1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The older-generation 2.3L transaxle has a checkered past as regards fluid selection. There is, I think, ample evidence to suggest that you not use any hypoid gear oil, synthetic or otherwise, especially Redline MTL. An inordinate number of catastrophic failures have ensued from the use of MTL, which may be referenced in the TSN archives. I was one unfortunate victim with my '91 9KT.
Saab recommends only 10w30 or 10w40 fossil engine oil, if you believe your owner's manual, though they released a new full-synthetic fluid several years ago that can be retrofitted to all older applications. I have TSB's that I can send you that outlines the procedure for installing in older transaxles without and the newer units with drain plugs. It is available from Saab dealers for a bargain-basement $13.40 (US) price. My '95 Aero uses 1.9 qts., but I think the older transaxles use >2 qts. Quasi knows the exact amount.
The bad news is that the originally installed engine oil and this new fluid are not compatible, and not being able to drain the fluid fully would bother me. In fact, even with drain-plug-equipped cars Saab specifies that one quart of the new fluid be run in the car for a few miles, drained, and then filled with the normal fluid spec. This is to remove as much of the old fluid as possible.
I had a '91 with presumably the same tranny as your '93, and thinking I was going a good turn for the car I installed MTL. Six months later the tranny disintegrated. This happened to a similar tranny serviced by Townsend and a number of others reporting in to TSN over the past few years. In my case, when the rebuilt tranny was installed by the dealer they insisted on using only 10w30 fossil engine oil, the factory spec at that time, even after I asked about using Mobil 1 synthetic. Townsend Imports swears by Amsoil 20w50 racing (synthetic engine) oil, but although I respect their opinion greatly, I wouldn't do it in my transaxle, especially if I had an older-generation 2.3L tranny. I did, however, install the new Saab fluid in my present '95 Aero as per the Saab change procedures and have had no trouble. It purportedly prolongs bearing and gear life.
Your other option is to leave (good enough?) alone and take the original factory recommendation of observing no service procedures for the life of the car.
posted by 24.4.4...
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