AX 15 gear oil

[ChuckD]

I just bought some GL3 from the dealer, it specifically states for use with the AX-5 and AX-15 transmissions. $15/bottle, I got three, I have to check if that was enough for the oil change. HTH

 

[Judd W. VA]

From what i have determined......

It is the zinc additive in GL-4 and 5 that is the material distructive to the brass synchros used in a number of Jap transmissions. Nissan is an example of another mfg that has this same requirement on many of their's. Do not think is the EP part that is the problem. That pretty much determines the 'slip' factor of the lube and would effect the cone engagement onto the gear. Do not use an engine oil in these transmissions. They are not designed for that kind of lubricity. My CRX trans uses that which i think is pretty dang cool, and i use Mobile 1 synth engine oil in that as well as in it's engine.

Do not know why earlier AX-15's would have different synchors in them that would make them suitable for use with GL-5. Does not make sense they would make a change in the later years. Nissan has required GL-3 all along. There has been information occasionally that there was a typo in FSM's as to the GL type. Be safe and use GL-3 in all of the AX-5 and AX-15 transmissions.

 

[MJR]

I am still trying to sort this out.

GL-5 is rated for more severe use than the GL-3. I am still trying to find out why they changed.

I can't say what caused the syncro damage in the YJ listed above but there are a lot of factors involved such as climate, servicing, useage, etc...

Bottom line I think is use what is recommended in your owners/factory service manual for your year.

I also ran across some Toyota MR-2 information and they also changed back and forth between GL-5 and Gl-3.

I am going to do some more research on this.

 

[Eagle]

Thanks, Mike. It would be great if we could finally get this sorted out.

Maybe I'll run the GL-3 with GearMoly until we know for certain.

 

[MJR]

I just looked in the parts catalog. The 3/4 syncro for 91-96 are part # 83506253 which supercedes to 4897051AA which applies to all AX-15's. So I don't think the change was due to the syncros.

 

[ChiXJeff]

I just looked in the parts catalog. The 3/4 syncro for 91-96 are part # 83506253 which supercedes to 4897051AA which applies to all AX-15's. So I don't think the change was due to the syncros.

Mike, you're a good man.

 

[Mike in NJ]

Compatibility between GL-3 and GL-5

Geez, I thought we finally put this one to rest, now you've got me wondering again.

Anyway, I figure the safest thing to do while this is sorted out is to just spend a little extra and put in GL-3.

I have a question though: I just did change my AX-15 oil with GL-5. Since you can't quite drain ALL of the oil, are there any compatability issues between the two? I just want to drain what I can of the GL-5, and fill back up with GL-3.

Any thoughts?

Mike in NJ atriot:

 

[Kejtar]

I don't there would be a compatibility problem...... It's ust that you will have a bit left over with something "extra" in it

Kejtar

 

[MJR]

Re: Compatibility between GL-3 and GL-5

I have a question though: I just did change my AX-15 oil with GL-5. Since you can't quite drain ALL of the oil, are there any compatability issues between the two? I just want to drain what I can of the GL-5, and fill back up with GL-3.

Any thoughts?

Mike in NJ atriot:

Mike I don't think a little will make a difference unless its a fluid that isn't suppose to be in there in the first place. I can't determine capatibility without more information. I am still trying to find out why they changed the fluid spec in 97. I don't think they care since the AX trannies have been replaced by the NV ones.

 

[TC]

The fact that the '91-'96 part #'s are listed differently may well be because the '97 and newer trannys used different suppliers or material in the syncros. Part numbers superscede all the time, especially older ones that get replaced with newer #'s that will physically fit the older applications, even though there may be a slight difference in them. Often this is done to reduce redundancy or to eliminate old stock . I'm a former Mopar dealer parts man and the price books we would get every quarter had a section in the back the size of a phone book with supersceded numbers in them. We would sometimes chase a number that would change a dozen times until it would finally show up as current, drove us nuts. That was pre-computer, now they go from the old original number to the current one instantly. The more I see on the AX-15 subject the more I believe the older ones should use GL-3. Now if you go buy NEW syncros with the current supersceded part #, you might want to use GL-5. Just trying to make sense of it all. TC

 

[Judd W. VA]

The funny thing is.......

Why take a chance?? Why not just use good 'ole GL-3 to 5 lube available from AZ for $2.19/qt and not risk anything?? I'd like to use something more 'robust' in my '98 AX-15 also, but i am totally sure this will be fine.

