All about changing the oil in a VAZ 2115 gearbox: how much oil is needed in the gearbox

Author: Victor

The lubricant found in the gearbox decreases in volume during operation and loses its properties, which can lead to rapid wear of parts and complete breakdown of the unit. Let's look at how to check how much oil is in the box of a VAZ 2115 and what is the frequency of its replacement.

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What oil is better to use?

To choose the right fluid for the VAZ 2115 gearbox, you need to take into account the factory recommendations. According to the service documentation, it is necessary to fill the box with special gear oil that meets SAE 80W-85 and API GL-4 or GL-5 approvals. This type of liquid is present in the product range of any company that produces lubricants for cars.

At the factory, when the car is released, TNK or Lukoil brand oil is poured into the box. These same fluids are among those recommended by the manufacturer for the VAZ 2115. When operating a car in winter, many owners try to use synthetic oils that meet the requirements of SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90. The use of such lubricants significantly reduces the operating noise of the unit and facilitates gear shifting at negative air temperatures - below minus 16–18 degrees.

Among the most common oils for the VAZ 2115 are the following (in ascending price):

• Lukoil TM 4–12 80W-85;
• THK Trans KP 80W-85;
• ZIC GF 75W-90;
• Shell Spirax S5 75W-90.

It is strictly prohibited to pour motor oil into a manual gearbox.

Oil selection

The cylindrical gears used in VAZ-2115 gearboxes are unpretentious in terms of the type of oil selected. Therefore, the transmission will feel equally good when filled with a mineral and synthetic composition. To save money, buy mineral water. The main selection criteria will be:

• relative slip speed indicators;
• parameters of specific loads acting on internal mechanisms.

Here you will need a liquid with a certain viscosity and additives. Make sure it contains anti-seize additives. They will create a special thin coating on the surfaces of rubbing parts, preventing scuffing and reducing overall wear. For the VAZ-2115, transmission compounds of 2 groups can be used:

• GL4;
• GL5.

Oils from the GL4 group are poured only into front-wheel drive models, while the second group has a universal purpose. Some consider the GL5 to be a better choice due to its high quality. But in fact this is not true. In terms of quality characteristics, they are the same. Only in the case of GL5 oils have a negative effect on synchronizers, which is not relevant for GL4 oils.

Suitable oils for VAZ-2115 from the GL5 group are conventionally divided into categories:

1. These are mineral compounds. These include the products of Lukoil TM 5-18, Rexol and Norsi.
2. Also mineral mixtures, but less thick consistency. The preferred options would be Spectrol Forward, Wells TM, Texaco Geartex, etc.

An important point when choosing gearbox fluid will be viscosity.

Viscosity parameters

When choosing oils for the VAZ-2115 gearbox, be sure to take into account the viscosity indicators of the composition. Owners of domestic cars immediately remember the TAD-17I. But this transmission fluid is already a thing of the past. The current replacement for it was the composition TM5-18. If you live in the hottest regions, which is not typical for Russia and the CIS countries, a composition with a viscosity of 140 SAE may be suitable for you. But generally our climate is much cooler, which is why we need to focus on viscosity at moderate ambient temperatures.

All-season oils are well suited for VAZ-2115. Their viscosity parameters are as follows:

• 85W90;
• 80W90;
• 75W90.

The first type does not perform very well in the harsh Russian winter, so it is not suitable for certain regions. The remaining two options for transmission fluids are fully justified; they can withstand both the sultry summer heat and severe winter frosts. Regarding API classification, for the fifteenth model from AvtoVAZ, the best solution would be GL4 or GL4/5. The use of GL5 is not recommended, since such compounds accelerate wear of synchronizers.

Factory recommendations

If you plan to fill in a special transmission fluid, aim closer to the viscosity parameters 75W80. If you are not afraid to pour motor lubricant into the box, then 10W40 or 15W40 will suit you. The manufacturer itself advises AvtoVAZ to fill in TM4-12 with a viscosity of 80W85. This is a great solution, but finding the original will be quite problematic. The opinions of experts and the plant differ somewhat, since the official documentation mainly indicates the API class GL4/5 or GL5. Whom to believe, decide for yourself.

