How-To: 6-Speed Manual Transmission Oil Change

Like @VolcomTacoma, I proactively change mine. I swapped it over to Amsoil, which is designed for an extended drain interval. Like @Truck Yeah!, doing so improved shifting for me as well.

I don't think I've seen a MT with a dipstick. They're drained by pulling the bottom plug and filled by pumping new oil into the top one until it begins to seep out. Once "sealed," they're good until the next drain interval or a problem arises. For peace of mind, I'd change dino oil every 30K miles and synthetic every 60K miles.

 

I'm changing mine at about 15k miles just to see how bad the new clutch is getting burned up. If I find a bunch of sparkly stuff I know I need to change my driving habits and learn how to use a clutch alot better lol

 

I recall seeing an actual dipstick in a Manual Transmission before, I think it might have been in some strange Subaru.

 

Anyone know the part #'s for the fill and drain plug crush washers?

 

Transmission drain plug washer (aluminum) = part #

$7 90430-18008 , Used for Change Transmission Fluid

90430-18008 / 90430-A0003, 27 ft lbs, ($1.51/ea)
Transmission fill plug washer (aluminum) = part #90430-18008 / 90430-A0003, 27 ft lbs, ($1.51/ea)

 

Time to revive. I changed manual transmission fluid at 34,000 miles. The shifting was a little notchy before the change. I couldn't find Red Line locally so I bought Lucas and it listed specifically on the bottle that it was for use in transmissions with synchronizers.

I immediately noticed that it now shifts smoother. My wife even noticed it. This is one instance where I don't think the placebo effect applies.
I've done my diffs but still need to do my transfer case. I'll probably do it over Christmas break.

 

I've been driving standards for more than 15 years. My Tacoma had a noticeable grind going into second. I bought the truck with 135,000 miles and unknown maintenance on the transmission. After replacing the transfer case and transmission oil with RL MT-90, there is a very noticeable improvement- no more grind and it is smooth through all gears. I highly recommend it and believe it to be worth the premium.

 

this^^ Buy it from JEGs

 

I made a little video as changed my transmission fluid today.
Moderater: if this isn't allowed in someone else's thread please delete. Just assumed it may help someone (not likely, ha!).
https://youtu.be/j_ZEQcS0pg0

 

Hey BrennMan, the other reason besides splashing that you want to remove the fill plug FIRST is to ensure you can refill after draining. Otherwise, you are SOL if you drain and cannot get the fill plug off for whatever reason.

How are you liking the redline?

 

I didn't show that very well in the video. I read someone suggesting that and I had loosened it I was nervous about dirty/debris falling in while I had it off. I should have mentioned that, you're right. Surprisingly the bolts weren't very tight at all.

I'm liking it so far. I didn't have any huge problems before but I'm noticing the most improvement in performance when the transmission is still cold. In the past I would have to be much more precise with my shifting the first couple of minutes during a drive. This seems to be gone now. The first couple of minutes are just as smooth as when the temps are up to normal.

Overall I'm plenty happy with it. I would absolutely spend the extra few bucks on the redline, if no other reason than just peace of mind.

 

I just went out this morning, 21 degrees, to see how much differently it shifts....Amazing.
It's so much smoother, my linkage feels sloppy now.

 

Can always pull the shifter out and dump 2qts in thru there. Might actually be faster than hand pumping in.

 

Solid pass. This would be me inside my truck trying to pour something in to the dash

 

Bump. I'll be changing my fluids again soon. I will update the first post with my findings.

 

I commented a few years back having used Royal Purple Syncromax and a shitty pumping method to transfer the oil into the transmission. Fast forward to now, and this time round I bought a nozzle pump that simply attaches to the oil bottle like a soap dispenser (used for pumping gear oil into boat engines) and Redline MT-90. The new pump made the process so much cleaner and easier -- however it did not attach to the Redline bottle properly so I simply transfered its contents into another and I was laughing. I can also attest that Redline > RP Syncromax. 1st and 2nd are much less notchy and shifting in general just feels that much smoother.

 

Yikes, I'm at 100,000 miles and I've never changed the MT fluid. 2009 2.7l 4 cyl 5 speed. Doesn't seem to be shifting rough (though sometimes getting it into reverse while stopped takes a few tries). Hope I haven't hurt anything.

 

Good information here, I'll add to it. I drive it first, all gears, including reverse and 4wd, get everything warm. Pull into the driveway, with four oil drain pans, change the whole drive train. Pain in the a$$, but I'm done with it in one shot.

 

Bump. at 150k Miles on my 2009. Going to change soon. Going with MT-90 for the tranny, haven't decided if I want to go redline or Mobil1 in the diffs. Not sure if it's worth the extra money for the redline at this point.

 

absolutely nothing beats MT-90 in the transmission