My little Geo's 5 speed transmission is doing some gear whining, so I think it's time for a gear oil change. My manual recommends a 75w90, the only 75w90 I can find are all synthetic oils, and they go for about 8 bucks a bottle. 80w90 conventional is easy to find, and goes for about 2.50 a bottle. Since the transmission takes a bit over 2 quarts, would it be worth it to use a synthetic oil? Or would the conventional stuff be better?
Synthetic gear oil worth it?
- Thread starter Farticus
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Considering how often it gets changed...why not spend the extra money?
Many people have been disappointed with Syn oil because of various "unpleasant surprises." These include unimpressive UOA wear numbers (showing wear no lower than good conventional oils, even though the conventional oils are a fraction of the cost of Syn oil), and they also include small problems like oil leaks.
However, for gearbox and differentials, almost no one complains about Syn oils. One reason could be that the gearbox and diffy fluids cop a lot less contaminants from blow-by gases than does the motor oil...so they do not degrade so badly or quickly.
Use Syn for your gearbox. You will not have any problems.
Unless you're in Vancouver, definitely go with the synthetic. Even if you are in Vancouver, I'd still go synthetic since it will be in there for a long time. Redline would be my choice.
Fresh oil may not stop the gear whine though.
Fresh oil may not stop the gear whine though.
Synthetic gear oil is the only way to go in my book!! I like Redline and Royal Purple the most but if you have to buy off the shelf Mobil 1 is ok!
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