As Sully mentioned, the only synthetic recommended for the 5-speed is the Saab brand, which is by all evidence an excellent product. I've been using it for two or three years, after having followed the TSB for changing. These instructions are important, as stock fossil oil is not compatible with the new fluid. Let me know if you need a copy of the TSB.
This fluid is not gear oil or engine oil--but is red, thin, and smells aweful. It may have some relationship with synthetic ATF, but although Saab claims it can be added in an emergency, it should be flushed ASAP.

From time to time one hears about specific products that work in that transaxle. Townsend recommends and/or did recommend Amsoil 20w50 synthetic racing (engine) oil. Now I hear that another pundit recommends a standard 75-90 hypoid gear oil.

My take on that is that (1) Saab recommends not using any synthetic oil in their transmission (except their new fluid), (2) the transaxles (possibly only earlier units) have a history of being sensitive to the fluid used, and (3) if hypoid gear oil was better for the tranny than the fossil engine oil installed, they would've used it at the factory. I tried Red Line MTL in my '91, an earlier-generation transaxle, thinking it *had* to be better, and the tranny soon disintegrated requiring a new unit at great cost. I learned my lesson and now use only what is recommended, and I understand Red Line has removed the 9K from the MTL application list. So far that conservative philosophy hasn't bitten me on the ass like the "synthetic gear oil must be better" idea.



posted by 68.11.251...

• Switch to Synth in trans?, 94 Aero, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 15:48:03
  • Sorry, folks..., 94 Aero, Sun, 21 Jul 2002 01:41:57
  • Drop 3 or 4 quarts, fill with Dino, Drive 10MI, drop 3, Daren, Sat, 20 Jul 2002 12:52:43
    • Synthetic engine oil in Saab tranny, Bob Davis, Sat, 20 Jul 2002 16:23:01
      • I was refering to ATF (auto). n/m, Daren, Sat, 20 Jul 2002 18:03:42
        • Oh...never mind. n/m, Bob Davis, Sat, 20 Jul 2002 23:35:51
  • Re: Switch to Synth in trans?, Bob Davis, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 20:49:08 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Switch to Synth in trans?, 94 Aero, Sun, 21 Jul 2002 01:34:35
  • Re: Switch to Synth in trans?, sully, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 15:58:38
    • What about synthetic for AT ?, SaabKen, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 16:18:36
      • Re: What about synthetic for AT ?, Dick in Falls Church, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 20:43:12
      • Yours? hey buddy Olive Oil or Cod Liver Oil, Julz, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 17:19:35
        • Well the AT might die again someday but, SaabKen, Fri, 19 Jul 2002 20:14:24

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