GM tranny fluid

[cybotron]

Pontiac has a Really good synthetic for the GT trans...GM part # 12346190 is a GM branded Castrol Syntorq 80w gear lube.if you want the Castrol version it is hard to find and expensive. Pontiac wants $20.19 a qt. for it. The change is billed as a transmission flush, and it cost me $143.57 but the performance increase and shifter improvment was worth it. If you have a GT Vibe, do it.

[goodvibe]

You got ripped. I'm glad it shifts better but this tranny calls for 75W90 only. You can get really primo gear oils and have a quick oil change place do it for less than half of what you paid. There is no flush in the manual tranny. It's a simple drain from the bottom plug and fill from the top one. Less than 3 quarts if I remember correctly. Your dealer charges over $300 dollars an hour for labor since this takes less than 1/4 hr.

[cybotron]

Wow that's interesting.... But i wanted to make sure i did not void my warranty. I mean as far as I could research using my computer there was an issue with Cl-4 or Cl-5 and if you put in the wrong thing you could wipe out your trans...here is a threadThe GL-specs are not necessarily chronological. The basic issue to understand is that GL-5 is a requirment for hypoid gear sets. GL-4 is not suitable for hypoid gear sets, but is suitable for typical manual tranmissions or transverse type transaxles that use a large helical gear set as the final drive rather than a hypoid gearset as is typical of RWD vehicles. GL-4 and GL-5 are blended for different applications. Technically a GL-5 will easily meet GL-4 specs, but may not be suitable for a GL-4 application, such as manual transmissions, because the additional EP additive of a GL-5 may result in degraded synchronizer operation. If the manufacturer's recommendation is a GL-4 a GL-5 should NOT be used because it is "better". The GL-6 spec was developed for high offset hypoid gear sets, but it is now considered obsolete and GL-5 should be used. GL-3 is also considered obsolete, and GL-4 should be used. check this issue out.http://www.ncrs.org/forum/tech.cgi/nofr ... ad/99587So I decided to pay the dealer man. I mean it ain't worth it going to some quicky joint that don't know squat. If you put in the wrong thing, you have had it, you pay.If it breaks after the dealer changed it, it's GM that pays.

[cybotron]

Before you down the Castrol Syntorq GL-4 check out this warning concerning the dangers of Redline....http://www.audifans.com/archives/1995/0 ... 77.htmlWhy risk all that for a few lousy bucks?The Vibe GT is a high performance sports car worthy of respect...Spend the bucks use the GM#12346190.... REDLINE

[cybotron]

Of course you're right....There is some data on the effects of various lubes on foreign cars.check this out.http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbullet ... 79.htmlSee what I mean? Why not just pay the dealer, and cut through the nonsense? If it's not right you're covered. This is at the root, a Toyota drivetrain from a GTS is it not? The Syntorq is best as far as I can research.

[cybotron]

Sure I might use it. But with care, as I hear that sulphur content and or parafin content can have an adverse effect on some systems... I would ask toyota and Pontiac first.

[goodvibe]

This makes more sence to me. Oct 1, 2002 - 23:46 - From: DougTitle: Castrol TAF-X in the USA Message: Here is the response to the inquiry I sent to Castrol USA about where to get Castrol TAF-X in the USA: "Castrol TAF-X 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil is made in the U.K. and sold only in Europe. However, the equivalent in the U.S. is Syntorq LT. Having said that, Syntorq LT SAE 75W-85, API GL -4 is a premium high performance, synthetic gear lubricant for synchronized manual transmissions. The all new "clean slate" approach enables Syntorq LT to provide consistent performance and durability under the most severe operating conditions due to its unique polymer free formula. It has been designed primarily as a problem solving gear lubricant for manual transmissions to provide reduced gearshift effort at low temperatures. Syntorq LT is available through General Motors (Part #12346190) and Chrysler (Part #4637579) dealerships. Please contact your local dealership." A straight 80wt isn't called for in the specs and this 75w85 oil is close enough and on hand at GM. Royal Purple and amsoil 75w90 are gl4 and gl5 certified and list gm 12346190 compatibility which i believe means they have been approved for use bt GM. The castrol you have is also a pure synthetic 75w85 that meets spec. a straight 80wt just didn't make sense.

[cybotron]

Right.... And do you see the hassle involved in choosing the proper lube? So I went to the dealer. If there was an error it would be on them. Icould'nt go wrong that way. What do I know about lube? Why put 8.800 on my invoice? But I'm glad it all worked out, even though Syntorq is expensive my SLP prototype Vibe is worth it. Oh.. And how about different Lubes for different gearsets? one for FWD another for AWD and RWD.??? How are we supposed to know that? And about that additive for Low temp help.... The Syntorq Cl-4 has a LT designation I think it means a Low temp version. It may be better to go with the Syntorq LT... But I don't really know anything about Lube and gears, I'm scared to death of doing something wrong, so again it's the dealers choice for me. I know there are horror stories posted on computer.

[goodvibe]

No problem with that but charging you over $80 labor to change it is steep.

[cybotron]

Well... Now that spring is here, I thought I would see who had problems with his 6 speed tranny. I noticed the "notchyness" of my GT shifter at cool temps and drained and upgraded my gear lube before winter. Did anybody else change their gear lube? Anybody have trouble? Failure? What did you put in?

[goodvibe]

I use RP and all is good though 1st is still a bit funky in winter until warmed up.

[ragingfish]

Just so you know, it is against Federal laws for a new car dealer and/or automotive manufacturer to void your warranty because you had regularly scheduled and periodic maintenance performed at an independent service center.That being said, if you went to an independent service center and had a tranny flush and fill, and they put the wrong fluid in and something happens to your car, that service center is liable and must own up to any repairs that are necessary.In other words, don't be afraid to NOT go to the dealer for simple maintenance!

[cybotron]

The GM Syntorq LUBE HAS A LT designation for Low Temp...Try adding a Low temperature additive.