13 replies to this topic

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

I've got a 5 gallon drum of racing gearbox oil sat in my kitchen Going to change the gearbox oil in the car, but have never done it before so would like to know exactly how it's done. Any info/pics appreciated

[leevx2.2]

Passenger driveshaft there is a drain plug with an Allen key insert undo this drain all oil out. Then on top of box there is a similar plug undo and put 1.8 litres in I believe it's an easy little job mate good luck

[slindborg]

Pax wheel off, take the drain plug out, then lower the pax side down on the jack to ensure best drainage. refit the drain plug, fill gearbox.... imho chuck just over 2L in and let it breathe to its desired level.

[G-Bob]

Pax wheel off, take the drain plug out, then lower the pax side down on the jack to ensure best drainage.

refit the drain plug,

fill gearbox.... imho chuck just over 2L in and let it breathe to its desired level.

Mine felt a bit stiff with only 1.8L in it so I chucked in the rest!

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

This is the forgotten job on this car! Not done it yet since I had the car so I bet it's mucky as hell!! My engine is DEFO making a different noise since fitting this racing engine oil! Engine revs really 'freely' if that makes sense noisier though!!! Hope the gearbox oil has a similar effect! Clarification needed on the location of the plug I'm meant to fill it by

[Vespa]

its the large circular plug directly on top/centre of gearbox with a 6mm (i think) hex socket in it. i used a length of garden hose connected to a funnel to make sure i didnt p*ss it all over the place. good luck

[fezzasus]

This is the forgotten job on this car! Not done it yet since I had the car so I bet it's mucky as hell!!

No reason for it to be; engine oil has to deal with massive changes in temperature, soot from partially burn fuel, chemical attack by radical species generated during combustion and acid attack formed from nitrogen and sulfer in the fuel.

Gear oil doesn't have any of those issues. Most gear oil isn't expected to be changed during the lifetime of the car.

[slindborg]

This is the forgotten job on this car! Not done it yet since I had the car so I bet it's mucky as hell!!

No reason for it to be; engine oil has to deal with massive changes in temperature, soot from partially burn fuel, chemical attack by radical species generated during combustion and acid attack formed from nitrogen and sulfer in the fuel.

Gear oil doesn't have any of those issues. Most gear oil isn't expected to be changed during the lifetime of the car.

Even though you are shearing the tits off the oil and heating it lots/putting lots of pressure over the surface of the gears etc..
Given its a mere 2L of oil and about 30mins effort, I reckon its worth atleast a 24monthly change

[fezzasus]

This is the forgotten job on this car! Not done it yet since I had the car so I bet it's mucky as hell!!

No reason for it to be; engine oil has to deal with massive changes in temperature, soot from partially burn fuel, chemical attack by radical species generated during combustion and acid attack formed from nitrogen and sulfer in the fuel.

Gear oil doesn't have any of those issues. Most gear oil isn't expected to be changed during the lifetime of the car.

Even though you are shearing the tits off the oil and heating it lots/putting lots of pressure over the surface of the gears etc..
Given its a mere 2L of oil and about 30mins effort, I reckon its worth atleast a 24monthly change

Extreme Pressure additives in gear oil are transient; meaning they form on the surface at high pressure and dissolve again. They do NOT get consumed. Heat cycles are much more gradual than engine so not a problem. Sheer is the only killer, but as I said - they're all designed for the lifetime of the car so have very sheer stable VM.

No harm in changing it, i'm just saying it shouldn't be a priority or considered a must.

[Paulus H]

Jim, let us know if changing the oil has helped. Also it would be really helpful if you let us know what oil/spec of oil you are putting in. A couple of friends are really into fwd VW, on the Mk1 and Mk2 they reckon changing the gear oil makes a big difference to the quality of the gear change.... Best regards, Paul

[chrisgold]

This is the forgotten job on this car! Not done it yet since I had the car so I bet it's mucky as hell!!

My engine is DEFO making a different noise since fitting this racing engine oil! Engine revs really 'freely' if that makes sense noisier though!!! Hope the gearbox oil has a similar effect!

Clarification needed on the location of the plug I'm meant to fill it by

Changed mine for some top spec stuff before Silverstone in November (cant remember what it was now lol)

Pushed a thin pipe in from filler hole up to the boot and just poured from there, easy job, did not take off wheels or anything, but I have a pit

I just got back from 6 months skiing by the way, any track days in our local coming up Jimmy?

[KurtVerbose]

I changed mine recently - put some oil for low temperatures in.

 

The old stuff looked very thin. No idea how long it had been in there but probably as old as the car + 10 years.

 

The gear train is now much quieter, particularly backlash on the overrun, and the shift nicer. It really has made a big difference which has surprised me.

 

Doubtless I'm loosing the odd bhp, but I'm happy with the trade-off. Gunna do the same with my BMW motorcycle next - that has an horrible drive train.

[Westcoast]

Still a mk3 MR2 driver for now but a popular 'mod' is to change the gear oil to Redline MT90.

This should improve the shifting feel and help the syncros' life span. 

There also some reports of reduced transmission noise.

 

I've got the transmission filled with MT90 oil, fitted solid shifter base bushings, a TRD Quick shifter and metal bearings where the cable connect to the transmission. (Stock are rubber bushings)

Best mods ever... The gears are closer together, smoother and more precise.

One of the reasons I'm doubting trading in my MR for a VX.

 

Do we also have these available for the VX ?

Haven't come across any except for some standard short shifters. 

[slindborg]

Short shifts fcuk the box.... But your call on that