 

[@dam]

Time to change the transmission oil. So is there any agreement on this? Is GL-3 really "safer" if it can't handle the same pressures of GL-5? How about synthetic? Would synthetic GL-5 require the same additives as conventional GL-5? I'm leaving on a ~3500 mile trip in August and I'd like to have this sorted out so I don't have to worry about it.

 

[MJR]

Time to change the transmission oil. So is there any agreement on this? Is GL-3 really "safer" if it can't handle the same pressures of GL-5? How about synthetic? Would synthetic GL-5 require the same additives as conventional GL-5? I'm leaving on a ~3500 mile trip in August and I'd like to have this sorted out so I don't have to worry about it.

For your AX-15 or front/rear axles? What year is yours? GL-5 is recommended for 84-96 and GL-3 for 97-up (yes there is a misprint in the manualfor 97).

 

[@dam]

I have a 95 with the 5-spd. I know the manual calls for GL-3 for '97 up and GL-5 for '96 down, but isn't that what this whole topic is about? Is there a difference between the 96- and 97+ transmissions, or did they just wise up and correct the manual in 97?

 

[@dam]

Hmmm...I suppose I'll just switch to the AZ GL-3/4/5 stuff until we get this figured out. Will switching from synthetic back to conventional make it leak?

 

[Sarge]

It's all hearsay.. but I did hear of someone ruining the tranny with redline
Personally I think I will stick with the oem oil just to be one the safe side..

Kejtar

Sorry but when someone talks about OEM fluids and/or lubes it makes me chuckle. No auto/bike/truck company out there makes their own. They release a list of specs and take the lowest bidder who meets the specs and passes any tests the company may present. So by using OEM you just may be putting Redline, Mobil, Pennzoil, whatever in there but at 2 times the price. Also consider if the contracts for auto/trucks are like the bike world at all, then the maker of the OEM lube changes every 5-10 years. If it meets the specs and says it can safely be used then use it. If it fails then the lube maker takes a hit. And no one can say it will void the warranty either.

Sarge

 

[@dam]

I found this on JeepsUnlimited, from a poster named XJ Sean. I couldn't find it for myself on the Mobil 1 site. I've been using Mobil 1 for about 2.5 years.

________________________________________________________________

this is from the mobil 1 site:

"Application

Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant is suitable for all automotive applications where lubricants meeting API Service GL-5, are recommended. It can also be used in rear axles where an API Service GL-4 lubricant is recommended. It should not be used in any transmissions requiring an engine oil or automatic transmission fluid, or GL-4 performance level."

AX-15 trannies call for GL-3 spec lube (even if the manual says GL-5)

 

[MJR]

I found this on JeepsUnlimited, from a poster named XJ Sean. I couldn't find it for myself on the Mobil 1 site. I've been using Mobil 1 for about 2.5 years.

________________________________________________________________

this is from the mobil 1 site:

"Application

Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant is suitable for all automotive applications where lubricants meeting API Service GL-5, are recommended. It can also be used in rear axles where an API Service GL-4 lubricant is recommended. It should not be used in any transmissions requiring an engine oil or automatic transmission fluid, or GL-4 performance level."

AX-15 trannies call for GL-3 spec lube (even if the manual says GL-5)

Originally AX-15's used GL-5 and in 97 they went to GL-3 which they do recommend for the older models now even though GL-5 was. There was a change in the AX-15 syncros in 97 possibly due to complaints of shifting when cold in earlier models. GL-5 is normally used for heavy duty applications like axles where you need better anti-sheer properties. Sounds like that person quoted needs to do more research on the subject.

 

[MJR]

Hmmm...I suppose I'll just switch to the AZ GL-3/4/5 stuff until we get this figured out. Will switching from synthetic back to conventional make it leak?

You should have no issues switching to a synthetic as long as it meets the specs the manufacturer recommends.

 

[MJR]

I have a 95 with the 5-spd. I know the manual calls for GL-3 for '97 up and GL-5 for '96 down, but isn't that what this whole topic is about? Is there a difference between the 96- and 97+ transmissions, or did they just wise up and correct the manual in 97?

The syncro part numbers changed in that year. There were some comlaints of hard shifting when cold which may have caused them to change either design or material along with going to GL-3.