macadamianut

I understand the basics of this job from the manual, but is it easier to remove the rear wheel for better access to the fill hole? Is it okay to fill when the car is not level on jack stands??

Any advice or rennlsit magic tricks?

Thanks.

Stephenwz968

I use a breaker bar and take the wheel off. To add the fluid I would want the car level on jackstands, you fill from the top and add until it's at the base of the hole, so it should be level. I use a pump that I bought at autozone to suck in the fluid and then squirt it into the fill hole, but you can use a long tube and a funnel, it just takes longer that way. Good luck!

odb812

I've only changed it in an open bay so no comment on removing the wheel. If you're going to fill it while the car is not level don't rely on the check hole to confirm the level, keep track of how much you put in. It's not a bad idea to let the new gear oil sit out in the sun, in the bottles of course, for maybe a half hour to warm up, especially if you plan on using a hand pump.

JDS968

I didn't take the wheel off, just got the car up on jackstands and used the hand pump. Nice and easy.

Just in case you've never done this before...don't forget that manual transmission gear oil is the most foul-smelling hydraulic lubricant on the planet and will permanently ruin your clothing. And you will never ever be able to clean the pump thoroughly enough that your wife will allow you to keep it in the garage, so you'll have to store it outdoors.

odb812

The smell kinda grows on ya. I somewhat enjoy it now.

RajDatta

You need to change your wife! j/k
Garage is my space, house is hers

The job is much easier with the wheel off. The drain and fill plugs both use the same size washer as the engine oil drain plug. Make sure you get new washers. Also, as always, crack open the fill plug 1st to make sure that it's not seized. Last thing you want to do is drain your gear oil and then be stuck with not being able to add any new fluid.
Good luck.
Raj

macadamianut

Ah ha! I knew there were tricks, secrets, cautions, and preferred methods.

Thanks all.

JDS968

I can't imagine how...it literally nauseates me.



I know you're supposed to...but have any of you guys ever tried using the old one, assuming it's in good condition, and torquing it down to spec? I tend to reuse washers after carefully inspecting them, and I've never had any problems so far, transaxle plugs included.

Excellent advice, kinda common sense but always bears repeating!

AllenM

I'll be performing this task soon also and this is exactly the type of practical advise I need. What brand fluid to you all prefer?
I've got a 92 LSD 6spd by the way.

JDS968

Mobil Delvac 1 75W-90 fully synthetic, especially with the LSD.

It's not available by the quart, you have to get it a gallon at a time (assuming you don't get it by the drum). Furthermore, most places want to sell the gallon jugs by the case. You need to either order a gallon online, or get it at a place like Grainger (that's where I got mine).

They also make a Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant, which strangely enough is not the same thing. Don't use it.

odb812

A lot of people like Swepco for these cars. I use Redline in both of mine.

RajDatta

Great Info JDS. We do have a Grainger by us. So, how do they sell it? By Gallon? or you take a container and they pour it.
I am currently using standard Mobil1 75W90.
Raj

ernie9468

This migth help doing it without spilling tranny fluid all over yourself.

odb812

That's definitely worth it. I've always used those little pumps that screw into the top of the bottle and your arms get real tired trying to pump 2.5 quarts with that.

JDS968

They sell it by the gallon jug. I can actually take a photo of what the jug looks like with the current labeling, if anybody's interested.

Note that Grainger might insist on selling you things under a company account (they're technically a wholesaler, I think). This doesn't necessarily mean you have to CHARGE it to that account, though, so if you can't get one of your own, just find somebody who will let you put it on theirs, and you can pay for it at the counter.

Otherwise you can always just order a jug online.

My pump is even more awkward than that, it's just got a rubber tube going out either end of the pump, so I stuff one tube into the bottle and the other tube into the fill port in the transaxle...

As long as I can keep both tubes in place, I've never had a problem pumping the fluid...maybe mine moves the fluid faster?