Redline fluid in a Nissan CVT

Finklejag · Dec 11, 2008

It looks like Redline makes two CVT fluid now. MY 07 Altima uses Nissan's CVT N2 fluid. I called Redline up, and asked if their Non-Slip CVT fluid meets Nissan's spec. The tech person said yes. Here it is.

Redline

My owners manual says to use Nissan N2 fluid only. I know they wrote that so Joe the Plumer doesn't go down to his local Napa and adds Dextron III to the transmission. I woulnd't even think about putting the Redline fluid in if it didn't meet Nissan's spec. The Nissan fluid ranges from $14.95 a quart online + shipping, to over $20.00 at my local dealer. The Redline would be around $14.00 a quart.

The Altima has a drain bolt for the transmission. I have read 5 quarts will drain out. I posted this on my Altima forum. They all said to stick to what the owners manual says. They think I can't use anything else. The owners manual also says to use "Genuine Nissan parts only" all throughout it.

Would you guys risk using the Redline fluid over the Nissan fluid?

Johnny · Dec 11, 2008

REDDOG · Dec 11, 2008

Yes-I will when the time comes.

Mr Nice · Dec 11, 2008

Wow, if I were you I would let some of the other people on that Altima forum be your "Guinea Pig" using Redline CVT .
I would not risk damage to that expen$ive CVT trans....

but that just my 2 cents of advice.

BuickGN · Dec 11, 2008

I've been waiting for someone else to try it out. The girlfriend's Murano is just about due but I want someone else to try it first.

AzFireGuy79 · Dec 11, 2008

Soemthing to keep in mind is that Redline doesn't just release a product without doing some serious testing in the vehicle itself. I have never owned a CVT, but understand you need to assure that the proper fluid is utilized. Redline is one of the top synthetic ATF's in the market. That being said, I would use the product with total confidence.

If you have doubts about it, call Dave over at Redline. Very nice and knowledgable guy!

buster · Dec 11, 2008

Redline is a reputable brand. I would use it.

Whitewolf · Dec 12, 2008

I would not do that. CVTs can be difficult due to variances in design and materials used. It's best to stick to the OEM fluid.

buster · Dec 12, 2008

Listen to Whitewolf. He knows more than any of us.

wantin150 · Dec 12, 2008

Silly but if they REQUIRE a certain fluid, don't they have to provide it for you?

Mr Nice · Dec 12, 2008

Sure Redline makes excellent lubes, but just cause the bottle says CVT doesn't mean its the best/correct fluid for that trans.

JTK · Dec 13, 2008

Does anyone know if it's the same color as the OEM juice? I sure as heck wouldn't use it while under warranty if it's visibly different than OEM. Also, at $14/qt for the RL, why would you bother? Whelp... at least an aftermarket source is a good thing.

Joel

BuickGN · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted By: JTK
Does anyone know if it's the same color as the OEM juice? I sure as heck wouldn't use it while under warranty if it's visibly different than OEM. Also, at $14/qt for the RL, why would you bother? Whelp... at least an aftermarket source is a good thing.

Joel

With the factory fluid ranging from $15 to $20, why not use a potentially better cheaper fluid?

The Critic · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted By: BuickGN
Originally Posted By: JTK
Does anyone know if it's the same color as the OEM juice? I sure as heck wouldn't use it while under warranty if it's visibly different than OEM. Also, at $14/qt for the RL, why would you bother? Whelp... at least an aftermarket source is a good thing.

Joel

With the factory fluid ranging from $15 to $20, why not use a potentially better cheaper fluid?

Because CVTs are extremely sensitive to the fluid type compared to traditional stepped gear automatics. I would use Amsoil in my Honda automatic, but I wouldn't use anything other than the OE fluid in a CVT.

benjamming · Dec 13, 2008

I would do a few drains along with UOAs of the factory fluid. Then, I would change to RL and do a few drains along with UOAs.

wileyE · Dec 13, 2008

http://www.advancespeedshop.com/eneos-transmission-fluid-cvt-pn-cvt-p-4849.html

http://www.eneos.us/products.php?pk=8

BuickGN · Dec 13, 2008

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: BuickGN
Originally Posted By: JTK
Does anyone know if it's the same color as the OEM juice? I sure as heck wouldn't use it while under warranty if it's visibly different than OEM. Also, at $14/qt for the RL, why would you bother? Whelp... at least an aftermarket source is a good thing.

Joel

With the factory fluid ranging from $15 to $20, why not use a potentially better cheaper fluid?

Because CVTs are extremely sensitive to the fluid type compared to traditional stepped gear automatics. I would use Amsoil in my Honda automatic, but I wouldn't use anything other than the OE fluid in a CVT.

That's why I said "potentially". I'm not going to be the first lol.

Redline fluid in a Nissan CVT

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