Transmission oil for Niva Chevrolet factory recommendations

It is advisable for every car owner to clearly understand that the gearbox requires periodic attention. This primarily applies to the timely replacement of the lubricant of the transmission mechanism. There is a misconception that it is enough to maintain the level of lubrication on the measuring ruler within the normal range, and not worry about anything else.

Any oil has its own service life; it becomes contaminated and can no longer fully perform the tasks assigned to it, namely maintain the normal operation of mechanical parts, preventing their wear. According to the recommendations of experts, every 75 thousand mileage of a car requires filling with new oil.

Selection of lubricant for gearbox

When choosing which oil to use for the Chevrolet Niva, as for any other car, it is better to focus on the leading manufacturers of this product, who have proven themselves well in the market. There are official representatives of companies who are responsible for providing high-quality original products. Newly created brands and bright packaging often hide products that do not meet the standards. You should not experiment with using such oils on the gearbox of your SUV.

It is worth noting that different types of oils have been developed for the Chevrolet Niva gearbox and for its axles and gearboxes, which should not be confused. Indexes on the banks: “API GL-4+” and “API GL-4” indicate the intended use in transmissions, index: “API GL-5” - in gearboxes or axles. The difference between them is the number of additives. API GL-5 grease has a higher content of phosphorus-sulfur components (twice as much as GL-4). This concentration of additives ensures reliable enveloping and protection of the steel gears of the mechanism. But a rather dense protective film has a destructive effect on the copper synchronizers of the Niva gearbox.

What kind of scratch remover is this?

We constantly receive questions in the comments about what kind of “liquid glass” products this is, and in general what a bunch of auto-related advertising is now on the market. As a result, we decided to test in practice how true this is. Let's just say we used 3 means. One product proved to be so-so; after application, a burnt spot remained in this place. The second product, when applied, showed no effect at all.

The third product, SILANE GUARD, at first it was also felt that there would be no effect. but nevertheless, after the solution remained on the surface for several minutes, the effect was excellent. Of course, everything is not as beautiful as advertised.

How to choose real oil

Having understood the tolerances, it is useful to understand in practice how to behave in a car shop, what to do when you discover a wide range of transmission oils. The Chevrolet Niva is a vehicle designed to work in off-road conditions. If this is how you plan to operate your car, then do not save on purchasing TM, give preference to oil with a high service category.

Synthetic or mineral oil

When you visit a car shop, you will find several types of transmission fluids with recommended tolerances. Among them, synthetic and mineral options stand out. It is not recommended to pour mineral gear oil into a Chevrolet Niva car, since under the influence of low temperatures such oil fluid freezes, losing its characteristics. Changing gears will become difficult. If you apply significant physical effort, you can damage the unit and provoke the need for serious repairs.

It is best to purchase synthetic or semi-synthetic oil that can successfully withstand any temperature.

What does the manufacturer recommend?

The manufacturer recommends giving preference to semi-synthetic oil for the Chevrolet Niva gearbox, produced by the well-known TNK brand. The acceptable cost of such a TM especially attracts the attention of many motorists. However, those who prefer to purchase the highest quality products, regardless of their cost, choose Shell Spirax transmission fluid, for one liter of which you will have to pay at least three times more money.

Professional oil selection

Of course, experienced motorists still recommend not focusing on the price indicator, since expensive transmission fluid will not always outperform a cheaper analogue. It is especially useful to use the recommendations of a professional when the types of oil we indicate are not available for sale.

at the time of selection, carefully study the information on the packaging;
make sure that this oil is recommended by the manufacturer;
buy the required quantity of TM, replace it in a timely manner;
Check the oil level regularly so that if a shortage occurs, the missing amount can be filled in time into the Chevrolet Niva manual transmission.

How much oil do you need in the box?

It is also important to understand how many liters of oil fluid fit in the gearbox. This information allows you to understand how much oil you will need to purchase at the auto store. Experts point out that the Chevrolet Niva gearbox holds 1.6 liters of transmission fluid. That is, you need to purchase two liters of the car product, since it is sold in most cases in one-liter canisters.

Don't worry about leftovers. When you carry out your next oil level check, you will be able to detect a lack of TM. Just this small remainder will be a real lifesaver, just don’t forget to put the canister in the luggage compartment. Sometimes it may happen that transmission fluid is needed during another trip, during which it will not be possible to buy a new TM.

