About to change tranny and diff fluid, need some basic giudelines
 

so the quote I got from Mazda was $300 for the job. My local, trusted mechanic quoted me $150, depending on the cost of fluid. He doesn't do a whole lot of rotary work and I just wanted to make sure there is nothing that he needs to know.

The tranny requires a special fluid from Mazda, right? Can this be bought anywhere else?

Also, does the diff require a different fluid or is it the same as the tranny?

any other tidbits I need to know?

That price is crazy, the fluid will cost average $10 to $12 a quart and you'll need a little less than 4 quarts. ( i think its 1.4 for the rear diff and 1.8 for the trans.)
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_g...p?categoryID=7

Then after that you simply drain the trans and diff and pump in the new stuff, hell even a pump cost $3. I suggest getting a local member to help you out, those prices are nuts for a "oil" change.

Check the DIY section for complete details and options.

Short answer: Redline MT90 for the trans, Redline 75W90 for the Diff. Avoid headaches and get more than you think you need -- 3 quarts of tran lube, 2 diff. Get replacement washers for the fill and drain plugs. Make sure you know how to safely raise the car such that it is level, both fore/aft and left/right. Always remove fill plugs first; if one refuses to turn you want to know before you drain the oil. I'm a fan of the funnel-and-plastic-tubing method now, but there are other options including hand-operated pumps to get the fluid in. Clean the goop off the drain plugs. Use a torque wrench when reinstalling the plugs. Try to avoid getting lube on the exhaust (smelly). Oh, I almost forgot, you'll need 2 metric sockets. 23mm and 24mm, iirc, but look it up. One is fairly rare.

Not so hard really. Safety is the primary concern.

^I believe they got it down

sweet, im looking into changing out my fluid too, and was wondering what type of fluid to use..now i know..!! thanks

I've tried Castrol, Red Line, and Mobil 1 gear oils. After using Mobil 1, I've stayed with that brand since the car shifts so much smoother.