Transmission Cured

[FreeFlyFreak]

Well I went ahead and got the Ford stuff xt m5 qs, a 24mm wrench, and a hand pump.
Put the fluid in and will go for a drive later.

The fluid that came out didnt look bad at all, I am wondering now if they changed the fluid when they replaced my drive shaft a couple of months ago.
If they did, who knows what they used.
The dealer is a combo Subaru Mazda dealer, they could easily have put some Subie GL-5 stuff in there!!

EDIT:
I just read the service manual and it calls for draining the fluid when changing the shaft.
No wonder things went down hill recently tranny wise, glad I caught it so soon, 2600miles on whatever they put in there, didnt notice a difference at first, but it has deteriorated rapidly over the past Month or so (shaft was changed mid October).
I am almost positive this is where my recent notchy hard shifting came from.
Cost me $80 for the oil and tools to fix what I think was caused by some dealer SNAFU.
If I had thought that might have been the reason earlier I would have taken it in and had them fix the problem, would have been useful to document it in case of future problems.

Anyway I'll let you know, if it gets better.
Never had any complaint about the tranny till the last Month or so.

[Domino81]

Originally Posted by darth vader Any Ford technician/parts guy will know exactly what I am talking about. It's a little 4 oz bottle and it's is called "friction modifier". It is used in alot of ford's Trak Lok diffs from millions of cars in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Basically it makes gear lube a touch more slippery than usual, to reduce LSD chatter. It's called fish oil because it reeks like rotting fish. Costs a couple bucks, no more. Ford Racing Performance Parts []

GM has something similar.

I called Ford today using United Auto's (my place of employment - I'm in commercial parts) account... $18 and change. Fuck you, Koerner Ford.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Hmmmm, just read something VERY interesting in an article describing some of the differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 MS3's:

In terms of technological advancements, the MAzdaSpeed3 has plenty of them. For starters the new engine features an advanced boost controller that reduces peaks for a more linear power delivery. The left and right drive shafts have been modified to reduce torque steer. The six-speed manual transmission now has wider ratios than before and the tranny uses a low-viscosity fluid to reduce shift effort.

After doing a little research it turns out the Gen 2 MS3 owners manual calls for GL-4 75W80,
The Gen 1 spec is 75W90, doesnt sound like much of a change, but if you look at the centistokes it is.
My guess is the 75W80 will work better in the gen 1 too, same gearbox AFAIK just slightly different gearing.
Low Viscosity Manual Transmission Lubricants:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/jbarge/MTF.htm

[BolvangaR]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Hmmmm, just read something VERY interesting in an article describing some of the differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 MS3's: After doing a little research it turns out the Gen 2 MS3 owners manual calls for GL-4 75W80, The Gen 1 spec is 75W90, doesnt sound like much of a change, but if you look at the centistokes it is. My guess is the 75W80 will work better in the gen 1 too, same gearbox AFAIK just slightly different gearing. Low Viscosity Manual Transmission Lubricants: Low Viscosity Manual Transmission Lubricants

I realized nobody ever responded to this..... I think this is the most interesting post of the whole thread. It deserves a second reading.

[shpankey]

My speed 3 held a little over 3 quarts btw... but I think you would be fine with 3. Mine definitely held more than 2.6 though.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by shpankey My speed 3 held a little over 3 quarts btw... but I think you would be fine with 3. Mine definitely held more than 2.6 though.

Been hearing that a lot. Seems strange, OM says 2.6, Service manuall says 2.6 buy you guys are getting 3+ in it..... You are level right? not jacked up or anything?

[shpankey]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Been hearing that a lot. Seems strange, OM says 2.6, Service manuall says 2.6 buy you guys are getting 3+ in it..... You are level right? not jacked up or anything?

