Question:I have a manual transmission. Does the fluid
in it ever need to be changed?
Answer:Not usually. Some older import vehicles (like
Volkswagen Beetles) recommended periodic lube changes for their
gearboxes, but no modern car or light truck requires it. The
reason why is because the oil stays relatively clean and runs
fairly cool. Unlike the fluid in an automatic transmission that
is being constantly churned (which generates heat) and contaminated
by particles worn off the clutch plates, the fluid in a manual
transmission or transaxle has life pretty easy. So it usually
lasts the life of the transmission.
The only reason you might have for changing it would be if
you were experiencing hard shifting problems during cold weather.
Most older rear-wheel drive transmissions use a heavy gear oil
like 75W, 80W or 90W, which can get pretty stiff at subzero temperatures.
Changing to a lighter oil may improve shifting.
Most manual transaxles in front-wheel drive cars today use
Dexron II automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to keep the gears
lubed. ATF works well because it stays much more fluid at low
temperatures. But ATF should not be substituted for gear oil.
Always use the type of lubricant specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
ADDING OIL
The only time you should have to add oil to a manual transmission
or transaxle is if the tranny is leaking oil. If you see any
grease or wetness around the tailshaft or driveshaft seals, the
oil level in the transmission or transaxle should be checked because
it may be low. WARNING: Allowing the transmission or transaxle
to run too low on lubricant can ruin it.
