Transaxle Fluid Change - Newb Questions
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Boston
Transaxle Fluid Change - Newb Questions
Going to change my transaxle fluid tomorrow, and a couple of newbie questions:
1) there looks like separate drain and fill plugs for the fore part of the tranny and for the rear differential... is that correct and do I need to drain and fill both separately?
2) I bought 4 quarts of Mobil-1 Synthetic Gear Lube, 75W-90. Is that a good lube and weight for these transaxles?
3) the serial number on the bottom of the transaxle is M28 13 1J 00563 , I assume thats a non-LSD 2.20 from around '88, is that correct?
4) this isn't a tranny question but while I'm at it... I bought Castrol Syntec full-synthetic 5W-50 to put in the motor; Is that a good weight for this car?
I've done some searches for this info in the past and couldn't find the answers again quickly now that I'm down to the wire trying to get things done for SITM trek. Any info is much appreciated!
Chris
1) there looks like separate drain and fill plugs for the fore part of the tranny and for the rear differential... is that correct and do I need to drain and fill both separately?
2) I bought 4 quarts of Mobil-1 Synthetic Gear Lube, 75W-90. Is that a good lube and weight for these transaxles?
3) the serial number on the bottom of the transaxle is M28 13 1J 00563 , I assume thats a non-LSD 2.20 from around '88, is that correct?
4) this isn't a tranny question but while I'm at it... I bought Castrol Syntec full-synthetic 5W-50 to put in the motor; Is that a good weight for this car?
I've done some searches for this info in the past and couldn't find the answers again quickly now that I'm down to the wire trying to get things done for SITM trek. Any info is much appreciated!
Chris
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 314
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From: Leawood, KS
Chris,
I can't with confidence answer all of your questions but I've always used 80/90 but imagine 75/90 is just as good. I can with confidence say to make sure and loosen your FILL plug first. If you get the drain plug out and can't get the fill out then you'll be out of luck. 17mm hex head. The 80/90 is pretty thick so I'd say having it warm would benefit you (also might make it easier to remove the plugs). Make sure to reinstall the plug with the magnet in the drain hole.
I can't with confidence answer all of your questions but I've always used 80/90 but imagine 75/90 is just as good. I can with confidence say to make sure and loosen your FILL plug first. If you get the drain plug out and can't get the fill out then you'll be out of luck. 17mm hex head. The 80/90 is pretty thick so I'd say having it warm would benefit you (also might make it easier to remove the plugs). Make sure to reinstall the plug with the magnet in the drain hole.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,015
Likes: 815
From: Temecula, CA
I used Mobil 1 75W90 in the S4 when I baselined the fluids last year and I didn't have any problems with it. Ran great in the cold and warm weather.
Good luck tomorrow and post back if you note any improvements in shifting etc.
Good luck tomorrow and post back if you note any improvements in shifting etc.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 2
From: Bellevue, WA
My fill/drain plugs required a little encouragement. I spray them with Croil and then used a 17mm hex head on a socket. With the socket in a 6 o'clock position, I used a 2x4 to pop each of them loose. Not too hard of course. Your choices for oils are fine.