Recommended oils include the following formulations:

• Novoil Super T;
• Kinetic from Rosneft;
• Super T-2;
• Super T3;
• Trans Gipoid from TNK;
• Transaxle Oil produced by Shell brand.

Back in 1996, the manufacturer introduced a special gearbox oil for the VAZ-2115 called Rexol T. It had a viscosity of 80W85 and an API class of GL4. After 2 years, the plant began to recommend Lukoil TM4 with the same viscosity. It is possible to find oils recommended by the manufacturer. The recommended gearbox oil meets the requirements of the VAZ-2115, but is not a single alternative solution. The range of ingredients is impressive. The unpretentiousness of the domestic car and its gearbox allows you to choose the composition from a wide variety.

Car owner experience

On various forums, almost every VAZ-2115 car owner told what kind of oil he poured into the gearbox and what should not be poured. Based on the experiences of other people, you can draw objective conclusions for yourself. There are several oils that are in highest demand. This is about the question of which gear oil is best to pour for the VAZ-2115 gearbox if problems arise with the purchase of the original one recommended by the manufacturer.

1. TNK 75W90. An oil with good performance characteristics that allows you to confidently manipulate the gearbox. Its main advantage is accessibility. Among all the options presented, this is the cheapest composition.
2. GetribeOil EP with viscosity 75W90. This is an excellent gear lubricant produced by the famous Shell brand. Although the real properties and characteristics are comparable to the composition from TNK, at a higher cost of Shell.
3. Oil from Castrol with a similar viscosity. If the winter is very harsh, the composition may freeze slightly. But under normal conditions it demonstrates its best qualities. In terms of price, this is somewhere between the options presented above.

We figured out the parameters, main characteristics and manufacturers. Now we focus on the need to buy gearbox fluids only in trusted places, in certified stores. The main problem of spontaneous markets and private sellers, who often offer oils at lower prices than in stores, is the high probability of encountering counterfeits. Many well-known brands suffer from an abundance of counterfeit products sold under their name. Therefore, try to avoid dubious markets and buy from those you trust.

Level control and required volume

The capacity of the VAZ 2115 gearbox housing for 8 valves holds approximately 3.3 liters of fluid. In this case, the required volume of oil does not depend on the type of engine installed on the machine, since the gearbox housings are identical. To check the amount of lubricant in the box there is a special probe located in the hole in the upper part of the crankcase. There are two marks on the meter rod indicating critical oil volumes.

In order to check how much oil is in the VAZ 2115 box, you need to do the following:

1. Remove the meter.
2. Wipe it with a rag.
3. Then put the dipstick back into the crankcase.
4. Then take it out and look at the oil trail.

Under normal conditions, the substance should be at the maximum level. If the amount of fluid is insufficient, it is necessary to top up and determine the reason for the decrease. Operating a gearbox with a low or high level of lubrication in the crankcase is unacceptable.

A video from user Kirill Zbruenko demonstrates checking the oil level in a car’s gearbox.

Replacement procedure

To change the oil in the VAZ-2115 gearbox, you have everything ready. Therefore, you can safely begin this procedure. The presented instructions for changing the oil will make you clearly understand that there is nothing complicated here. All work can be easily done with your own hands without outside help. If you do not want to take risks or are afraid to service the transmission yourself for the first time, it is better to trust trusted people from a good car service center. But practice shows that the vast majority of car owners do well in garage conditions. Therefore, do not be afraid, but start working.

To change the working fluid in the gearbox, it is better to have an overpass or inspection hole at your disposal. Many garages have it, so there shouldn’t be any problems with access to the bottom of the car.

