Gear Lube for 6-Speed Manual Transmission

[FrontierJeff]

I had an interesting experience when I changed the lube in my tranny. Both the owner's manual and the Chilton's specify a 75w/85 GL-4 lube. I had this service done at a local shop and they put 80w/90 GL-4 in it and assured me it would "work the same". I immediately experienced stiffness in the shift lever, particularly from 1st to 2nd. I drained this fluid right away and replaced it with the Nissan 75w/85 Manual Transmission Fluid. I did the work myself. There was immediate and significant improvement in the smoothness of the shifting. I voiced my unhappiness with the shop that put the 80w/90 lube in my tranny. The local Nissan dealer was nice enough to give me a price break on the lubeI bought. After doing some research I found that these transmissions are very sensitive to the lube in them. I heard that the 75w/90 synthetics work good but I think I will stick with the stock stuff for now.

[tech22]

If you do alot of towing i would go to the synthetics. If not the stay with the dino stuff.

[FrontierJeff]

Exactly Tech. I don't do any towing but I still might try the synthetic next time. I have heard that the 75w/90 synthetic works well. A Valvoline Tech told me that this lube is very compatible with these transmissions.