DIY: Transmission Oil Change

dkmura · 12-29-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TipsZ

I noticed that you stated that you used a "50:50 blend of MTL and MT-90 since I live in Chicago and experience the hot and cold extremes". So, what weight would you recommend for Florida?

I'd suggest maintaining use of the 50/50 blend of Redline MTL and MT90. Why? Because Nissan technical specs still call for a 75w85 lubricant for maximum performance in any climate. Keep documentation of your use of this synthetic combo, as this will maintain not only your tranny, but also your warranty!

vipor · 12-29-2009, 06:08 PM

sweet. thanks for the in-depth write up

got my first track day feb 6th and i'm hoping to be able to take the time to swap my tranny and diff fluid as well as add an oil cooler

Zeto · 02-07-2010, 10:21 PM

When I filled up the tranny it didn't overfill like you stated. I was a bit concerned since I did spill some of it (1/8 of a quart) when I missed the fill hole. Also, when I jacked up the car it was from the passenger side alone. Should put another quart and fill till it flows over it or will it be fine?

m4a1mustang · 02-07-2010, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeto

When I filled up the tranny it didn't overfill like you stated. I was a bit concerned since I did spill some of it (1/8 of a quart) when I missed the fill hole. Also, when I jacked up the car it was from the passenger side alone. Should put another quart and over fill it or will it be fine?

It didn't overflow because you didn't have the car jacked up level. I wouldn't worry. Just fill it to factory levels and you should be alright!

Zeto · 02-07-2010, 10:24 PM

Thanks Steve!

+1

m4a1mustang · 02-07-2010, 10:28 PM

No problem!

When I changed my transmission fluid I only jacked the front of the car up, so I didn't get any overflow either. Just make sure you compensate for some of the fluid left over in the bottom of your bottles and any residual amounts left in your pump. I think the car takes ~3 quarts so I went ahead and opened 4 -- 3 full quarts and a little bit of the 4th.

Zeto · 02-07-2010, 10:32 PM

Yea, I mean the Z is running fine and the shifts are smooth but I'll go ahead and follow in your foot steps and get the 4th quart and use a 1/4 of it.

m4a1mustang · 02-07-2010, 10:34 PM

That should work out. I think between spillage and residual fluid I left behind around 1/4-1/6 quarts.

spearfish25 · 03-18-2010, 09:05 PM

I'm amazed you guys can estimate how much is left in your pumps. The Autozone pump is an absolute POS and a complete mess. For next time, I think I'm going to get a Motive fluid transfer pump. Over the life of my car, it's worth the $60.

bejan · 03-24-2010, 11:58 PM

Just changed my transmission oil today. I used 2 blitz rhino ramps to lift up the front wheels then I used 2 jack stands to lift up the back wheels (4 point lift). I got underneath the Z very easily with that set up.

I also used measuring buckets to make sure I was putting in the right amount transmission oil (3 quarts).

Similar to these (can be found in paint section at home improvement stores, I got mine at LOWES for $2.50):

Shifting does feel smoother throughout however I can really feel the difference going into 1st and 2nd gear the most.

Thanks again Spearfish!

schrute · 03-25-2010, 01:53 AM

^

Chico370Z · 08-31-2010, 01:49 PM

quick question: if I was running whatever stock oil was in the tranny before, should I flush it before using redline oil? Or it prob wont matter I am guessing? (I have a manual tranny btw)

Zeto · 08-31-2010, 01:54 PM

Theres no need to flush. Just drain all the fluid out, close up the drain plug and pour the new stuff in.

Chico370Z · 08-31-2010, 01:58 PM

ok, thanks! that's what I figured...I would prefer to not flush it imo

Corbitt · 08-31-2010, 05:32 PM

Someone pointed out earlier that they could not find the dipstick for the transmission fluid in the automatic. I'm having the same problem. Any help?

Thanks.