1. Place the car on a flat horizontal area. Pre-warm the gearbox and engine to operating temperature. This will allow the oil to drain faster and in greater volume. Stop the engine and remove the negative terminal from the battery.
2. You need to drain the old oil from the box of your VAZ-2115. It’s not difficult to figure out how to drain the waste. To do this, remove the engine crankcase protection, if you have one. The gearbox housing is located approximately under the front wheels, where the engine crankcase ends.
3. About 15 minutes should pass from the moment the engine stops. This will allow the transmission lubricant to drain down.
4. Using a size 17 wrench, unscrew the drain plug. Keep an empty container next to you where the waste will be drained. When the plug is removed, lubricant will begin to flow out of the hole. Act carefully so that the composition does not get on your skin or spill on the floor. Leave a container under the crankcase to allow as much oil as possible to drain from the transmission housing.

5. In total, it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to drain the waste if you have pre-warmed the machine. If not, then the composition may drip for a very long time.
6. When all the waste has come out, return the plug to its place. Make sure that it is not deformed and maintains its sealing properties. Otherwise, the plug will have to be replaced with a new one.
7. Insert a funnel or hose into the filler hole where the dipstick or plug is located, depending on the type of gearbox. If the box is old, then connect the hose to the syringe and start injecting lubricant into the crankcase. Typically this includes about 3.3 liters of fresh transmission fluid. You are unlikely to be able to fill in more than you need, since all the excess will begin to flow back out.

8. Raise the front of the car with a jack. This way you can pour a little more lubricant into the box, where the dipstick is missing and you have to navigate along the neck. The transmission will not suffer from an excess of the composition, but if there is a shortage of lubricating fluid, problems with 5th gear will constantly arise.

If you go by the dipstick, then for the VAZ-2115 it is optimal when the level is 4 - 5 millimeters above the o. After all the procedures performed, when the drained liquid has already cooled down, be sure to check its sediment. If there are problems with the gearbox, which the car owner may not be aware of due to the still normal behavior of the transmission, metal shavings are found in the sediment. This is a dangerous sign indicating excessive wear of the elements. As a preventative measure, special additives can be used. If the problem is too serious and the chips appear again during the next service, it makes sense to contact a car service center to disassemble and repair the unit.

How to change it yourself?

The design of the components of the VAZ 2115 car is very simple, so the oil in the box is often changed on its own. To do this you will need tools and no more than two hours of time.

Tools and materials

• fresh oil, 3.5 liters is enough;
• rags and gloves;
• 10 and 17 mm wrench (ideally you need a full set, as the protection may need to be removed);
• slotted screwdriver;
• funnel or transmission syringe;
• a container with a volume of at least 4 liters for draining waste.

Stages of work

Immediately before changing the oil in the gearbox, it is necessary to warm it up. To do this, it is enough to drive about 10–15 kilometers.

In order to replace the lubricant in a VAZ 2115 car, you need to do the following:

1. Place the machine on a horizontal surface. It is more convenient to carry out replacement from a hole in the garage or on a lift.
2. Remove the protection of the engine trays and/or transmission. The protection does not need to be dismantled if it has a hole that exactly matches the drain plug.
3. Wipe the lid and box housing around it with a rag.
4. Check for oil leaks along the parting lines and seals.
5. Place the container and unscrew the cap.
6. Wait about 20 minutes for the oil to drain completely.
7. Screw the cover onto the gearbox housing.
8. Lubricant can be filled using a syringe for transmission fluids or a funnel with an extension. In the second case, it is necessary to remove the air filter housing; the device is held on by two clamps - the throttle assembly and the crankcase ventilation tube. Since the VAZ 2115 uses an injection engine, when removing the filter it is necessary to disconnect the air flow sensor connector. Some owners remove the absorber tank to make access easier.
9. Then you need to remove the dipstick from the hole that will serve as the oil filler neck.
10. Pour 2.8-2.9 liters of oil using a funnel or syringe. When changing the lubricant, a smaller volume of liquid is always poured into the crankcase than the rated capacity of the box. This is due to the fact that some old oil remains inside.
11. Wait a few minutes and check the amount of fluid on the dipstick. If the level is below o, the oil must be added. Excess lubricant can be pumped out with a medical syringe with a volume of 50 ml or more with a dropper tube attached to the nozzle.
12. After this, you need to check that there are no lubricant leaks through the drain plug and box components. If traces of a leak are noticeable, then the cause of its occurrence must be eliminated.
13. If the lubricant was replaced while the filter was removed, the parts should be reassembled in the reverse order.
14. After 500-700 km, it is necessary to perform a control check of the oil level and the tightness of the unit components.

