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WesternStarSCR · 06-17-2013, 11:27 AM

One thing I learned on my recent Toyota is that is important to find the correct SPEC (GL-4, GL-5, and / or MT-1) that your particular owners manual and / or Field Service Manual may be calling for in your vehicle.

For the Corolla / Matrix / Vibe / Corolla xRS platforms (C59 - 5 speed and C60 - 6 speed), there is a lot of discussion on Toyota Nation.

The important take away is that the preferred is a GL-4 only spec, such as Red Line MT-90. The Gl-4 Spec ensures that 'yellow' metals such as brass in the bearings, are not corroded, and that there is enough of the correct additives to allow the syncros to work without slipping too much.

People have found, at least in these cars, if they went with a GL-5 ONLY or MT-1 ONLY spec, it was notchy shifting.

Supposedly Toyota manual or FSB said Gl-5 is OK. The take away is that it MAY be OK, but for bearing life and smoother shifting, the preferred by owners is either a GL-4 ONLY, or a GL-4 & GL-5 spec.

But not a GL-5 spec only, where GL-4 is not listed anywhere on the bottle.

Personally, I just added Valvoline conventional lube, that specs both GL-4 and GL-5 on the bottle. It is hard to find a GL-4 only lube at a store, so most just order them. I was OK with the $6 a quart for the Valvoline for my case, and 80W-90

From TN:

Gear Oil for M/T:

Most agree on a few good oils. The Toyota C59/C60 needs to have a GL4 oil to prevent damage to the yellow metal inside the transmission. Synthetic gear oil is amazing and works great in the cold for smooth buttery shifts. Replace all every 30K.

Redline MT90: My favorite. Available on Amazon or from Redline for about 13 bucks a quart.

Product Data sheet: Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil

Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission oil: Another highly recommended yellow metal safe oil.

Product data sheet: AMSOIL Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90

Royal Purple Max Gear: Well recommended, yellow metal safe oil.

Description sheet: http://royalpurpleconsumer.com/produ...ive/#!max-gear

Relevant links:

DIY Manual Transmission Fluid Change - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Read Me: Official 9th Gen Maintenance Thread. All you ever wanted to know!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

06-17-2013, 11:27 AM	#20 (permalink)
WesternStarSCR Busting Knuckles Often Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 135 Blue Maxx - '04 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT Team Chevy 90 day: 26.96 mpg (US) Tink's Van - '08 Chrysler Town & Country Touring 90 day: 19.09 mpg (US) 2004 5 Speed Goldrolla - '04 Toyota Corolla CE Team Toyota 90 day: 36.3 mpg (US) Thanks: 313 Thanked 28 Times in 20 Posts	Do your homework for YOUR model of MT One thing I learned on my recent Toyota is that is important to find the correct SPEC (GL-4, GL-5, and / or MT-1) that your particular owners manual and / or Field Service Manual may be calling for in your vehicle. For the Corolla / Matrix / Vibe / Corolla xRS platforms (C59 - 5 speed and C60 - 6 speed), there is a lot of discussion on Toyota Nation. The important take away is that the preferred is a GL-4 only spec, such as Red Line MT-90. The Gl-4 Spec ensures that 'yellow' metals such as brass in the bearings, are not corroded, and that there is enough of the correct additives to allow the syncros to work without slipping too much. People have found, at least in these cars, if they went with a GL-5 ONLY or MT-1 ONLY spec, it was notchy shifting. Supposedly Toyota manual or FSB said Gl-5 is OK. The take away is that it MAY be OK, but for bearing life and smoother shifting, the preferred by owners is either a GL-4 ONLY, or a GL-4 & GL-5 spec. But not a GL-5 spec only, where GL-4 is not listed anywhere on the bottle. Personally, I just added Valvoline conventional lube, that specs both GL-4 and GL-5 on the bottle. It is hard to find a GL-4 only lube at a store, so most just order them. I was OK with the $6 a quart for the Valvoline for my case, and 80W-90 From TN: Gear Oil for M/T: Most agree on a few good oils. The Toyota C59/C60 needs to have a GL4 oil to prevent damage to the yellow metal inside the transmission. Synthetic gear oil is amazing and works great in the cold for smooth buttery shifts. Replace all every 30K. Redline MT90: My favorite. Available on Amazon or from Redline for about 13 bucks a quart. Product Data sheet: Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission oil: Another highly recommended yellow metal safe oil. Product data sheet: AMSOIL Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 Royal Purple Max Gear: Well recommended, yellow metal safe oil. Description sheet: http://royalpurpleconsumer.com/produ...ive/#!max-gear Relevant links: DIY Manual Transmission Fluid Change - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums Read Me: Official 9th Gen Maintenance Thread. All you ever wanted to know!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums __________________