AX-15 trouble shifting, fluid change?

Tradarcher

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Creedmoor, NC
So for years second gear would catch a little and in the winter it would down right not go in gear until it warmed up. I put the thinnest fluid in it I could and enjoyed good shifting for more years. Back in August I changed the fluid and forgot and put the thick stuff back in it. I have got to change it because of shifting problems. I have heard of people using straight ATF and have heard of them adding ATF. I don't know if I want to go that drastic but I need something to hold me over until I can get it replaced or rebuilt. What about ATF? Is there any other really good fluid that will help with shifts that is not as drastic as ATF?
 
I just serviced an AX15 after installing a new clutch. I used Pennzoil Synchromesh and the customer reported better shifting afterwards.
200k on it prior to repairs BTW.

Don't use ATF in an AX15.
 
If you run gear oil, make sure it's not gl5.

Gl4 is ok as it's low sulfur.

The sulfur causes premature wear by oxidation of the brass synchronizers.

I use this.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1446782301.657629.jpg
 
Its expensive but Redline MT90 will work just as good or better than syncromesh. I have used both and they give good feedback when shifting in the cold.
 
Found a place in Raleigh that keeps Redline MTL in stock so I am going to give that a try. Probably won't be able to get'er done until next weekend.
 
The MTL is lower weight than the MT90, and the MT90 is the proper weight for that trans (75W-90?), so I'd try the MT90 first if they stock that as well..
 
I just bought a '97 Cherokee with an AX-15 in it last week. I was having some issues with notchy shifting/not wanting to go into gear...never any grinding or anything but it still bothered me. I drained the trans and re-filled with Redline MT-90 and HOLY cow the difference...transmission shifts like absolute butter now! I ordered mine off of eBay. It was $58.34 shipped for 4 quarts. An AX-15 takes 3.3 quarts. Hope this helps!
 
The reason I chose MTL is because Stu-offroad had good success with it when he had the same problem. I changed it out this weekend with MTL and it is much improved and back to what it was before I put the thick cheap stuff in it.
 
For GL-4 in my Nissan transmissions I use Castrol Syntorq LT in 75W90 weight (factory fill fluid for NV4500). Shifts really smooth and these Nissan transmissions can be really finicky with fluid.

*EDIT* I just read that Castrol discontinued this stuff. Castrol SyntorqLT 75w90w Full Synthetic Gear Lube
 
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