Tools, accessories, consumables

Many novice motorists are afraid to change transmission fluid on their own because they do not have a large number of tools at their disposal. You don't need many tools. It is enough to prepare a rag, a wrench, a hexagon and any container in which you can collect the waste.

Carrying out an oil change

When everything is ready, you can start changing the transmission oil in the Chevrolet Niva gearbox. Start your car's engine and allow the unit to warm up well. After this, drive the vehicle onto the overpass. If the garage has an inspection hole, you can completely get by with it.

Place a prepared container under the drain hole. Now, arm yourself with a rag and thoroughly wipe the entire area around the drain and filler plugs to completely remove any traces of dirt. Now unscrew the filler plug, and then the drain plug.

The waste will begin to flow out; you just have to wait until the liquid stops flowing. At this point, do not waste time, carefully inspect the drain plug. It has a magnet on it. It is this that attracts metal particles that arise during friction. Clean the magnet from all particles. Now tighten the drain plug, pour about one liter of oil into the crankcase, start the engine and let it warm up. It is also recommended to change all gears at the gearbox one by one.

Now drain the oil again and then fill in a new TM. Check the transmission fluid level, start the engine, engage first gear and wait about five minutes. Check the level again, if everything is in order, it means that you coped with the technical task perfectly and carried out the change yourself.

So, if you follow the instructions flawlessly, everything will work out; you will be able to replace the TM at a high level, while eliminating the need to pay for the services of service station specialists.

Some types of oils recommended for transmissions in Chevrolet Niva

There is a wide selection of gear oils on the market. The leading brands among them are:

Lukoil "TM-4 75w-90";
Castrol "Syntrax Universal Plus 75W-90";
ExxonMobil "Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90";
TNK "Trans KP Super 75W-90";
Gazpromneft "G-Box GL-4 75W-90";
Shell "Spirax S4 G 75W-90 (Getriebeoil EP)".

These are proven high-quality lubricants, the only difference being the price. Which one to fill is up to the car enthusiast to choose.

Recommended gear oil

Here are some brands of oils that have proven themselves to be proven and well proven.

Eneos 80W90 Gear GL5

Transmission oil ENEOS 75W90 GEAR GL-5, 4 l

From positive reviews and advantages: stable retention of fluidity in harsh conditions of low temperatures (-30 C). The disadvantages include the presence of only 4-liter containers.

Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus 75W90 GL4/GL5

Perhaps the main advantages include the replacement interval, about 300,000 km in the gearbox. Provides smoother operation of the transmission and reduces operating noise. Disadvantage: relatively high price.

Mobil Mobilube HD 75W90 GL5

Relatively low cost with good quality from a famous brand, no special comments on the oil, quite a popular product.

Gazpromneft GL5 80W90

Domestic manufacturer, low price. It is difficult to engage gears, but, in principle, it is suitable for bridges.

Shell Spirax S5 ATE 75W90 GL4/GL5

Oil for sports cars, also suitable for Chevrolet Niva. It has helped out more than once when complaining about noise from the gearbox/transfer case. Designed for heavily loaded transmissions, recommended for off-road use.

Mobil Mobilube GX 80W90 GL4

High-quality oil based on paraffin oils, a modern package of anti-wear additives. No major deficiencies were found.

Motul Gear 300 75W90 GL4/GL5

Perhaps one of the leaders. Copes well with loads throughout the entire rev range. However, you have to pay for quality; the price is quite high.

Survey

Changing the Niva Chevrolet gearbox oil

Typically, the lubricant is changed at a service station (service station), where you can most often purchase oil from various companies. For those who have repeatedly changed the lubricant in the engine themselves, it will not be difficult to replace it in the transmission. Here the process is much simpler. It is advisable that the car engine is warmed up at the time of the operation. After waiting 15-25 minutes after turning off the ignition, you can begin the procedure.

The following tools are required for work:

Open-end wrench 17;
Socket wrench 12;
A special oil syringe or the upper part of a plastic bottle with a rubber pipe attached to the neck - a homemade watering can;
A container (oil receiver) into which the waste will be drained. The container volume must be at least two liters;
Transmission oil in a volume of at least 1.6 liters.

An oil receiver is installed below the gearbox (crankcase). Then, using a 17 key, unscrew the top plug, where new oil will be poured.

