Local shop's recommended gear oil cocktail

sonicmayhem · 11-03-2009, 04:32 PM

I took my '03 WRX into a local mechanic recently complaining of some gear and center diff whine. I recently changed out the gear oil to a brand-name 75w-90 (although I don't recall which brand) non-synthetic and since then, the shifting has been a bit sloppy with some increased whine.

When the mechanic took my car for a test drive, he noticed that my transmission is a bit worn and recommended to change the gear oil to the following cocktail to prevent further damage.

1 qt. Royal Purple "Synchro Mesh" (Synchromax?)
3.5 qt. Mobil 1 75w-140 Synthetic

Naturally, I questioned the shop about this choice of cocktail, since it's not really the spec that is specified by Subaru, and they replied that while they normally use Subaru "Extra -S" gear oil, the cocktail above is a bit thicker and would eliminate the whine in my case while providing some extra cushion to the gears during shifting. They also said that this cocktail does not work without the Royal Purple "Synchro Mesh."

Is there any potential downside to this cocktail? Can I use non-synthetic 75w-140 in place of synthetic?

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Mr.Sparkle · 11-03-2009, 04:55 PM

See the Uncle Scotty's cocktail thread. I have not heard anything good about Mobile1 in our trannys. If you are going to put a cocktail in use one that many other people have used for many thousands of miles.

rexman2002 · 11-03-2009, 04:56 PM

Whatever you do, DO NOT run that mix.

Use either Extra-S or Motul in your transmission.

A lot of local subaru shops carry Motul gear oil. Extra-S can be found online in quart bottles.

http://www.fredbeansparts.com/servle...ra-S%22/Detail

you'll need 4 quarts for transmission, and 1 quart for rear differential.

and subarus come with non-synthetic gear oil from factory. Motul is synthetic lube, and Extra-s (oem fluid), is hightly proccesed mineral oil, non-synthetic. In that link they state that its synthetic, but they're wrong.

98tredsvt · 11-04-2009, 11:46 AM

Possible that the mechanic hasn't driven a manual subaru? I Know mine feels a lot less smooth than previous cars I've owned which could make one think that the transmission is worn.

sonicmayhem · 11-04-2009, 03:20 PM

At this point, I should comment that this shop (Auto Headquarter) services Subarus on a regular basis and the head mechanic a certifed Subaru (and Honda) Master Technician and seems to have quite a lot of experience. In fact, as I pulled in to the shop, the entire parking lot was filled with WRXs, so was the garage, and, as I was sitting there, another WRX came in for a transmission issue. They are in fact, quite specialized to Subarus and WRXs in particular.

I should also say that he diagnosed and fixed a misfire issue faster than I can jack my car up. Not only that, he was very thorough in proving to me what the problem was (*very* dirty sensors in the intake due to an open airbox

- flame me all you want here) and in solving the issue. Afterwards, I went on an extensive test drive with the mechanic, who was again, very thorough. They went on to diagnose a brake noise issue and recommended a proper fix (which I will do myself).

Based even on my limited experience there, I would definitely recommend them to others owning WRXs. Anyway, the point here is that the shop's recommendation might actually be a good one - probably not deserving of comments like

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexman2002

Whatever you do, DO NOT run that mix.

(although I do agree with the rest of rexman's post).

Also, in regards to

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Sparkle

See the Uncle Scotty's cocktail thread. I have not heard anything good about Mobile1 in our trannys.

I've read the thread about "Uncle Scotty's Cocktail" and was left mainly confused by conflicting reports. Most (all?)of the complaints about Mobil 1 fluid are for the 75w90 weight, not the weight suggested by this shop, so I wouldn't apply the group knowledge of "M1 is bad" or "synthetics are bad for our suby trannys" to this situation.

Finally, the shop said that their cocktail cured others' tranny problems; although I don't know how well those results held up over time. In the end, while my tranny is a bit worn and a little notchy; I'll probably pick up some Extra-S from a local dealership (at like $7-9/qt.) and use that, as I'm cautious of mixing transmission fluids together (since the owner's manual warns against it).

