16 minute transmission fluid change

[WillD]

Not sure what you are asking ericrapp, I have a Speed3 so why wouldn't I?

 

[ericrapp]

i misspoke sorry, i read that you used the motorcraft fluid in your Miata. i am asking about that car. But i can assume you also use the same motorcraft in the the speed 3?

 

[meicalnissyen]

I would be happy to provide the same equipment, for the same price, should anyone be interested

;-)

 

[WillD]

i misspoke sorry, i read that you used the motorcraft fluid in your Miata. i am asking about that car. But i can assume you also use the same motorcraft in the the speed 3?

Yes I use it in the Speed3 as well. The stuff is awesome. I did most recently put it in the Miata and because of it's age I noticed a larger difference in that vehicle than the Speed3. But in both it is well worth the money.

 

[ericrapp]

i am in the middle of trying to get my axle out and doing a couple other things while i have the car up and half apart. this would include the fluid swap. but mt fluid arrived from fed ex an hour ago and they sent me redline gl-4 rated 75-90.
dooh!
well i will still prepare for the fluid swap.
i am headed back to the how to's as i am having problems with my lower ball joint coming all the way out. i think i missed a step!?
i had the mt 90 in for about 40K and because i only drive summer and have to warm up brakes and tires any ways i do not mind waiting for the tranny fluid to get in the mood to run. its just a couple minutes of easy driving. i will be interested to see what the fluid looks like after all the abuse i have doled out to her.

 

[reddeerspeed3]

nice write up... i should do this soon

 

[wldchld]

can anyone be more specific on the the bolt size or proper socket needed for the ports?

 

[ericrapp]

I would think you mean fill and drain plugs? I did complete the task succesfully and all the better for it i must say. if no one responds soon i might have my notes tucked away here somewhere and may be of help. i am thinking i bought the wrong size from bad info on the drain. 19mm 21 22 come to mind. But i have ahad a couple beeers.
post up if you cannnot find i have the service manual here too

 

[Domino81]

Will probably be doing this tomorrow and WILL be stealing your idea. Will make this fluid change MUCH cleaner. Thank you for your useful post.

 

[wldchld]

that is correct. the drain and fill plugs. i was able to loozen the fill one with a crescent wrench but the drain plug is in such an awkward place. i have tried a 21 and 22 socket and still too small. so im thinkin 23 but is there such a size? and a breaker bar instead of ratchet cause of tightness?

 

[ericrapp]

It was a 23 or 24mm socket. i used 1/2 drive ratchet with extension and the undertray off. it should not need a breaker bar. it's not that high of a torque setting.
The trans case is aluminum and should be careful not to overtighten. good and snug. see if you can borrow both sizes or get them from Harbor freight cheap. one of those should work. or maybe an Advance Auto will have loaner set of large deep sockets. They have a fully refundable deposit which is sweet. i could not find my notes? doh!
let me know. how you make out. What fluid are you using?
eric
also PM Domino81 he is a good fellow

 

[wldchld]

im using the motorcraft. i was hoping to avoid getting both but i guess ill have to. all the tool stores around have one or the other. so ill have two stops to make. thanks for ur help. ill post what it is when im done so a 16 min fluid change isnt 48 hrs for someone else.

 

[ericrapp]

I am sorry about that wish i was more useful. Hope it works out well. good call on the Motorcraft fluid. By the way is was hardly sixteen minutes for me either ha!

 

[Domino81]

Stencil it out on a piece of paper then match it up at the tool store. I can't remember either.

 

[wldchld]

i havent gotten back out there yet but i did go to harbor freight as ericapp suggested. i bought a 1/2" drive set with breaker bar and all the 20mm sockets so i should be set when i do get back out there. ($30) i will post which one it is so it should be helpful to others. i didnt even know they made mm in the 20's but i guess u learn something new everyday. again, thanks for all the help.

 

[wldchld]

ericapp once u did get ur fluid out what did it look like? this is my first change after 60k and a little nervous to see what is in there.

 

[Wurf]

It makes little difference what it looks like if it's still working OK. You're not planning to have it fixed under warranty right?
Expect to see a metallic paint like "glitter" look to it from synchro wear.
That's just the way it goes. Replace fulid, run it and see if it improves.

 

[wldchld]

thanks for the input wurf

 

[wldchld]

24mm socket is necessary to complete this diy.

 

[Wurf]

Thanks - I'm having it done along with an oil change shortly.
Plus no heated garage so I'm not crawling under it to DIY. Just don't want to deal with it this time of year.