The location of the probe is indicated by the arrow

Drain plug on the bottom of the box

In the video, user Denis Onishchenko demonstrates the procedure for changing the oil and removing the car's absorber.

How much oil is in the gearbox of a VAZ-2115 car

First generation 2115, 1997-2015

VAZ-2115 is a compact car in a four-door sedan body, part of the Lada Samara-2 family. It is a modernized version of the VAZ-21099, developed during the USSR. Compared to the original model of that time, the 2115 sedan featured an original front and rear end, and also had a new interior and an enlarged trunk opening. In technical terms, there were no changes, as well as in the engine range.

At first, the car was still offered with a 72-horsepower 1.5 liter (72 hp) engine from the VAZ-21099. After pilot production in 2000, the car was transferred to the main AvtoVAZ conveyor. By that time, a 78-horsepower unit with distributed fuel injection had become available. The car was gradually modernized, and in 2007 AvtoVAZ began producing a version with a 1.6 liter engine (81 hp) instead of 1.5 liters.

Manual transmission oil: volume - 3.5 liters with partial replacement

Video “Changing the oil in the gearbox of a front-wheel drive car”

Detailed video from the EAC channel. TV will answer all questions about changing the oil in a manual transmission.

Do you have any questions? Specialists and readers of the AUTODVIG website will help you ask a question

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The best motor oil. does it exist?

• Frequent driving at high speeds
• Sharp maneuvers
• Driving on bad and dusty roads, including off-road
• Temperature changes, when frosts are replaced by sudden warming, dirt and slush on the roads
• Frequent engine operation at high speeds, which causes overheating and rapid wear of transmission parts

Russian motorists are well familiar with these so-called risk factors. Knowing about possible problems, they prefer to change the oil twice as often as specified in the regulations - for example, after 50 thousand kilometers. The regulations can be reduced even further if the machine is subjected to increased loads almost continuously. In addition, in such cases, it is advisable to check the volume of oil in advance, and at the same time monitor its condition.

Prerequisites for changing the oil

• The mileage since the previous oil change is approaching 60,000 km. Using a lubricant for a longer period of time will result in loss of lubricating properties. The wear of gearbox elements increases.
• the appearance of extraneous noise in the gearbox. Difficulty when shifting gears. A grinding noise when shifting gears, a constant humming noise that occurs at certain speeds.
• the presence of a large accumulation of metal shavings or black color of the oil. Determined by visual inspection of the oil dipstick when checking the lubricant level.
• burning smell. With heavy loads on the transmission. Using low gears at high engine speeds.
• change of season.

How much to fill

Having understood the quality of the oil, as well as its parameters and the best brands, let’s consider another important parameter - the volume of oil. For the gearbox of the car in question, 3.3 liters of the substance should be filled. This amount of fluid is usually injected after a complete oil change. This procedure is performed as follows:

• Old oil is drained
• The flushing composition is poured
• Flushing is carried out throughout the entire transmission with the engine running.
• The engine is turned off, the new mixture is filled in completely
• Check the level with a dipstick.

Source

Which gear oil is best?

The manufacturer himself gives several recommendations on which substance is best to use for the 2115 gearbox. GL-4 - this should be the API composition group for the VAZ 2115. In addition, the requirements for the viscosity class are given. It also depends on what product is chosen and what needs to be poured.

1. For semi-synthetics, this is the transmission substance 85w90.
2. For mineral: 80w85
3. 75w90t for synthetics

It should be noted that in Russia the API GL-4 group itself is classified as TM-4. That’s why the manufacturer recommends using liquid from Lukoil with similar markings. True, this particular composition does not belong to the off-season. Therefore, this liquid will thicken in severe frosts. Because of this, there is a high probability of problems occurring in the operation of the gearbox. Therefore, it is important to decide in advance which product needs to be poured in a particular case.

