OEM Transmission Maintenance Time Limit

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The factory maintenance schedule for my 2008 Mazda MX-5 with the 6-speed manual gearbox calls for a gearbox and differential fluid change at 60k miles or 48 months, whichever comes first.

I get the 60k mile requirement, but not sure about the 48 month limit, considering both fluids operate in essentially closed environments. Plus, I’m not aware of any other OEM that bases transmission fluid changes on anything other than mileage.

What’s the consensus here: same logic as bottled motor oil having a shelf life? A way to make sure fluid hasn’t escaped somehow?

Given the MX-5’s ground clearance, even with Rhino Ramps and jacks stands this is not a DIY project to love.

Thanks.
 
Remember the most metal the trans [barring failure] will make will be during the first few thousand miles from new
 
I had a 2019 miata which is known for a better, yet weak trans. I changed the trans/LSD fluid at 10k. I highly recommend it. I used to have minor engagement issues from cold start. If its your first drain and fill there will be a benefit whatever your mileage is. Yours is an NC I believe? That transmission may be based on a ford design, not sure. IRRC they would sometimes use motorcraft. I would check miata.net what they recommend but I would still recomend redline gear oils.
 
Remember the most metal the trans [barring failure] will make will be during the first few thousand miles from new

Car is 14 years old, has 27k and has had a fluid change. But Mazda seems to recommend the 4-year interval in perpetuity.
 
So, 14 > 4 and have not changed since that time, then change it.
No brainer, don't you think.

Already said it has been changed. Question was why the 4 year limit when other OEMs don’t have it? Simple question. No need for sarcasm.
 
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