I`ve just changed my gear oil to Silkolene Syntran 5, and its really improved the shift change.
It used to be difficult to engage 1st gear when cold, but it isnt anymore.
The shift quality has improved too.
I also replaced the diff oil with Silkolene Boa 90ls.
One of the best service jobs you can feel.
Oh my car is a MY95 UK wagon

I just thought I`d share that with you


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Nice tip m8tee
my box is always stiff in the morning
no seriously i find first gear does seem stiff.
variations in oil is something ive not really thought about too much before.
andy

 

Recently change my oil from Red line to Syntrax, feels like a new box. Got rid of the crunch change from 3rd to 4th and now goes into 1st when cold.

Very happy.

 

How much are gearboxes v the odd gear oil change...it certainly wont do it any harm..
It costs less than £40 to get the oil.

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Sounds like something I should do as although my gearbox is noisy it is still fully functional. How difficult a job is it to change the gearbox/diff oil? Do I need anything other than the oil? Does the car need to be up on ramps or anything?

 

On a related note, a few years ago had a mk 1 Golf GTi. Synchro mesh on second was fcuked (no shock there then!) Changed standard gearbox oil to fully synthetic (think it was castrol or mobil) silky smooth changes all the way! I had been planning on ripping the box out and replacing it when a mechanic friend of mine suggested this. New gearbox in a bottle!

 

It helps to have ramps, but it can be changed with just an oil drain catch pan and crawling around underneath.
I honestly cant recommend doing this enough.

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It's quite a big nut, 21mm I think. Wouldn't do it without ramps personally

 

How many litres of each do you need (gearbox and diff)?

Thanks.