TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:03 am

Hey all, i'm doing my first tune up/maitenance on my '57 beetle, and I was wondering what transmission oil I should use? I can't find 90W..or i'd use that like the book says. anyone have any recommendations? it's got a '60s tranny. i'm new to the VW scene. thanks!

Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:02 am

I also have a full synchro in my bug and I just recently switched to Valvoline Syn Power full synthetic 75/90wt. It has made a world of difference on shifting! Cold shifting is now very easy.

Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:25 pm

redline mt 90.

Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:02 pm

Transmission oil topic
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=276529

Tue May 13, 2025 3:18 pm

For my 1955 tranny,
Would this oil be fine to put in?.. not sure about the comment of "rear axles not requiring hypoid oils" - just don't get that.

Dang cracked axle boot..

Thank you

Tue May 13, 2025 3:42 pm

p horvath wrote: redline mt 90.

x2

Tue May 13, 2025 3:44 pm

VW_Jimbo wrote: p horvath wrote: redline mt 90.

x2
X3
every trans I've ever filled with it has shown improved shifting

Tue May 13, 2025 5:13 pm

esde wrote: VW_Jimbo wrote: p horvath wrote: redline mt 90.

x2
X3
every trans I've ever filled with it has shown improved shifting
X4.

Max

Tue May 13, 2025 5:33 pm

OK... pricey.... but I have to admit, my transaxle is worth it.

Of course I read the 70+ page on GL4, vs GL5, as well as another thread, and for me.. want to go with GL4...which I think the redline is... have to double check.

Thanks all.

Tue May 13, 2025 5:53 pm

And is now ordered! ...

Tue May 13, 2025 8:49 pm

mr matt wrote: OK... pricey.... but I have to admit, my transaxle is worth it.

Of course I read the 70+ page on GL4, vs GL5, as well as another thread, and for me.. want to go with GL4...which I think the redline is... have to double check.

Thanks all.

Scott who owns MCM rebuilds racing transmissions for VW cars. He swears by Redline. He turned me onto Redline and I have not gone back!

Wed May 14, 2025 4:40 pm

Another confirmation, thanks!

Soon I will be changing out my 77 bus tranny fluid... if anyone continues to read this, do I used the same oil?

I can ask this in the bus forums otherwise....

Fri May 16, 2025 8:45 am

mr matt wrote: For my 1955 tranny,
Would this oil be fine to put in?.. not sure about the comment of "rear axles not requiring hypoid oils" - just don't get that.

Dang cracked axle boot..

Thank you

VWs don't have hypoid ring gears so it should be fine, however, the consensus is that the Redline oil is the best.

Fri May 16, 2025 1:26 pm

splitjunkie wrote: mr matt wrote: For my 1955 tranny,
Would this oil be fine to put in?.. not sure about the comment of "rear axles not requiring hypoid oils" - just don't get that.

VWs don't have hypoid ring gears so it should be fine, however, the consensus is that the Redline oil is the best.
The dedicated gear oil topic is now 70 pages long. There is no consensus on what oil to use.
Since Matt is asking about his 77 Bus, it does have a hypoid R&P, so it needs to use GL-5 gear oil.
Now, for all the nancys out there that fear GL-5, there do exist gear oils that are GL-4 and GL-5 rated.
I strongly recommend synthetic 75W-90. Then when the gear oil is cold, it shifts just like when the gearbox is warmed up in the summer.

Fri May 16, 2025 2:13 pm

It was just pointed out to me, that early transaxles use different bearings and "might" need a different gear lube than newer transaxles, so I unlocked it.

Please, if you have questions on other transaxles use other existing topics.

GL 4 or GL 5 - "Official Gear Lube Topic"

Fri May 16, 2025 6:37 pm

mr matt wrote: Soon I will be changing out my 77 bus tranny fluid... if anyone continues to read this, do I used the same oil?

I can ask this in the bus forums otherwise....
Please do so.

Fri May 16, 2025 7:09 pm

Glenn wrote: It was just pointed out to me, that early transaxles use different bearings and "might" need a different gear lube than newer transaxles, so I unlocked it.

Please, if you have questions on other transaxles use other existing topics.

GL 4 or GL 5 - "Official Gear Lube Topic"

My point to Glenn was, that the early non synchro roller bearing transmissions are much more primitive than the later transmissions. What they were originally intended to run, and what works best in them now, and why is not really the same discussion as the dedicated oil thread..
I've got a few things to add, when I'm back on my laptop

Sat May 17, 2025 2:38 am

Bruce wrote: The dedicated gear oil topic is now 70 pages long. There is no consensus on what oil to use.
I don't know the problem, but simply use the oil VW recommended to use and used itself. Is it really that hard?
Transmission: mineral oil SAE90 GL4 after MIL-L-2105. I drive every day since 20 years beetle only, summer and winter. You can also use 80W90 if you want.

Sat May 17, 2025 2:54 am

splitjunkie wrote: VWs don't have hypoid ring gears
Interesting!

Sat May 17, 2025 4:13 am

pastellgreen wrote: simply use the oil VW recommended to use and used itself. Is it really that hard?
That was a lot of years ago and things change... usually for the better. Oil today is better formulated than it was in the 50's.

When light bulbs need to be replaced, in your house, do you insist on finding incandescent bulbs or do you use LEDs?