Change your manual transmission fluid ASAP!!!

[frslee]

I didn't have much problem with stock fluid, all worked well.

[Gords_zenith]

I have a thought but its a bit unorthodox, so bear with me. My winter beater and work horse is a 2005 Ford Ranger FX4 5 speed (M5OD) uses FORD automatic transmission fluid and doesn't suffer any notchyness. Maybe a transmission fluid vendor can speak better about this but maybe automatic fluid can be used in the BRZ tranny. I know they are vastly different in design but principles should be the same? They are both work horse transmissions so don't give me any shit about the truck not being able to handle the work load.

[CoupedUpSubie]

Has anyone dumped the Subaru Extra-S 75W-90 in their car? It can be hard to come by but I have a source for some. Everyone I know that run it in their Subaru's rave about how much better their transmission shifts.

[DoomsdayJesus]

If you haven't had a problem with the stock gear oil, it still needs to be regularly changed and you're going to notice it if you switch to one of the better recommended gear oils mentioned in this and many other threads. It's not that expensive, don't be stubborn and screw yourself and car out of a better product just to save a few bucks.

[radroach]

Originally Posted by CoupedUpSubie

Has anyone dumped the Subaru Extra-S 75W-90 in their car? It can be hard to come by but I have a source for some. Everyone I know that run it in their Subaru's rave about how much better their transmission shifts.

This isn't a subaru transmission, being an Aisin transmission, so not sure if it would be applicable to our gearbox.

[AZP Installs]

Originally Posted by CoupedUpSubie

Has anyone dumped the Subaru Extra-S 75W-90 in their car? It can be hard to come by but I have a source for some. Everyone I know that run it in their Subaru's rave about how much better their transmission shifts.

The Subaru Extra-S is GL5, GL5 does not supersede the GL3/GL4 which is required by the FRS/BRZ 6MT transmission. Doing so not only voids your warranty but it will probably hurt your transmission as well.

-Mike Paisan


Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Enthusiasts since 2001.
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[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by Darkazn58

But I don't understand how can a fluid be both GL-4 and GL-5 rated. I thought that the ratings did not supersede one another. As in something that requires GL-3 cannot be replaced with GL-5 instead. Plus, aren't the compositions of GL-4 vs GL-5 different? So how exactly does Motul achieve both ratings?

Your best answer would probably be provided by Motul. You can google Motul in Pomona, CA for the number and they're actually very good at responding to tech questions.

But from what I understand, they use metal deactivators so that the yellow metals in GL4 specced transmissions are not affected by the 30-50% higher levels of extreme pressure additives in GL5 oil.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=508377

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/729255/Gear_Tribology_and_Lubrication#Post729255

-Dennis

[Dusty]

I upgraded to Redline MTL today with 2100 miles on the odometer. The difference is immediately noticeable. The shifting went from frustrating notchiness to buttery smooth.

I definitely recommend a good pump to push in the new oil. There isn't much room above the fill hole.

[Figo]

Same problem here.

I changed to Motul 300 (same spec as stock oil) weeks ago, and realized that it is harder to get in 2nd gear at cold weather. Actually, it's a lot harder than using the stock oil during the first 5 mins every morning (I warm up the car but does not help the transmission much).

Originally Posted by ap5512

I changed out my tranny fluid towards the end of summer and noticed it being a bit smoother. I used Motul. My only problem now is that getting into first and second are pain due to the cold. It really needs to get warmed up before it becomes smooth again.

[ap5512]

Yup...2nd is almost impossible if you don't warm the car up. Lately, i've been shifting back and forth 1st-2nd while warming the car and it seems to help. I really wish it was smoother since I don't always have time in the morning to warm it up.

[BeRZed]

Originally Posted by Figo

Same problem here.

I changed to Motul 300 (same spec as stock oil) weeks ago, and realized that it is harder to get in 2nd gear at cold weather. Actually, it's a lot harder than using the stock oil during the first 5 mins every morning (I warm up the car but does not help the transmission much).

I've noticed the same thing after switching to motul

[Figo]

Originally Posted by BeRZed

I've noticed the same thing after switching to motul

some times even CAN NOT go from 3rd to 2nd.

[chas3wba0]

So I'm getting that the general consensus is... don't go with Motul?

[Figo]

Originally Posted by ap5512

Yup...2nd is almost impossible if you don't warm the car up. Lately, i've been shifting back and forth 1st-2nd while warming the car and it seems to help. I really wish it was smoother since I don't always have time in the morning to warm it up.

When you said warm up, did u mean start the car and wait for mins? I double that going to help to the transmission a lot. It warm up the engine most likely. I'v tried to warm up until the engine drop to about 800 rpm after 2 mins, and wait for another 3 mins, but it was still hard to get in 2nd gear.