Quote:
Originally Posted by Pueblo_Boy
Hmm...have read conflicting views on the gearbox oil change. Some say DO NOT do if you're not having any problems; that's the advice my local mechanic gave me too, when I enquired about having it done this week.
I still haven't done it, although I bought 4 or 5 litres of the oil last month! I know I will only need 2 litres, but the bigger container was a bargain price! 
So, what to do? My car has done 150,000 miles, and the previous owner did not change it, don't know before that. What is the downside to not doing it? I think, but cannot find it now, the gearbox oil should be changed every 90,000 miles...anyone care to enlighten me with their opinion/knowledge? |
An oil change prevents problems from occurring. If problems become noticeable on a manual box, it is usually too late to correct them with an oil change.
Even with auto boxes, where the advice is often to leave well alone, the manufacturers now include an oil change at a certain mileage e.g. Mercedes. Also, the best practice adopted by the likes of Jaguar specialists on ZF autos is to use a machine that replenishes the oil with the gearbox being operated in order to remove all traces of the old oil from the torque converter.
I would always go with the view that one should do gearbox oil changes but only if it is going to be done properly and with the correct oil. Otherwise, take the risk of not doing it. If a mechanic advises not to change the oil on a gearbox, I would look to change the mechanic!