This is necessary so that the crankcase can empty freely and quickly. Next, use a socket wrench to unscrew the bottom plug intended for draining the waste and pour it into a container.

To prevent the mechanism from becoming clogged with dirt, thoroughly clean both plugs. The lower one is installed in place. Take a full oil syringe and fill it into the box to the required level; you can also use a homemade watering can from a bottle for these purposes.

In order to keep track of not only the timing of oil changes, but also other important moments in the life of the car, they start a special automobile magazine. It can be stored directly in the glove compartment and checked weekly. Thus, not only time is saved, but also money that will not be spent on repairing parts and components of the Chevrolet Niva. After all, how many breakdowns occur only due to delays in maintenance.

We make a replacement

Once you have prepared for a minor transmission repair, you need to prepare the necessary tools (before the replacement begins).

Tools

In order for the replacement of the Chevrolet Niva gearbox to be carried out quickly and efficiently, you will need:

wrench with 17mm head;
wrench with 12mm head (hexagon);
flushing liquid;
container for draining.

Step by step instructions

Well, now we have come to the most important process, after you have chosen the oil that you will fill in the gearbox and have prepared all the necessary tools, the replacement can begin. You need to follow this instruction:

Machine installation

Warm up the engine and place the car on the overpass.
Take a container and place it under the drain plug.
Unscrew the filler plug and drain plug.
Let the oil drain from the gearbox.
There may be various contaminants in the drain plug and on the magnet; they need to be cleaned so that they do not get into the gearbox. Draining the oil
Screw in the drain plug.
The next step is flushing the crankcase. To do this, you will need to pour almost 1 liter of flushing fluid into it. And tighten the cap.
Now we put the lever on the gearbox in the neutral position, change gears one by one and stop again at the first one. Let the car warm up for 2-3 minutes.
Drain the wash.
Fill with new oil.
Place the gear lever in neutral, start the engine, engage first gear and warm up the engine for 2-3 minutes.
Check the level and add more if necessary.

Done, the oil change in the Chevrolet Niva gearbox has been successfully completed.

Try not to forget to check the lubricant level of your “swallow” and monitor the presence of fresh substance, as this significantly helps prevent many irreversible destructive processes. Use only high-quality oils that have been tested by time and the owners of many cars; do not skimp on paying for a good thing, otherwise it will be more expensive later. Remember that your car also requires care and respect. Maintaining the original condition of a car is far from easy, but even with heavy everyday loads it is possible. You can always leave any questions you have in the comments.

And a little about the author’s secrets

My life is not only connected with cars, but with repairs and maintenance. But I also have hobbies like all men. My hobby is fishing.

I started a personal blog in which I share my experience. I try a lot of things, different methods and methods to increase my catch. If interested, you can read it. Nothing extra, just my personal experience.

Before you decide which oil to fill in the Chevrolet Niva transmission

, it is necessary to take into account that the transmission includes the front and rear axle, transfer case and gearbox.

What does the manufacturer recommend?

It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to add lubricants of the most common API GL-5 standard to the Chevrolet Niva gearbox. On the one hand, it is better in terms of performance: it performs well at high speeds, high loads and temperatures. On the other hand, it contains sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure additives, which in high concentrations can disrupt the operation of the Niva manual transmission synchronizers. Most car enthusiasts recommend using transmission fluids of the GL-5 standard for addition to axles and gearboxes.

The transfer case and gearbox should be filled with oil that meets API GL4 or GL4/GL5 quality standards and SAE viscosity 75W-90, 80W-85, 80W-90. Transmission fluid according to API GL5 or GL4/GL5 is intended for gearboxes, front and rear axles. It is better not to use oil with GL4 standard.

Viscosity grade for specific operating conditions

Car manufacturers recommend filling the car transmission with oils with viscosity class: 75W-90; 80W-85; 80W-90. Which one to use is a personal choice for each car owner, but it is worth remembering that 75W-90 oil will be thinner, unlike 80W-90 oil, and it is better suited for winter vehicle operation.

When choosing gear oils, you need to know that the first number in the marking indicates its viscosity in the summer, the second means winter viscosity. The thickness of the oil is also affected by its chemical composition: synthetic-based oils will be an order of magnitude thinner compared to mineral lubricants.

It is recommended to pour thick oil into the axle, and thinner oil into the gearbox and transfer case. But it will not be critical to fill the entire transmission of the car with oil of the same viscosity.