Anyway, if anybody has run a similar mix, please let me know how it went. Other comments are also appreciated.

rexman2002 · 11-04-2009, 05:43 PM

Try it then, If the guys at the shop know subaurs, and post back with results. In case you won't like the feel, you can always change it to something else, the ones I mentioned in my other post for example.

neo277 · 11-04-2009, 07:16 PM

I've been using 1qt motul gear300 and 3 quarts redline lightweight shockproof and it works great, smooth shifts every time.

torinalth · 11-05-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neo277

I've been using 1qt motul gear300 and 3 quarts redline lightweight shockproof and it works great, smooth shifts every time.

That is what Andrewtech recommends for the 5MT, I have some in transit now.

T

SomeoneWhoIsntMe · 11-05-2009, 01:46 PM

You're not really supposed to run shockproof in street cars where you're not going to be changing the fluid all the time.

2 quarts Redline 75w90NS and the rest (1.x quarts) Redline MT-90 is where it's at.

neo277 · 11-05-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeoneWhoIsntMe

You're not really supposed to run shockproof in street cars where you're not going to be changing the fluid all the time.

2 quarts Redline 75w90NS and the rest (1.x quarts) Redline MT-90 is where it's at.

I change it every 15k, Andrew at Andrewtech recommended it to me when they rebuilt my 5 speed and it was great. now i use it in my 6 speed and its amazing stuff.

go go smurfblood

rexworx · 11-05-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neo277

I've been using 1qt motul gear300 and 3 quarts redline lightweight shockproof and it works great, smooth shifts every time.

+1 this is the mix you want...

I love smurf blood.

Uncle Scotty · 11-05-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonicmayhem

I took my '03 WRX into a local mechanic recently complaining of some gear and center diff whine. I recently changed out the gear oil to a brand-name 75w-90 (although I don't recall which brand) non-synthetic and since then, the shifting has been a bit sloppy with some increased whine.

When the mechanic took my car for a test drive, he noticed that my transmission is a bit worn and recommended to change the gear oil to the following cocktail to prevent further damage.

1 qt. Royal Purple "Synchro Mesh" (Synchromax?)
3.5 qt. Mobil 1 75w-140 Synthetic

Naturally, I questioned the shop about this choice of cocktail, since it's not really the spec that is specified by Subaru, and they replied that while they normally use Subaru "Extra -S" gear oil, the cocktail above is a bit thicker and would eliminate the whine in my case while providing some extra cushion to the gears during shifting. They also said that this cocktail does not work without the Royal Purple "Synchro Mesh."

Is there any potential downside to this cocktail? Can I use non-synthetic 75w-140 in place of synthetic?

you could not possibly convince me to put THAT in MY car

no way in hell

SomeoneWhoIsntMe · 11-07-2009, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neo277

I change it every 15k, Andrew at Andrewtech recommended it to me when they rebuilt my 5 speed and it was great. now i use it in my 6 speed and its amazing stuff.

go go smurfblood

I get to buy my $45 75w90ns/mt90 cocktail again after like 8k miles since my transmission blew a four quart load of fluid all over the floor when I dropped it to change the clutch

SomeoneWhoIsntMe · 11-07-2009, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

you could not possibly convince me to put THAT in MY car

no way in hell

yeah that mobil 1 will spin your transmission bearings for sure

SomeoneWhoIsntMe · 11-07-2009, 03:14 AM

edit wrong thread

Uncle Scotty · 11-07-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeoneWhoIsntMe

I get to buy my $45 75w90ns/mt90 cocktail again after like 8k miles since my transmission blew a four quart load of fluid all over the floor when I dropped it to change the clutch

d000000000000000000000000000d

yer doin it ALL wrong

sonicmayhem · 11-09-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

you could not possibly convince me to put THAT in MY car

no way in hell

As far as the group consensus on NASIOC goes, this blend might as well be the Antichrist. Mobil 1 and Royal Purple as gear oil for the Suby seem to have quite a few detractors.