A separate set of requirements for fuels and lubricants has been in force since 1998. These rules provide temperature ranges within which fluids operate normally. For example, for 80w85 lubricant this temperature is from -26 to +40 degrees. Therefore, for our country it is recommended to give preference to off-season compounds, which are designated as SAE 75W80 or 75W90. Their upper temperature limit is the same, and the lower one reaches -35. This should be taken into account by those who are thinking about which substance to choose.

The fluid in the 2115 gearbox is replaced in the following order.

1. First you need to drive about 10 kilometers with a warm engine. This will make it easier to distribute the compound evenly throughout the gearbox.
2. We lift the right side of the VAZ 2115 using a jack. We lower the car only if there is a block or other support underneath it. It is prohibited to work under a vehicle that is simply supported by a jack.
3. If the floor temperature is low, it is necessary to use a plywood sheet underlay. Otherwise, pouring liquid will not be very comfortable.
4. We put on gloves and sit down. Wrenches and canisters should become indispensable companions.
5. If there is a crankcase protection, it will probably have a cut for the plug. The plug itself is easy to find - at the bottom of the left flange of the gearbox.
6. If there is no cut in the box, then we dismantle the protection on the car. The main thing is to clean the cork in advance using a brush. Use a rag to clean the surrounding area. After this, unscrew the plug using a 17 mm wrench. We place a canister underneath, and warm liquid will then pour into it.
7. You need to wait 10-15 minutes until the lubricant drains completely.
8. You need a one and a half liter plastic bottle. Getting rid of the bottom.
9. After this, we proceed to dismantling the air filter and pipe. The mass air flow sensor is completely disconnected from the terminal. We proceed to twisting the clamps, next to the throttle and crankcase pipe. This will make it quicker and easier to remove the inlet assembly.
10. The dipstick in the VAZ 2115 gearbox must be pulled out. It is located upstairs, not far from the salon.
11. We place the neck of the bottle without a bottom to the hole. This design will serve as a funnel. The liquid must be poured through it for at least ten minutes. And then check to see if there are any leaks.
12. We install the motor protection in place if there are no problems. After this, you can remove the car from the stand.
13. We use the dipstick while continuing to fill the gearbox with lubricant. Until it reaches the maximum level.
14. We return the filter and inlet pipe to their place in the reverse order.

The fluid level on the dipstick should always be at the MAX mark. You can add fluid above this mark if you experience certain problems while driving. Choosing an oil filter is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. The main requirement is tightness, not only to the filter itself, but also to its internal elements. The future service life of the engine and its parts depends on this.

After the new fluid is poured in, you must wait until it gets completely into the lower part of the crankcase. Only after this do they check the level using the dipstick. And then you need to pour more, if necessary. The filler hole is the main difference between old and new devices. The entire replacement procedure will be the same, regardless of the type of device. If, when draining, particles of chips are found in the old composition, it means that the device is not being operated according to all the rules. Or the replacement is not made in a timely manner.

Key rules for updating lubricant in a domestic car

The work is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. You just need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, do everything according to the instructions, as accurately as possible. And there shouldn't be any problems. You can easily complete the task yourself in a couple of hours, even if you take your time and pay maximum attention to each step.

Transmission oil change intervals

Based on factory documentation, the oil needs to be changed every 70–80 thousand kilometers, but at least once every 4–5 years with an average annual mileage of 15–16 thousand km. In reality, the situation is somewhat different - weather conditions, environmental conditions, operating and storage (parking) conditions have a serious impact on replacement intervals.

According to experts, replacement must be done every 35 - 40 thousand km, and at intervals after 30 thousand km. It is already possible that primary signs of violations may appear:

• heavy and imprecise gear shifting;
• extraneous noise;
• vibrations.

If the above symptoms have recently begun to appear in your car, we strongly advise you to change the oil as soon as possible - this will reduce wear on gearbox parts and compensate for possible losses from breakdowns.