For motorists who happen to overcome water obstacles in a Chevrolet Niva, it is necessary to use mineral-based oils, since synthetics are greatly diluted by penetrating water. In this case, it is allowed to fill the box with semi-synthetics.

Drivers who want to save a little money can turn their attention to the inexpensive gear oil TNK 75W-90. It is well suited as an all-season oil, while its mineral counterpart becomes tanned in winter. TNK 75W-90 behaves perfectly even at -40 degrees. Oil 80W-85 is recommended for use in regions where the temperature does not drop below -26 degrees, and oil 85W-90 does not drop below -12 degrees. If there are no problems with excess funds, you can purchase excellent SHELL SPIRAX oil for your car.

What kind of oil to pour into the Niva Chevrolet transfer case

For the transfer case, the choice of oil should be made taking into account certain factors. The most important of them is compatibility with lubricants used in gearboxes.

This does not mean that you need to choose the same brand. But it is necessary that the oils be the same in viscosity and type of base. Mixing motor oils of different chemical compositions can lead to deterioration in the performance of the entire vehicle.

It follows from this that if the box is filled with synthetic, then synthetic must be poured into the transfer case.

Classification according to the API system

In addition to viscosity, gear oils are also classified according to the generally accepted API system. This system divides lubricants into groups depending on the conditions of use and type of design, and also assigns each a letter designation in the form GL and numbers from 1 to 5. The larger the number in the designation after the letter, the more stringent the conditions for using gear oils.

Chevrolet Niva is a car designed for complete off-road use, as a result of which the vehicle's transmission is subject to maximum overloads. If you fill this car with transmission oil with a low API service class, then at the first serious load there is a high probability of damaging the car’s gearbox or axle.

To summarize, let's conclude what kind of oil to fill in the Chevrolet Niva transmission

. First of all, the viscosity of the product must correspond to the temperature regime of the region where it will be used. According to the API system, oil for Chevrolet Niva is suitable with a marking of at least GL 4.

Chevrolet Niva is a popular SUV, one of the best-selling SUV class cars in Russia. Its popularity is due not only to the lowest price in the segment, but also to the simplicity of the design and low cost of spare parts. In addition, it is possible to service the Chevrolet Niva yourself. One of the simplest procedures is changing the oil in the gearbox. In fact, it will be much more difficult to choose the right oil. In this article, we will look in detail at how to choose high-quality oil for a Chevrolet Niva manual transmission.

Tips for choosing oil

As mentioned above, the purpose of this car is mainly for off-road driving. This can be understood by the connection between the gearbox and all-wheel drive. The car overcomes various off-road obstacles well and withstands various operating weather conditions well. All these factors affect the performance of the transmission. To maintain transmission efficiency and reliability, lubricants must be selected responsibly.

When choosing the best transmission oil for Niva-Chevrolet, you need to follow the following recommendations. First you need to refer to the vehicle operating instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, you should not chase the cost of oils; to a large extent, a high price does not always mean good quality. Sometimes it is influenced by the popularity of the brand - the greater its popularity, the higher the cost of the product provided. It is also important to change the oil correctly and on time, this extends the life of the transmission, and the ride itself becomes more comfortable. That is, when buying a used car, you need to take into account that it may have traveled more than one hundred kilometers. Therefore, you need to be careful when changing the oil and change it more often than on new cars. It is advisable to check the level 1-2 times a week so that it does not fall below normal - this can lead to serious deviations in the transmission.

Why change the oil

Transmission fluid needs to be replaced in a timely manner, because the service life of the gearbox depends on it. Under favorable conditions, the oil will last for a long time, but negative climatic factors make you think about a shorter fluid change interval.

Each gear oil has a specific service life. The higher quality the oil, the longer it will last - this is a simple rule. But if you follow it, you won’t be able to save on lubricant. On the other hand, it is better not to skimp on gearbox oil, otherwise you may face irreversible consequences, including failure of the entire transmission unit. This, by the way, is what supporters of the manufacturer’s requirements fear, who advise using only the original product. But there are also many opponents of this statement, who prefer analogues that today offer a decent level of quality and are no worse than the original lubricants.

The recommended oil change interval for the Chevrolet Niva manual transmission is 75 thousand kilometers. Under unfavorable conditions, the replacement frequency is reduced to 40-50 thousand kilometers.