I think I'll go with Subaru's Extra-S for now. Sorting through the information/misinformation on here is dizzying...

11-03-2009, 04:32 PM	#1
sonicmayhem Scooby Newbie Member#: 91836 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: East Bay, CA Vehicle: 2003 Impreza WRX Sonic Yellow	Local shop's recommended gear oil cocktail I took my '03 WRX into a local mechanic recently complaining of some gear and center diff whine. I recently changed out the gear oil to a brand-name 75w-90 (although I don't recall which brand) non-synthetic and since then, the shifting has been a bit sloppy with some increased whine. When the mechanic took my car for a test drive, he noticed that my transmission is a bit worn and recommended to change the gear oil to the following cocktail to prevent further damage. 1 qt. Royal Purple "Synchro Mesh" (Synchromax?) 3.5 qt. Mobil 1 75w-140 Synthetic Naturally, I questioned the shop about this choice of cocktail, since it's not really the spec that is specified by Subaru, and they replied that while they normally use Subaru "Extra -S" gear oil, the cocktail above is a bit thicker and would eliminate the whine in my case while providing some extra cushion to the gears during shifting. They also said that this cocktail does not work without the Royal Purple "Synchro Mesh." Is there any potential downside to this cocktail? Can I use non-synthetic 75w-140 in place of synthetic? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by sonicmayhem; 11-03-2009 at 05:29 PM.

11-07-2009, 03:14 AM	#15
SomeoneWhoIsntMe Scooby Newbie Member#: 160814 Join Date: Oct 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Waterford, MI Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon PSM	edit wrong thread Last edited by SomeoneWhoIsntMe; 11-07-2009 at 12:39 PM.

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11-03-2009, 04:55 PM	#2
Mr.Sparkle Scooby Specialist Member#: 83725 Join Date: Mar 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Vehicle: this is my horse, isn't he amazing!	See the Uncle Scotty's cocktail thread. I have not heard anything good about Mobile1 in our trannys. If you are going to put a cocktail in use one that many other people have used for many thousands of miles.

11-03-2009, 04:56 PM	#3
rexman2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 140244 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago	Whatever you do, DO NOT run that mix. Use either Extra-S or Motul in your transmission. A lot of local subaru shops carry Motul gear oil. Extra-S can be found online in quart bottles. http://www.fredbeansparts.com/servle...ra-S%22/Detail you'll need 4 quarts for transmission, and 1 quart for rear differential. and subarus come with non-synthetic gear oil from factory. Motul is synthetic lube, and Extra-s (oem fluid), is hightly proccesed mineral oil, non-synthetic. In that link they state that its synthetic, but they're wrong.

11-04-2009, 11:46 AM	#4
98tredsvt Scooby Newbie Member#: 166975 Join Date: Dec 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Illinois Vehicle: 2002 impreza wrx black	Possible that the mechanic hasn't driven a manual subaru? I Know mine feels a lot less smooth than previous cars I've owned which could make one think that the transmission is worn.

11-04-2009, 05:43 PM	#6
rexman2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 140244 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago	Try it then, If the guys at the shop know subaurs, and post back with results. In case you won't like the feel, you can always change it to something else, the ones I mentioned in my other post for example.

11-04-2009, 07:16 PM	#7
neo277 Scooby Newbie Member#: 131432 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Eastern, PA Vehicle: 2004 WRX FP TDO5 18G! 07 6mt yay	I've been using 1qt motul gear300 and 3 quarts redline lightweight shockproof and it works great, smooth shifts every time.

11-05-2009, 01:46 PM	#9
SomeoneWhoIsntMe Scooby Newbie Member#: 160814 Join Date: Oct 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Waterford, MI Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon PSM	You're not really supposed to run shockproof in street cars where you're not going to be changing the fluid all the time. 2 quarts Redline 75w90NS and the rest (1.x quarts) Redline MT-90 is where it's at.