Manual transmission fluid

[alvarofue]

Hi, I want to make a litle maintenance to my truck by changing all the fluids (coolant, brake, differrential), but is it necesary to change the transimission fluid on a manual transmission as well?

If so, what kind of oil does it use? Syncromesh?

And about the diferential... does it have a drain plug? or must I take te cover?

Thanks in advance


PS: I've a 99 2.2 S-10 with 80.000 miles

[NateZQ8]

I have been told that the tranny fluid rarely needs changing if its a manual, and yes, you have to take the entire cover off to change the differential fluid (replace the gasket as well, its a cheap fix for aroun 15 bucks for syn oil and the gasket

[YellowDime]

if you are talking about the blue fluid that GM uses, the only cars that use syncromesh are the Burbans, Silverados and Trailblazers, and they only use it in the transfercase, your transmission should take regular Dexron III / Mercon ATF fluid, there are 2 plugs on the side one is a fill and the other is a drain plug, also on the rear diff it wouldnt be a bad idea to spray everything with brake cleaner then wipe down / air hose everything out, for a thorough cleaning

[twiztid_lowrider]

When i changed my transmission i needed some fluid, the dealer told me that it was a special fluid only available from the dealer. Its a semi synthetic blend that was $12 a quart. I don't know if you can put anything else in it or not. Maybe they just wanted my money. I don't know.

[Mylithra]

Dont use Dexron III / Mercon ATF fluid in a manual transmission. You will burn it up. Thats automatic transmission fluid only. In most manual transmission and differentials, you use a 90W oil. I think though in the case of the S10, you really should use the Blue stuff from GM.

[rll9147]

He is right the manual tranny fluid needed for the 2.2 5 Speed in Syncromesh. Yes, it is very expensive from the dealer.

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?9785
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mtf.aspx
http://www.go-synthetic.com/manual_transmission/manual_transmission.html

Also, you do not have to take the dif cover off you can just loosen all the bolts and break the seal so the fluid drains out but if I were you I would do the seal swap for a new one. The dif gets filled on the side so no need tot ake the cover completely off unless the seals needs changed also.

[ablues10]

SYNCHROMESH FLUID!!!
DO NOT USE ANYTHING ELSE!
You can get it from autozone or any other parts store. Its kinda expensive (about $15 for 3 bottles I think)
You need 3-4 bottles to refill your transmission.

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f13/how-to-change-clutch-96-2003-2-2-and-4-3-5speed-178334/

I wrote this.

[gregoneck]

Quote: Originally Posted by xxWICKEDxx

if you are talking about the blue fluid that GM uses, the only cars that use syncromesh are the Burbans, Silverados and Trailblazers, and they only use it in the transfercase, your transmission should take regular Dexron III / Mercon ATF fluid, there are 2 plugs on the side one is a fill and the other is a drain plug, also on the rear diff it wouldnt be a bad idea to spray everything with brake cleaner then wipe down / air hose everything out, for a thorough cleaning

are you high!!!!???? do not put atf in a manual transmission. put synchromesh in it an be done.

[ablues10]

Cleaning the diff's vent hose isn't a bad Idea. Just dont use any cleaners just water.

[alvarofue]

Thanks, but the fluid is too expensive!! I think that maybe is not necessary to change it.

with the dif. fluid is enough , which brand is good? Should I use synthetic?

[Upsetta666]

The blu fluid they speak of is called Auto Trak II, and it is ONLY used in transfer cases. NOT in the transmission.

[sadexcuse4s10]

90 weight gear oil

put one bottle in and that's it, remember, top plug is fill, bottom is drain

[blackfire7]

Quote: Originally Posted by twiztid_lowrider

When i changed my transmission i needed some fluid, the dealer told me that it was a special fluid only available from the dealer. Its a semi synthetic blend that was $12 a quart. I don't know if you can put anything else in it or not. Maybe they just wanted my money. I don't know.

