The Mazdaspeed 3 six-speed transaxle features what Mazda calls a "cone-type" limited-slip differential. The owners manual specs a GL-4 75W-90 gear oil, yet the factory service manual says GL-5 is also acceptable. Hmmm... In any event, my dealer replaced the factory fill with Synlube gear oil at 30,000 miles and the result is that the shift action requires much more effort when cold and, even worse, the LSD groans loudly in tight turns. As a result, I want to replace the Synlube with something that will quiet down the LSD and still provide excellent lubrication properties- especially since the car sees the track frequently. Several people have suggested that I use Ford XT-M5-Quaker State Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid. Even though it's a bit expensive, I'm leaning toward that option. However, I would like to know if anyone else has some other suggestions. Thanks!
Mazdaspeed 3 Transaxle Oil Recommendation
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I think you are on the right track with the Ford fluid.
Also Amsoil MTG GL-4 75W-90 works pretty good in that unit.
Also Amsoil MTG GL-4 75W-90 works pretty good in that unit.
I'm using XT-M5-QS in my Speed 3 right now and it has helped so much I will never use anything else in this car.
I have used MT90 (too thick, grind city), 50/50 mix of MT90-MTL (slightly better) and then straight MTL (did better but still the occasional grind).
My final solution was the XT-M5-QS; it is the best so far, by far.
Hope this helps.
I have used MT90 (too thick, grind city), 50/50 mix of MT90-MTL (slightly better) and then straight MTL (did better but still the occasional grind).
My final solution was the XT-M5-QS; it is the best so far, by far.
Hope this helps.
Originally Posted By: double vanos
I'm using XT-M5-QS in my Speed 3 right now and it has helped so much I will never use anything else in this car.
I have used MT90 (too thick, grind city), 50/50 mix of MT90-MTL (slightly better) and then straight MTL (did better but still the occasional grind).
My final solution was the XT-M5-QS; it is the best so far, by far.
Hope this helps.
That's exactly what I'm going to do.
I'm using XT-M5-QS in my Speed 3 right now and it has helped so much I will never use anything else in this car.
I have used MT90 (too thick, grind city), 50/50 mix of MT90-MTL (slightly better) and then straight MTL (did better but still the occasional grind).
My final solution was the XT-M5-QS; it is the best so far, by far.
Hope this helps.
That's exactly what I'm going to do.
Originally Posted By: silverrat
Is the OEM Ford Syn Manual Transmission Fluid interchangeable with syn GL4 75w90? Could I use Pennzoil GL4 on a warrantied Ford that calls for OEM MTF?
All I know is what Ford states in its Chemicals and Lubricants catalog:
"Motorcraft® Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid is a premium-quality SAE 75W-90 gear oil designed, engineered and recommended by Ford Motor Company meeting warranty requirements. It is particularly recommended for MTX-75 and IB5 transmissions, and is also recommended for older transmissions including rear wheel drive that recommend GL-3 and GL-4 type gear oils"
Is the OEM Ford Syn Manual Transmission Fluid interchangeable with syn GL4 75w90? Could I use Pennzoil GL4 on a warrantied Ford that calls for OEM MTF?
All I know is what Ford states in its Chemicals and Lubricants catalog:
"Motorcraft® Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid is a premium-quality SAE 75W-90 gear oil designed, engineered and recommended by Ford Motor Company meeting warranty requirements. It is particularly recommended for MTX-75 and IB5 transmissions, and is also recommended for older transmissions including rear wheel drive that recommend GL-3 and GL-4 type gear oils"
Today I drained the Synlube and filled the transaxle with the Ford Full Synthetic MT Fluid. The LSD groaning has already diminished a bit and the shift action is greatly improved. I expect the LSD to quiet down completely over the next 100 or so miles. The Ford fluid may be a bit expensive, but I think it was worth every penny.
I'm glad you like it! It did wonders for my trannie - even in the coldest Houston weather, after the first couple of "babied" shifts,(I treat all my standard transmissions this way) the car is ready to GO!
The last light freeze we had I went out of my way to try to get the LSD to make noise and couldn't do it.
The car was ice cold, and I made it do a first gear drive in a tight circle in my cul d sac. Either direction didn't matter - not the first sound.
As a side note - did you notice the smell of the XT-M5-QS? To me it smelled like a glue I've used before (maybe back during my model airplane craze as a kid). It must have the add pack from He ll.
Please keep in touch!
The last light freeze we had I went out of my way to try to get the LSD to make noise and couldn't do it.
The car was ice cold, and I made it do a first gear drive in a tight circle in my cul d sac. Either direction didn't matter - not the first sound.
As a side note - did you notice the smell of the XT-M5-QS? To me it smelled like a glue I've used before (maybe back during my model airplane craze as a kid). It must have the add pack from He ll.
Please keep in touch!
That is quite a feat.
A trans lube that helps with limited slip differentials AND helps shifting!
A trans lube that helps with limited slip differentials AND helps shifting!
Originally Posted By: double vanos
I'm glad you like it! It did wonders for my trannie - even in the coldest Houston weather, after the first couple of "babied" shifts,(I treat all my standard transmissions this way) the car is ready to GO!
The last light freeze we had I went out of my way to try to get the LSD to make noise and couldn't do it.
The car was ice cold, and I made it do a first gear drive in a tight circle in my cul d sac. Either direction didn't matter - not the first sound.