12-29-2009, 06:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 43 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 50	sweet. thanks for the in-depth write up got my first track day feb 6th and i'm hoping to be able to take the time to swap my tranny and diff fluid as well as add an oil cooler __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

02-07-2010, 10:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	No problem! When I changed my transmission fluid I only jacked the front of the car up, so I didn't get any overflow either. Just make sure you compensate for some of the fluid left over in the bottom of your bottles and any residual amounts left in your pump. I think the car takes ~3 quarts so I went ahead and opened 4 -- 3 full quarts and a little bit of the 4th. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

02-07-2010, 10:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	That should work out. I think between spillage and residual fluid I left behind around 1/4-1/6 quarts. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

03-18-2010, 09:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1858	I'm amazed you guys can estimate how much is left in your pumps. The Autozone pump is an absolute POS and a complete mess. For next time, I think I'm going to get a Motive fluid transfer pump. Over the life of my car, it's worth the $60. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

03-25-2010, 01:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
schrute Track Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: utah Posts: 781 Drives: my z every day Rep Power: 18	^ __________________ my journal \| 2009 370z touring \| 6mt \| platinum graphite \| my album second skin \| mr works \| fast intentions \| ssr \| eibach \| hotchkis \| spc \| toyo \| bluebatmobile \| v-led \| jwt \| ventureshield \| tinted tails

02-07-2010, 10:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
Zeto Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North NJ Age: 42 Posts: 766 Drives: 09 Pearl White 370Z Rep Power: 269	When I filled up the tranny it didn't overfill like you stated. I was a bit concerned since I did spill some of it (1/8 of a quart) when I missed the fill hole. Also, when I jacked up the car it was from the passenger side alone. Should put another quart and fill till it flows over it or will it be fine?

02-07-2010, 10:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Zeto Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North NJ Age: 42 Posts: 766 Drives: 09 Pearl White 370Z Rep Power: 269	Thanks Steve! +1

02-07-2010, 10:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
Zeto Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North NJ Age: 42 Posts: 766 Drives: 09 Pearl White 370Z Rep Power: 269	Yea, I mean the Z is running fine and the shifts are smooth but I'll go ahead and follow in your foot steps and get the 4th quart and use a 1/4 of it.

03-24-2010, 11:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
bejan Base Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chatsworth, CA Posts: 70 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z PW M6 Rep Power: 17	Just changed my transmission oil today. I used 2 blitz rhino ramps to lift up the front wheels then I used 2 jack stands to lift up the back wheels (4 point lift). I got underneath the Z very easily with that set up. I also used measuring buckets to make sure I was putting in the right amount transmission oil (3 quarts). Similar to these (can be found in paint section at home improvement stores, I got mine at LOWES for $2.50): Shifting does feel smoother throughout however I can really feel the difference going into 1st and 2nd gear the most. Thanks again Spearfish!

08-31-2010, 01:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
Chico370Z Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 233 Drives: 09 370Z Touring Rep Power: 17	quick question: if I was running whatever stock oil was in the tranny before, should I flush it before using redline oil? Or it prob wont matter I am guessing? (I have a manual tranny btw) __________________ 04 Nissan Sentra SpecV: Brembos, Nismo Intake/Exhaust/Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, ES MMI - SOLD / / / 09 Nissan 370Z Touring: Invidia Gemini Exhaust, ERZ HFC, GTM 25 Row Cooler, Z1 Tubes, and K&N Drop Ins

08-31-2010, 01:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
Zeto Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North NJ Age: 42 Posts: 766 Drives: 09 Pearl White 370Z Rep Power: 269	Theres no need to flush. Just drain all the fluid out, close up the drain plug and pour the new stuff in.

08-31-2010, 01:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
Chico370Z Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 233 Drives: 09 370Z Touring Rep Power: 17	ok, thanks! that's what I figured...I would prefer to not flush it imo __________________ 04 Nissan Sentra SpecV: Brembos, Nismo Intake/Exhaust/Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, ES MMI - SOLD / / / 09 Nissan 370Z Touring: Invidia Gemini Exhaust, ERZ HFC, GTM 25 Row Cooler, Z1 Tubes, and K&N Drop Ins

08-31-2010, 05:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
Corbitt Base Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ft Worth Posts: 41 Drives: Everyone Crazy Rep Power: 17	Someone pointed out earlier that they could not find the dipstick for the transmission fluid in the automatic. I'm having the same problem. Any help? Thanks. Tonysz likes this.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
what is good transmission oil?	leepeen	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	27	06-25-2009 02:40 AM
transmission noises	zoltan370z	Engine & Drivetrain	0	05-16-2009 08:49 AM
2 Questions concerning transmission	ikkeRR	Engine & Drivetrain	5	04-11-2009 10:02 PM
7 Speed Transmission	infiniti350gt	Engine & Drivetrain	0	03-08-2009 11:18 PM
Transmission?	370z2	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	10	01-29-2009 01:41 PM