I am considering the tranny/differential oil change. I don't think I want to do it myself, cause of the vehicle balancing (to make sure it's level) and the like. I got a quote from the dealer, 1/2 labour each at $95/hour.

I would bring my oil in. I'm looking to buy redline oil. Anyone know of a place in Mississauga?

Any advice in general? Has anyone done it recently?

 

You don't need the dealer for this stuff. Just bring it to a good independent mechanic.

 

Yes, I will check with the mechanic close to my work. Can't see saving more than $40-50 bucks, but it should cover the cost of oil. So, maybe the whole job will cost around $100, including the oil. I've already found a place to buy the oil, just have to go and get it.

I have to check with the mechanic is he uses a torque wrench for the plugs. Not sure how important it is to torgue it properly.

 

I went to JRP and got Redline .. then off to my favorite Oil Change centre .. handed them the bottle and let them do it (they charged me 15 minutes time).
Go somewhere you trust.

 

Care to make a recommendation?

 

Yes, JRP is the place. 15min labour is not bad.

 

I go to Pro Oil Change (they have a few locations) ... they are a client of mine (Signs) so I use them. To be honest I have been taking the 8 to Mazda but took my previous cars there. Call ahead ... see what they say. A tranny fluid change costs about $100 at a place like that but if you bring yoru own fluid it should be half or less.

BTW ... it is very important to torque the plug properly ... just tell the tech in the pit what to torque it too.

 

Im also considering replacing the tranny and diff oil to RP, are the torque specs in the massive bible-like manual or should I just call mazda service and ask them what the specs should be?

Oh and on a similar note have any local guys changed their diff and tranny oils, Im just looking for your impressions, a lot of guys in the States are saying it makes a huge difference!

 

Useful info as per link below - no the manual does not have the info, I don't think. Torque specs for rx-8 are in N-m only, the equivalent in ft-lbs as follows:

20-35ft-lbs transmission
29-39ft-lbs differential

http://www.5cats.org/rx8/trans_diff_refill/

I will have to call mazda tomorrow and see if they have the required crush washer in stock.

I will probably do mine either tomorrow or Friday, so I can let you know. I also have RP shifter, so it will be interesting to see if there is much improvement if at all.

 

I use Castrol Syntec.You should notice easier shifting and quieter operation.I have used it for the past 12 years my RX-7s

 

I find that really interesting just because my common sense would suggest that there wouldnt be that much of a difference in viscosity between conventional oil and RP synthetic products to make a huge difference in shift feel, but then again Im no expert and also Im only assuming that the difference would be the viscosity that would be improving the feel.

 

Tribology.It is not a viscosity thing, it's the lubricating qualities of the oils.

 

thanks, my science background is very limited to say the least!

 

Just as a note from a dealership, we love independent mechanics, especially when they work on late model cars. Seriously, we receive at least 2 cars a week from independents that have messed something up and want us to fix them. The last one was trying to refill a manual trans and removed the wrong bolt. He ended up undoing a bolt that held the reverse gear pin and we had to re and re the trans to fix it. If you are going to use an independent make sure that they have experience with your model car and have done the job before. Warranty does not fix mistakes, and a bolt that was removed in error is not a "defect in material or workmanship"

 

Aye. I've heard too many stories of the well-meaning mechanic 'friend' who does a little work on a late-model vehicle and ends up taking out the ABS sensor with the brake pad change or pulling a bolt out of the transmission during a fluid change...

 

Ok, changed my differential and transmission oils yesterday. Made a difference, but not that huge. I think it is a bit smoother when shifting. Helps some when vehicle is cold.

It took the mechanic 1/2 hour to change both. He used a grease gun as his pump. The cost, $60 - almost half the dealer cost. The dealer would've been an hour $90/hr plust GST. The two quarts of tranny oil was barely enough. The grease gun loses a bit of oil when you fill it and that's why it was just enough. The capacity is 1.8 quart.

 

good to know, Im thinking of making the change but I just got my car two weeks ago so I think Ill probably hold off for a little bit.