DIY - changing your transmission fluid/oil, M/T 7afe Options

[Batman722]

I changed the transmission fluid/oil in my 7afe recently and Manny (presure2) took some pics - thanks Manny
I was having some slight grinding going into 2nd gear in higher RPMs and I figured changing the tranny fluid would be a great idea. Since it has been changed, no more grinding

tools needed : ratchet, 24mm socket, 3-4qts transmission fluid/oil, oil drain pan, jack/stands
time : 30min - 1hr, depending on your mechanical skill level

DO NOT attempt this when engine is hot, wait until the engine is very cool/cold.


first you need to loosen this bolt (fill plug) with a ratchet and the 24mm socket

bolt removed


it is located here, it is facing the front of the car. The transmission is circled in yellow and the arrow is pointing to the bolt location

the bolts are usually very tight and could be difficult to loosen

next, jack up the front of the car (putting it on jack stands is always safer) and with the 24mm socket you need to loosen this bolt (drain plug)

Remove drain plug. The drain plug is located directly under the transmission. You may need to remove some of the plastic under the engine for easier access. Be sure to put the oil drain pan under the bolt when removing because the old fluid/oil will be pouring out.

now after the old oil has drained out (10 min later), replace the drain plug - make sure it is secure - and lower the car.

My personal choice
Pennzoil Synchromesh


pour 3-4qrts of the Synchromesh into the fill plug hole (you might want to use a long funnel or pour/squeeze from the bottle into the hole) until full - it will start pouring back out. I used just less than 3qrts



Once full, replace fill plug - make sure it is secure - and wipe up the excess that has spilt.

Done.

Notes :
- be sure to dispose of old fluid/oil properly
- according to the BGB - 7a transmission refill = 3.5qrts, 5s transmission refill = 2.6qrts
- this procedure should be the same/similar for both 7afe and 5sfe

[Dunners]

While we're on the topic, What is the differences between normal engine oil and transmission oil? I couldn't imagine too much difference, they do pretty much the same thing? I'll do mine again soon with syncromesh cause i have to do my inner cv's and i may as well change it. Cheers fella's.

[Batman722]

While we're on the topic, What is the differences between normal engine oil and transmission oil? I couldn't imagine too much difference, they do pretty much the same thing? I'll do mine again soon with syncromesh cause i have to do my inner cv's and i may as well change it. Cheers fella's.

transmission fluid (oil) is very thin, much thinner than normal engine oil. A transmission has many more smaller moving parts (gears) and the oil needs to flow throughout easier.

[Negative]

While we're on the topic, What is the differences between normal engine oil and transmission oil? I couldn't imagine too much difference, they do pretty much the same thing? I'll do mine again soon with syncromesh cause i have to do my inner cv's and i may as well change it. Cheers fella's.

transmission fluid (oil) is very thin, much thinner than normal engine oil. A transmission has many more smaller moving parts (gears) and the oil needs to flow throughout easier.

Sorry but I thought we should clear this up. To start I am a lubrication engineer so I have a little working knowledge and experience on this subject LOL.
I'm sure Dustin just got his wires crossed when he typed this as having changed it he probably knows by feel.

10w30 engine oil is waaay thinner than 75w90 Manual Transmission Oil. Gear oil is thicker because it is not having to be pumped through the small oil passageways of the engine block. This is also why it does not have to be changed out as often as it will take alot longer for the viscosity to break down to the point where t is no longer lubricating.

This post has been edited by Negative: Feb 26, 2007 - 3:00 PM