,000 mile with 10W30 and 90,000 with their MTF fluid. I would recommend no more than 30,000 with conventional or synthetic base fluids.

W115nut

mechtech · Jun 28, 2006

Change it for sure.
Dino fluids shear and get thinner, and add packs wear out or break down.
There are many newer sauces that are much better than stock fluids from that era.

Rubiconjeeper · Jun 29, 2006

Go ahead, change it. Your transmission will only shif better. I own a '92 Chevy Cavalier Z-24 with a 5 speed, 48000 miles. Did the firts change 6 months ago with RP Synchromax; shifts beatiful. You can also use Amsoil MTF, grat stuff too.

FazerZ · Jul 2, 2006

Just be sure to use a Synchromesh type fluid in your transaxle. GM dealer part no. 12345349 or choose aftermarket like SF SynchroGlide.

http://specialtyformulations.netfir...alog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=54

Avoid ATF or heavy weight gear lubes.

DH

ebaker · Jul 2, 2006

I'd wait until a CV joint boot goes out and replace the fluid then.

Winston · Jul 2, 2006

Change it. As noted above, just make sure you put in manual transmission fluid. Most parts stores only have GL-5 gear oil, which is not the best thing for manual transmissions.

rpn453 · Jul 2, 2006

quote:

Originally posted by mtbon:
New fluid won't 'shock the system' like in a AT? I definitely want to change it, but I want to understand what may happen (good or bad) when I do. Thanks.

Even if it were an AT, I would definitely change it. I just wouldn't flush an older AT. I wouldn't flush a newer one either though.

Benefits will be better lubrication and shifting. There are no drawbacks, IMHO.

Manual transaxle fluid; change it?

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