Yea, perfectly level. Even put a level on the battery. I spilt some, so I would guess it took right at 3 quarts, maybe a hair less. I filled it over a bit then let it drain for 30 minutes until it didn't come out while being level. My pinky in the hole, the fluid was right there level with the bottom of the hole. I am not worried at all about being overfilled b/c I know I had it level.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by shpankey Yea, perfectly level. Even put a level on the battery. I spilt some, so I would guess it took right at 3 quarts, maybe a hair less. I filled it over a bit then let it drain for 30 minutes until it didn't come out while being level. My pinky in the hole, the fluid was right there level with the bottom of the hole. I am not worried at all about being overfilled b/c I know I had it level.

Yeah me too, I was level and took almost 3. My guess is 2.8 quarts

[bf360]

Can over filling damage your transmission at all?

[Cataphract_40]

I bought this some of this stuff today, too. I actually posted this in the M3F topic in the OP. My factory tranny fluid is draining overnight as I type this, I'm going to put the XT-M5-QS in tomorrow morning and report back on impressions.

wassup, thanks for the recommendation. I don't know if you remember this, but you actually suggested XT-M5-QS to me way back in July when we were at Ken's taking the front bumper off my MS3 so he could look at the FMIC.

Well i am happy to say that everything went off without a hitch - shifts are smooth and click-clickity now! I have to say that this XT-M5-QS stuff is a QUALITY product!

[nue]

So, that's why we don't have transmission dipsticks.

[Tcman2006]

anyone know how much the average dealer charges to change fluid

[nyghtryder]

Originally Posted by Tcman2006 anyone know how much the average dealer charges to change fluid

too much, if you can change your oil you can do this.

[Alpha]

Originally Posted by Tcman2006 anyone know how much the average dealer charges to change fluid

My dealer does it for $79.95, but since I'm supplying the fluid they're only charging me $50... Not too bad at all.

They're doing it on Friday so I'm pumped to feel the difference over the stock gunk.

[Tcman2006]

my dealership kinda has this deal going..they do all the service and then give me a lifetime powertrain warranty

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by Tcman2006 my dealership kinda has this deal going..they do all the service and then give me a lifetime powertrain warranty

Tranny fluid is not required to be changed according to the Mazda Maintenance schedule.

Therefore do it yourself, how will they know?

[Tcman2006]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Tranny fluid is not required to be changed according to the Mazda Maintenance schedule. Therefore do it yourself, how will they know?

oooh ok good to know thanks....is there a how to on this?

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by Tcman2006 oooh ok good to know thanks....is there a how to on this?

Link to a "how to" in post # 6 of the thread linked below:
Synthetic transmission oil suggestion

[Mudpie]

If you are in the Marietta/Atlanta GA area, they carry the Motorcraft stuff at Original Equipment Marketing (340 Franklin Road, Marietta GA, 770-919-2515). The invoice from last May shows a retail price of $17.94/qt, they sold it at $13.12/qt. The big thing is have the Motorcraft part number ( XT-M5-QS ) with you when you go to any of the dealers. A number of people on miata.net have commented how the parts guys keep trying the sell the 75W140 smutz for diffys and claim it replaces the 75W90 stuff. WRONG ANSWER! Even at Original Equipment marketing, they pulled the diffy smutz and I had to show them the right stuff in the Motorcraft catalog, see screen shot below. Also note that Original does not take checks from individuals.

If you want directions involving "you go to the Big Chicken and...," send me a PM indicating where you will be coming from and directions will be supplied. Note, directions may involve mention of Waffle House or street with Peachtree somewhere in the name as well.

[Hank3]

Thought about ordering this Ford fluid since I'm at 26K now, but I have had complaints with the stock fluid. Haven't had any grinds. Only thing I've experienced is when we had the cold snap in FL a few weeks back and it was somewhat hard to shift into 2nd in the mornings.

Where can you purchase the stock fluid at?

[hnda etr]

Originally Posted by Hank3 Thought about ordering this Ford fluid since I'm at 26K now, but I have had complaints with the stock fluid. Haven't had any grinds. Only thing I've experienced is when we had the cold snap in FL a few weeks back and it was somewhat hard to shift into 2nd in the mornings. Where can you purchase the stock fluid at?

Uhhh.... Dealership?

[Cataphract_40]

have you considered doing it yourself?

