Which gear oil is better for VAZ 2109

Of course, the transmission is one of the most important components of any car. It is thanks to this that the engine crankshaft rotates and forces are transmitted to the drive wheels. But like all other components, the gearbox requires constant maintenance. And today we will look at what oil to pour into the box and in what proportions.

Features of VAZ gearboxes

With the advent of cars of the “eighth” and “ninth” families in the 80s, many car owners were perplexed by the fact that motor oil could be poured into the transmission of these models.

A little history

What lubricants were popular in the USSR? The most common gear oil at that time was TAD-17I. This product was created specifically for helical and hypoid gears. However, for some reasons, the TAD-17I turned out to be unsuitable for use at modern checkpoints. Its increased viscosity and special additives did not contribute to the complete formation of a film on the working surfaces of the synchronizers.

In this regard, the angular velocity of the gears and clutch was not equalized. Therefore, the gears on the transmissions of the “nines” were engaged with very great effort, and during the shift, the characteristic sound of gears jamming was formed. All this not only created discomfort while driving, but also significantly reduced the life of the gearbox, which led to accelerated breakdown.

According to the state standard, substances of the TM-1 and TM-2 groups turned out to be more suitable oils for “nines”, which ensured a longer service life and durability of gearbox parts. At the same time, the popular TAD-17I complied with the TM-5 standard, so using it on new transmissions was simply impractical, since the main pair on the “eights” and “nines” had not a hypoid, but a helical gear.

What kind of oil should I put in the VAZ 2109 box? About the features of TM 5-9P

This continued until in the early 90s (after 10 years of serial production of Samara) a new substance TM 5-9P was created for domestic transmissions. As practice has shown, on front-wheel drive cars this oil ensured the formation of a thin film on the teeth for almost 75 thousand kilometers. However, this resource was read after running in the gearbox (before this period, TM 5-9P was changed once after 2-3 thousand kilometers).

What can you put into the “nine” today?

With the development of the automotive market in Russia, the number of transmission oil manufacturers increases every year. What kind of oil can be poured into the “nine” box now? Experts recommend purchasing substances for the VAZ 2109 gearbox that correspond to API group GL-4. According to GOST, these can be TM-4 and TM 5-9P oils. Based on viscosity characteristics, it is better to focus on choosing products with the following SAE marking:

• 75W-90;
• 80W-90;
• 80W-85.

This is the kind of oil that experts recommend pouring into the “nine” gearbox. It is these fluids that are most suitable for gearboxes of VAZ 2109 and VAZ 2108 cars. They have a very long service life and ensure smooth operation of gearbox parts over several tens of thousands of kilometers.

How to change transmission oil on a “nine”?

We have already found out what kind of oil to pour into the VAZ 2109 box, now let’s talk about how to replace it correctly. Let us note right away that this will take you no more than 15-20 minutes of free time, so there is simply no point in going to the service station.

So, first, let's prepare the tools. During the work, we will need 10 and 17 millimeters, as well as a container for waste liquid. The latter can be made from an empty can of antifreeze or machine oil - just cut out one of its side parts with a knife.

Let's get to work. First, you need to use a 10 mm wrench to unscrew the engine protection fasteners. They are located under the front bumper. Next, using a screwdriver, unscrew the 2 bolts of the protection, which is located closer to the interior.

Now we place our “modernized” canister under the car in a horizontal position and, using a 17 mm wrench, unscrew the drain plug. Please note that this part is under pressure and together with the liquid it may fall into the canister.

We wait until the old transmission oil drains out and screw the plug back on. Next, we put the engine protection in place and take the oil dipstick from the gearbox. The latter is located at the top of the checkpoint. To find out the oil level, you need to wipe the dipstick with a dry cloth, reinstall it and pull it out again after 2-3 seconds. In this case, the car should not be on a slope. Ideally, there should not be a drop of oil on the dipstick. If this is the case, then you can safely fill the gearbox with new fluid.

Oil quantity norm

How much oil should I put in a 9's box? According to technical data, this figure is 3.0 liters for cars with a 4-speed transmission and 3.3 for cars with a 5-speed gearbox.

You need to add oil with a small reserve of 200-250 milliliters. In this case, the liquid level on the dipstick will be 4-5 millimeters above the “MAX” mark.

Where to pour oil into the box? It should be poured into the same neck where the dipstick comes from. This completes the VAZ 2109 box. That's it, now you can start using the car again!

So, we found out how to replace it.