As a side note - did you notice the smell of the XT-M5-QS? To me it smelled like a glue I've used before (maybe back during my model airplane craze as a kid). It must have the add pack from He ll.
Please keep in touch!
Thanks again. I drove it today and the LSD noise is almost completely gone. Like you, I'm very careful about shifting a manual transmission when it's cold out; I guess it comes from decades of shifting one Getrag box or another. The Ford fluid looks and smells funny all right. At least it works...
I'm glad you like it! It did wonders for my trannie - even in the coldest Houston weather, after the first couple of "babied" shifts,(I treat all my standard transmissions this way) the car is ready to GO!
The last light freeze we had I went out of my way to try to get the LSD to make noise and couldn't do it.
The car was ice cold, and I made it do a first gear drive in a tight circle in my cul d sac. Either direction didn't matter - not the first sound.
As a side note - did you notice the smell of the XT-M5-QS? To me it smelled like a glue I've used before (maybe back during my model airplane craze as a kid). It must have the add pack from He ll.
Please keep in touch!
Thanks again. I drove it today and the LSD noise is almost completely gone. Like you, I'm very careful about shifting a manual transmission when it's cold out; I guess it comes from decades of shifting one Getrag box or another. The Ford fluid looks and smells funny all right. At least it works...
mechtech2,
Why do you say that? The app is limited-slip transaxle. Are you perhaps thinking of a rear drive limited-slip unit?
Why do you say that? The app is limited-slip transaxle. Are you perhaps thinking of a rear drive limited-slip unit?
MCompact,
I notice that you have a lot of Bimmers 'round the place!
I love my 330ci and plan to keep it for a long, long time.
I'm wondering if you bought your Speed 3 for the same reason I bought mine - BMW won't bring the 1 series hatchback coupe (or 5 door for that matter) here to the USA.
Everywhere else in the world folks are enjoying BMW's fine little hatch and we can't get it!
P's me off!
BMW forced me to buy a Mazdaspeed 3 because they won't bring me a 1 series 2 door with the twin turbo mill. Dam n shame - and I'm willing to part with up to $45k to get one.
Then again, maybe BMW doesn't want a simple hatchback to waste their precious new M3.
Cheers!
I notice that you have a lot of Bimmers 'round the place!
I love my 330ci and plan to keep it for a long, long time.
I'm wondering if you bought your Speed 3 for the same reason I bought mine - BMW won't bring the 1 series hatchback coupe (or 5 door for that matter) here to the USA.
Everywhere else in the world folks are enjoying BMW's fine little hatch and we can't get it!
P's me off!
BMW forced me to buy a Mazdaspeed 3 because they won't bring me a 1 series 2 door with the twin turbo mill. Dam n shame - and I'm willing to part with up to $45k to get one.
Then again, maybe BMW doesn't want a simple hatchback to waste their precious new M3.
Cheers!
cos - That is EXACTLY why I say that.
Sharing the LSD with the trans presents the dilemma of having two rather separate needs to be accommodated by one fluid .
Usually, standard LSDs like a little added slip sauce, and friction modification for shifting is the opposite.
Sharing the LSD with the trans presents the dilemma of having two rather separate needs to be accommodated by one fluid .
Usually, standard LSDs like a little added slip sauce, and friction modification for shifting is the opposite.
Originally Posted By: double vanos
MCompact,
I notice that you have a lot of Bimmers 'round the place!
I love my 330ci and plan to keep it for a long, long time.
I'm wondering if you bought your Speed 3 for the same reason I bought mine - BMW won't bring the 1 series hatchback coupe (or 5 door for that matter) here to the USA.
Everywhere else in the world folks are enjoying BMW's fine little hatch and we can't get it!
P's me off!
BMW forced me to buy a Mazdaspeed 3 because they won't bring me a 1 series 2 door with the twin turbo mill. Dam n shame - and I'm willing to part with up to $45k to get one.
Then again, maybe BMW doesn't want a simple hatchback to waste their precious new M3.
Cheers!
That's right. All I want is a five-door 130i with the M Sport package. I love my ti; I've had it for almost 14 years. The '02 is my new project car. I really, REALLY want an M1, but they always seem to be priced just out of my financial reach. I may wind up "settling" for a 2002 Turbo instead...
MCompact,
I notice that you have a lot of Bimmers 'round the place!
I love my 330ci and plan to keep it for a long, long time.
I'm wondering if you bought your Speed 3 for the same reason I bought mine - BMW won't bring the 1 series hatchback coupe (or 5 door for that matter) here to the USA.
Everywhere else in the world folks are enjoying BMW's fine little hatch and we can't get it!
P's me off!
BMW forced me to buy a Mazdaspeed 3 because they won't bring me a 1 series 2 door with the twin turbo mill. Dam n shame - and I'm willing to part with up to $45k to get one.
Then again, maybe BMW doesn't want a simple hatchback to waste their precious new M3.
Cheers!
That's right. All I want is a five-door 130i with the M Sport package. I love my ti; I've had it for almost 14 years. The '02 is my new project car. I really, REALLY want an M1, but they always seem to be priced just out of my financial reach. I may wind up "settling" for a 2002 Turbo instead...
mechtech2,
Thanks for the explanation, I didn't know that.
Thanks for the explanation, I didn't know that.
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