Dudes right on it.. I work at a shop and we have to tell people like daily we cant do ther s10. It takes a special type that as far as I know only either a trans shop or a dealer have. With the sh\t transmission it has idk why it takes a special type. You can extend the fluid alittle bit by adding some lucas.. stuffs a good trans additive.

[foxracin23]

yea i thing i need to fill mine my trans is goin to shit so just fill it up on the top plug

[blackfire7]

Most people neglect the fluid even with alot miles since it's hard find.. but thats where most trans problems start is the fluid breakdown.

[foxracin23]

well its going to be hard i have to take to a sho pcant lift the truck up damn ok iam done whoring

[YellowDime]

Auto Trak II is made specifically for transfer case vehicles only, sure it probably COULD be an alternative, butwhy waste the money. Your manual transmission takes ATF Dexron III / Mercon, if it takes otherwise that would be the first i have seen in 3 years since i started my job, BTW my 91 5 speed takes ATF and i havent had any problems and i have 10,000 miles on the last fluid change, btw the truck has 200,000 miles on the original transmission and the owner before me used ATF, take your owners manual out of the glovebox unwrap it and actually READ IT!

Quote: Originally Posted by mylithra

Dont use Dexron III / Mercon ATF fluid in a manual transmission. You will burn it up. Thats automatic transmission fluid only.

ATF is a lubricant, Honda uses it in rear diffs sometimes, you can run your engine on ATF as a cleaner, Its also used in Transfercases and Manual Transmissions

[Mylithra]

Quakerstate makes the stuff you need. You dont have to go to the dealer for it:

http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/pro...ynchromesh.asp

[Mylithra]

Quote:

Quote: Originally Posted by xxWICKEDxx
btw the truck has 200,000 miles on the original transmission and the owner before me used ATF, take your owners manual out of the glovebox unwrap it and actually READ IT!

Thats a really good idea.




BTW... The ATF in Dexron III / Mercon ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid.

[Mylithra]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mylithra

Thats a really good idea.
BTW... The ATF in Dexron III / Mercon ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid.

I did somemore digging and there were some years where they put Automatic Transmission Fluid in their manual transmissions. Seems a bit odd to me but thats what the book says. For the definitive word on what fluid you should use, Pull the drain plug and let a very little of the stuff out. If its Blue its the Syncromesh. If its red, its ATF. You may also want to contact the dealer to make sure you get the right stuff for your year.

[gregoneck]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mylithra

Thats a really good idea.




BTW... The ATF in Dexron III / Mercon ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid.

good job!

[ablues10]

2 or 3 bottles of GM syncromesh fluid (DO NOT USE GEAR OIL!!!!!!!) The gm part # is 12345349
2 or 3 bottles of GM syncromesh fluid (DO NOT USE GEAR OIL!!!!!!!) The gm part # is 12345349
2 or 3 bottles of GM syncromesh fluid (DO NOT USE GEAR OIL!!!!!!!) The gm part # is 12345349
2 or 3 bottles of GM syncromesh fluid (DO NOT USE GEAR OIL!!!!!!!) The gm part # is 12345349
2 or 3 bottles of GM syncromesh fluid (DO NOT USE GEAR OIL!!!!!!!) The gm part # is 12345349
2 or 3 bottles of GM syncromesh fluid (DO NOT USE GEAR OIL!!!!!!!) The gm part # is 12345349

http://www.pennzoil.com/products/gear_oil/syncro_fluid.html

Quote:

Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid is a synchromesh transmission fluid designed for certain manual transaxles and manual transmissions used by General Motors or Chrysler. Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid is formulated with high quality paraffinic base stocks, a fluidity modifier, multifunctional performance additives, corrosion inhibitors, a foam suppressor and a shear stable viscosity index improver additive. It provides excellent oxidation stability, low temperature performance, excellent synchronizer performance and compatibility with yellow metals, such as bronze, brass and copper components found in manual transaxles and transmissions. This product will satisfactorily lubricate General Motors or Chrysler manual transaxles and transmissions from -40°C to +150°C.