I mean, you'll save $50...

[MATT DAMOND]

I in-fact changed my trans fluid last night. I put in the Motorcraft XT-M5-QS, as recommended by Jeff (wassup61). Don't pay a dealer to do it, unless you have no tools or means to lift the car. It's really easy to do yourself, with some tubing a funnel and a BIG-ASS 24mm wrench. I actually did it w/o lifting the car.

I also put in my stock RMM, cause the vibes from my cp-e RMM were getting annoying. I'll put the cp-e back in, come my next track day.

Anyways, my car now shifts as smooth as glass. I was having 2nd gear engagement issues, that now seem to be completely gone, thanks to the Motorcraft fluid.

[Cataphract_40]

Originally Posted by MATT DAMOND Anyways, my car now shifts as smooth as glass. I was having 2nd gear engagement issues, that now seem to be completely gone, thanks to the Motorcraft fluid.

good shit, isn't it?

[Alpha]

Originally Posted by MATT DAMOND I in-fact changed my trans fluid last night. I put in the Motorcraft XT-M5-QS, as recommended by Jeff (wassup61). Don't pay a dealer to do it, unless you have no tools or means to lift the car. It's really easy to do yourself, with some tubing a funnel and a BIG-ASS 24mm wrench. I actually did it w/o lifting the car. I also put in my stock RMM, cause the vibes from my cp-e RMM were getting annoying. I'll put the cp-e back in, come my next track day. Anyways, my car now shifts as smooth as glass. I was having 2nd gear engagement issues, that now seem to be completely gone, thanks to the Motorcraft fluid.

Hmm... You've got me thinking now.

I might just it then. I mean, $50 is $50.

[cld12pk2go]

Originally Posted by Alpha Hmm... You've got me thinking now. I might just it then. I mean, $50 is $50.

Takes less than an hour. So unless making $50/hr is not interesting to you then go for it.

If you need to buy a tool or two? So what, you will still come out $30 ahead and with useful tools.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by cld12pk2go If you need to buy a tool or two? So what, you will still come out $30 ahead and with useful tools.

That is the way I always look at it........ it is like the dealership buying me tools.

[Frequentflyer]

I got it for a pretty good price off Ebay. $32.49 for 3 quarts + $13 for shipping.

[madvillain]

I think I'm going to go ahead and jump on this bandwagon..

[Alpha]

Haha! SOLD!

[Fagwagon]

just ordered mine!

[06Speed6]

Originally Posted by Frequentflyer I got it for a pretty good price off Ebay. $32.49 for 3 quarts + $13 for shipping.

Ur a bitch! I sent them a message and asked them for a 3qt auction lmao.

[bani]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Isnt our tranny a Getrag? think I remember reading that somewhere.

no. our trans is an Aisin BG6.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by bani no. our trans is an Aisin BG6.

That was cleared up in posts #4 #7 and #11......
Maybe read the thread next time.

[FULLBLOWN]

So this is probably a long shot but from what I read in here, by only one person, would amsoil be a better way to go even if its more expensive?

[Cataphract_40]

Buy the XT-M5-QS. It is the lube of the Gods. It flows in a giant, slippery river from its source on top of Mount Olympus, spreading smooth shifts to mortals throughout the land

[banditscout]

It is truly outstanding. I put this stuff in last week, and it really does make quite a difference in shift smoothness. The shifter seems much less reluctant to push through the gates. I also installed my solid shifter base bushings, and shifter weight a few days ago, which further pleases my right hand. IMHO these are the first 3 things you should do to this car. It really makes it quite a bit more enjoyable to drive. For under $100 bucks total for those 3 mods, you can't go wrong. DO IT.

[Frequentflyer]

I put this XT-M5-QS shit in today. I haven't driven it very much since, but from what I can tell, it's smooth as butter already.

[Cataphract_40]

just you wait. this shit is like a fine wine...only gets better with age

[Qwik6]

Mine hasn't got better yet.. I have other issues though. Amsoil and mt90 was smoother than this. IMHO