When we must do a manual transmission fluid change?

Manual transmission is arguably less maintenance than automatic transmission. In addition to using it properly and correctly, manual transmission maintenance is also quite easy, as long as it is done consistently. The risk of cost in a breakdown is more efficient than the automatic transmission.

Well, this convenience often makes vehicle owners with manual transmissions a little bit ignorant. The manual transmission is part of the car's propulsion system, which heavily works. The gear in the transmission must rotate the load from the propeller shaft axles to car tires.

The load in every gear that must rotate on the transmission gear is quite heavy. Therefore, lubricants with good quality are needed and are maintained continuously. The viscosity of the manual transmission fluid for each car can be different. Starting from SAE 40, 80, 90 or multi-grade viscosity SAE 80-90.

The transmission fluid viscosity will change with time duration and transmission workload. Therefore, it is highly recommended to change the manual transmission fluid consistently and regularly. So, when do we have a manual transmission fluid change? This article will share information about the symptoms and signs of the transmission fluid change. Check out the full details below.

1. It's past the recommended time and mileage

The first sign that we must do a manual transmission fluid change is when your car's manual transmission fluid has passed the recommended time and mileage. Please note that every component and spare part on a vehicle still has a replacement time and period, including manual transmission fluid.

The fluid will protect the transmission components from excessive heat and wear when the manual transmission is running. If the fluid is changed too late, there will be many problems with the systems and mechanisms in your car's manual transmission. At worst, the manual transmission in your car will jam and break down, so we can't use the car.

You can usually find the time and distance for changing manual transmission fluid in your vehicle's service manual. But in general, manual transmission oil changes are carried out every 2 years or when the vehicle's mileage has reached 25,000 miles.

2. The transmission gear feels heavy when shifting

The next sign of manual transmission fluid change is when the transmission gear shift already feels heavy. Weight changes when shifting in this transmission often occur when the transmission fluid has started to lose its lubricating power and lose the ability to rinse transmission components such as gears and bearings.

When transmission fluid loses its lubricating power and loses the ability to rinse transmission components, it can usually be seen from the color of the transmission oil turning darker in color and a lot of eroded transmission component powders.

Therefore, when we feel the transmission gear shift feels heavy, it's good to check the transmission fluid before checking other components.

3. The transmission fluid color and viscosity are changed

The next sign of manual transmission fluid change is when color and viscosity are changed. Yes, changes in the color and viscosity of the transmission fluid can occur other than the effect of using it for too long.

Transmission fluid can change color and viscosity due to mixing with water or excessive heat. This condition can occur when the transmission fluid breathing hole leaks or the transmission seal no longer closes properly. Usually, this water-mixed transmission oil occurs when you often break through a flooded road with a pool of water that is high enough so that your car's transmission is also submerged.

Characteristics of transmission oil mixed with water will usually be white, like a milky white color, slightly greenish or reddish, following the basic color of the transmission oil used.

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4. Buzzing sounds heard from the transmission

The last sign of manual transmission fluid change is when a buzzing sound from the transmission when the car is running or a transmission gear shifting. The buzzing sound usually occurs due to contact between the gear components or the bearings in the transmission.

If left too long, these components that come into contact without proper lubrication will wear out even more. Gradually it will make the rotation of each transmission component unbalanced so that in addition to a buzzing sound, it is usually accompanied by vibrations in the transmission.

Thus, we can convey the article about manual transmission fluid change signs. Hopefully, this article can be useful.