Benefits:

• Exhibits excellent low temperature performance
• Meets GM Specification 9985648 and Chrylser Specification MS-9224
• Suitable for use in GM manual transaxles and transmissions requiring GM Part No. 12345349 or 12345577
• Suitable for use in Chrylser transaxles and transmissions requiring Part No. 4874464
• Excellent synchronizer performance
• Excellent yellow metal compatibility

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/gm_syncromesh.html


GM Synchromesh transmission fluid is a high quality transmission fluid that we highly recommend for all TREMEC TR-3550 and TKO transmissions, and TREMEC highly recommends it as well.

GM part number 12345349 (2.75 quarts required), $10 per quart

PLEASE USE THE CORRECT FLUID! I will tear the hell out of your transmission if you do not! If you have anything else in there now, change it quickls. $15 for the correct fluid is better than $1500+ for a new transmission or rebuild!

I switched mine from gear oil (because I didnt know) to pensoil (I dont use their motor oil, just the synthetic) and noticed that my transmission was quiter and shifted better.

[ablues10]

Oh, btw the synthetic is for the NVG 3500 and 1500 (the newer 5 speed transmissions in the V-6 and 4 cly)
They used these transmissions in some 94's and 95's. In 96+ they used the NVG.
Now the other transmission they used on the 94's and 95's was the Borg warner 5 speed. On the 94 they used Dexron II ATF and on the 95's they used Dextron III ATF. It sounds like the 91 has the Borg warner so in that sense he is right.

[sadexcuse4s10]

if you have the older T-5, 90w gear oil

my engine & tranny have 279k miles on them, cheapass $7 oil changes and $4 for tranny gear oil

**** it, it's not a damn bmw i'm not payin $15 for fluid, the damn motor isn't worth that much, these borg warner tranny's were designed when the damn first s-10's were being built, and the old box camaros too, before there was ever this Dexcron crap out

[ablues10]

It does make a diffrence tho. I noticed everthing in the tranny was alot smoother right after I changed it.

[lessthansix]

Old thread... however, just for the record. The year of the truck and whether it's a 4 or 6 cyl makes a difference in the type of fluid you put in the tranny. On my '98 the 6 cyl uses Syncromesh from GM or the equivalent which you can find at autozone, etc. The 4 cyl on the other hand only lists manual transmission fluid with 5% friction modifier which you have to get from GM. An alternative may exist for later models. Also, in my owners manual it says there's no reason to ever change the fluid. Only fill it if it's low, and if it's very low there's a good chance there's a problem with your tranny or atleast there will be one shortly. In my experience an owner's manual usually prompts you to change things before they really need it, to be on the safe side. So when the manual tells you that you don't have to change it, you probably don't. But then again it's so much easier than flushing an automatic that you might as well do it just for s&g and cause you love your truck... not in the way of the ancient greeks but the way a robot loves a human, a human loves a dog, and occasionally... a gorilla loves a kittie.

[Sonoma SL]

My 95 Sonoma calls for ATF (2.2) and Synchromesh for the 4.3

-Mike

[serpentracer]

I can tell you guys from experience dont get regular gear oil if you have the New Venture Gear transmission. its too thick. when it gets below 40 out I have a hard time putting the ****ing thing into gear. and changing into 2nd. and it makes it whine.

[serpentracer]

Quote: Originally Posted by sadexcuse4s10

these borg warner tranny's were designed when the damn first s-10's were being built, and the old box camaros too, before there was ever this Dexcron crap out

sorry but this made me bust out laughing. Dexron atf has been around since the automatic transmission was invented. Damn Youngins

[SPYDER315]

hey for some futher info royal purple makes a syncromesh equivalent most pep boys carry it ans so does pensoil i got mine at AUTO ZONE 3 qts for 19.00 bucks

[Criscone]

i use GM syncromesh in my talon and its amazing stuff. So considering GM sells it, im sure it will work in s10s, if it does then id go with that.