...but in the original TSB Saab recommends retrofitting their synthetic MTF
in all earlier transaxles (pre-'97 when synthetic became standard). I've also heard mutterings that it is not suitable for pre-'94 trannies but haven't seen any evidence to support the claims that it is unsuitable. If I had a pre-'94 tranny without drain plug and wanted to change the fluid, I'd probably use fossil oil. The Saab fluid is not compatible with fossil oil and I'd worry about getting all the old fluid out, even though Saab has provided a TSB detailing its installation in these older trannies. I have both TSB's on file here as JPG's if anyone is interested.

Like Zeke, et al, I've used the Saab fluid in my '95 Aero for some time, at least 25k miles in my case. Shifting is marginally smoother and I've had no trouble thus far. I originally changed it according to the TSB and changed again about 20k miles later, though I probably will not change again.

There is evidence to suggest that Redline MTL may be a very unwise option for 9k trannies, a topic discussed often here in the past. Townsend Imports has found it destructive and several of us reporting here, including me in my '91, have had catastrophic failures after installing MTL. I approached Redline about the observed failure rates and
they allusively admitted that it is "too thin" for 9K trannies. Well, the new Saab fluid is thinner than MTL, along the lines of ATF, and I haven't heard about any failures with it. I would never use anything other than 10w30 or 10w40 fossil engine oil or Saab synthetic MTF in my transaxle, but the next guy is free to use Mazola or olive oil if he wishes.

Frankly, however, I can't figure out why hypoid gear oil, synthetic or otherwise, could possibly harm a Saab tranny, but I would still never use it.




posted by 68.11.251...

• Another vote for dino tranny lube, daveship, Fri, 31 Jan 2003 17:34:00
  • As the word is from several know how people, pre 94, SWEDECAR aka Anders, Sat, 1 Feb 2003 00:04:51
    • I mostly agree..., Bob Davis, Sun, 2 Feb 2003 01:09:25 <-- Viewing This Message
      • Here's a claim that synthetic is unsuitable..., Saabaru, Sun, 2 Feb 2003 23:16:51
        • 10w30 vs 10w40, daveship, Mon, 3 Feb 2003 01:37:37
    • Re: As the word is from several know how people, pre 94, hmr, Sat, 1 Feb 2003 02:24:23
  • Don't blame synthetic for a worn transmission, Bill Cannastra, Fri, 31 Jan 2003 18:59:51
    • Re: Don't blame synthetic for a worn transmission, daveship, Fri, 31 Jan 2003 20:06:15
      • Pre and Post 94 Trans Oil, Bill Cannastra, Sat, 1 Feb 2003 10:12:21
  • This is anecdotal, but...., zeke, Fri, 31 Jan 2003 18:35:16

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