or should i look at something better?

due a change next service and since it doesn't cost alot, wondered if any benefit could be gained from switching?

ta

 

What is it they are using?

If it's a semi-synthetic then a fully is always an upgrade.

Cheers
Simon

 

um, blonde moment, i don't actually know what they use

that will be the question to ask then i take it, if it's semi or full syth?

can you recomend an alternative if it's only semi?

cheers

 

I'd also be interested in an answer to this one. Just had a service (not main dealer) with gearbox oil change, and the gearchange is noticeably worse - wouldn't let me get 2nd when cold this morning, and baulking into 3rd. Didn't do either of those before service.

Going to ring them tomorrow to find out what they used.

Dave

 

Yes no problems, Motul or Siilkolene.

Cheers
Simon

 

have just looked on an old can i bought from a M.D.
Shell SL 80/90 GL5 Subaru approved. I think it is a semi synth supplied via
I.M (Subaru UK).
I normally now use Motul Gear 300, a fully synth oil and had no problems.
I have also supplied Red Line Heavy shock Gear oil, again a fully synth oil.
When I spoke with them this is what they recommened.

Quote:
Red Line® Heavy ShockProof™ - a 75w90 GL 5+ gear oil with an EP250 rating. The lubricant contains a suspension of solid microscopic particles as an extreme pressure agent giving magnificent wear and film strength with minimal power losses. Perfect for large dog boxes, very heavily loaded synchromesh boxes, differentials under extreme load and any particularly high temperature gear train. Heavy ShockProof™ is suitable for gear protection in the most extreme circumstances. Suitable for use with all LSD types.

Correct differential and transmission lubrication requires products which will satisfy a wide range of service conditions. However, the wide variation of transmission types used in vehicles means a wide selection of gear oils is necessary to avoid jeopardising elements of performance and protection. The high street oil companies supply few lubricant choices to ease sales and distribution. Fully synthetic polyol ester based Red Line® gear oils are designed to provide the maximum performance in both power transfer and fuel economy with the maximum in gear tooth and bearing protection. To do this a wide range of lubricants is necessary. Full technical support and advice is available through the contact numbers below.

High temperatures cause breakdown of mineral based oils, forming insoluble sludge or varnish which can plug bearing cages and cause oil starvation to the bearing surfaces; tooth contact zone temperature can be several hundred degrees higher than the bulk oil temperature. At 150oC Red Line® 75W90 has twice the oil film thickness of a mineral 80W90 oil.

Cold temperatures can be as damaging to differentials and transmissions as sustained high temperature use. Rapid oil flow to the bearings and adequate lubrication splash to the gear teeth are critical to prevent component fatigue and premature failure. At -25oC an SAE 90 gear oil will take more than 5 minutes to flow to the bearings, while Red Line® 75W90 requires only 1 second. Friction reduction giving increased power transfer and reduction in temperature is another benefit of Red Line® gear oil. Up to 21/2 % improvement in geartrain efficiency can be measured, leading to fuel economy and powertrain longevity. This feature has allowed Red Line® to establish a reputation in motor racing as providing the best power and greatest equipment durability of any lubricant available.

Corrosion protection is ensured with polyol ester based Red Line® gear oil. Many gear oils contain extreme pressure additives which are corrosive to the brass and copper used in synchromesh hubs and bushings. Red Line® gear oil will prevent rusting and corrosion even in the presence of water.


Sorry for it being so long winded, and Im not here to start an oil thread war, just to give a little info take it or leave it..
For more info either PM me or email len@subaru4you.co.uk.

regards
Len

 

Motul and Silkolene are also ester based ones and around 70% of the cost.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/TechSpecs/..._Auto_3178.pdf

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/TechSpecs/...04%20Wheel.pdf

Cheers
Simon

 

SEE MY POST IN THE OTHER "Magic" THREAD.

Len the Shell oil is spot on. Syntrax is the other noteworthy one.

Bob

 

just phoned garage and it's a castrol 75/90 synthetic ( i assume he meant full synth?)

does this sound ok?

 

Probably too slippy, Subaru usedto brand up the shell mentioned above as their own, I have a 25 litre drum of it somewhere. Its semisynth. the problem with our boxes is the syncros, a slippy oil stops them biting and then it gets very hard to select gears.

bob

 

think thats syntrax that they use. we use the same and never had a problem with it

 

went to dealer o get my car service, once returned the gear felt notchy and crunch but before it went in it was fine, i only presume they use cheap rubish, i changed my gear box oil to castrol syntrax and it hasnt crunched since, so what ever the dealer used was crap

 

just had a look on the castrol classic site and they list a 75/90 gear oil as 'TAF-X', i guess this is what my garage use?

the syntrax listed as 'SYNTRAX UNIVERSAL' is the one to go for then bob?

by the way, what rating is the syntrax and reading your recomendation of the shell can you point me in the direction of a seller of this please?

ta

 

bttt, just want to make sure that if i go for the syntrax the above is the one to go for

ta

 

This is Castrol Syntrax 75w-90

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp...0_B1278983.pdf

Cheers
Simon