Changing the oil in the gearbox on VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099 is not a difficult job; anyone can do it with their own hands. The first time will be longer than all the subsequent ones. Therefore, there is simply no point in going to the service for such a trifle. The main difficulty of the whole work is to fill the gearbox with oil, since the design does not allow you to get to the opening of any container with new oil. We will talk about changing the oil with and without a dipstick, on carburetor and injection models. But everything will be discussed in order in this article.

Many people ask: “When should you change the oil?” It all depends on the operating conditions of the car. If the car is constantly used in severe weather conditions (severe frost, heat, snow, dirt, dust, etc.), then we recommend changing the oil every 35 thousand km. In urban asphalt operating conditions, it is sufficient to replace it once every 40 thousand km.

Closer to 35-40 thousand km. mileage since the last oil change, the vehicle's transmission may not operate stably. You may feel increased vibration of the box, excess noise, and inaccuracy in gear shifting. And if there are no problems with the clutch, then these are all signals for diagnosing and changing the oil in the gearbox on VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099. Injector, carburetor, with or without a dipstick - it doesn’t matter, this applies to all models. We recommend changing the oil in all components of a used car after purchasing it.

To change the gearbox oil with your own hands you will need:

• New original gearbox oil. We recommend using oil recommended by the manufacturer, and also depending on the temperature conditions of the vehicle's operation (for example, 80W-85. GL-4432). Don’t forget that you will need 3.3 liters to change the oil in a five-speed gearbox, and 3 liters for a four-speed gearbox.
• Spanners 12 and 17
• A container for draining used oil with a volume of at least 3 liters.
• Syringe for filling oil (for gearboxes without a dipstick), funnel (for gearboxes with a dipstick)
• Hose or flexible tube 20-25 cm, electrical tape (for gearbox without dipstick)
• Clean rag
• Thin but strong wire
• Pit, overpass or lift.

Changing the gearbox oil is an important part of car care. Over time, the lubricant ages and ceases to perform its functions, thereby causing wear and tear on the device parts. The VAZ Nine gearbox is reliable and durable, but it cannot do without maintenance. is not difficult; a motorist can handle this task on his own. Before pouring oil into the VAZ-2109 box, it is important to read the automaker’s recommendations.

Replacement frequency

Despite the durability of the gearbox, it also tends to wear out and periodically requires attention from the car owner. A scheduled oil change in the VAZ-2109 gearbox should be carried out every 70 thousand km. mileage or after 5 years of operation. However, if extraneous sounds begin to appear from the device, the procedure must be carried out earlier. It is also necessary to take into account the fact in what conditions the car is operated. Sometimes the replacement time is almost halved, for example, for cars subjected to heavy loads, the service interval will be about 40 thousand kilometers.

Checking the volume and condition of the oil

Every 5 - 10 thousand km. It is recommended to check the level and condition of the oil, as well as the box for leaks. Constant monitoring allows you to protect parts from wear and tear, preventing the need for repairs in a timely manner. The vehicle must be placed on a flat surface during the procedure.

You can check the oil level in the VAZ-2109 gearbox using the dipstick located under the hood. To do this, remove the device, wipe off the grease and insert it back until it stops, then remove it again and evaluate the results.

Ideally, the oil level is at the upper mark of the meter, but if not, then you should definitely add fluid to the required level, and it is important not to overfill the lubricant higher than required. The lower mark of the device shows the minimum permissible value, and if it is lowered, there is already a danger of early failure of the box.

In addition, it is important to monitor the condition of the fluid. Its color, which tends to change over time and is often far from the original, will say a lot. If the oil remains clear but has darkened a little, then this is considered normal, but if it becomes cloudy and looks dirty, it means that a large amount of metal shavings and other deposits have accumulated in it. It is also important to pay attention to the presence of a burning smell. In this case, the box urgently needs to replace the lubricant.

Oil options for the VAZ-2109 gearbox

The fact that the operation of the transmission depends on the quality of the lubricant being poured is no longer a secret, but a well-known fact. An incorrectly chosen product can affect the functioning of the device and lead to very undesirable consequences. The Nine gearbox does not require the purchase of extremely expensive oil, but its technical characteristics still play an important role in ensuring stable operation. There are certain recommendations for selecting a lubricant suitable for a given vehicle. The choice should be taken with full responsibility, because the serviceability, service life of the device, as well as the frequency of replacement will depend on what kind of oil is poured into the VAZ-2109 box.

• Omskoil Trans P class GL-4/5;
• Rexol T GL-4;
• Volnese TM4 GL-4.

The plant poured mineral lubricant from Lukoil into cars, but in practice, in winter, the liquid is not adapted to cope with very low temperatures.

“Nines” is quite wide and is not limited to a few brands. The manufacturer recommends for use oil of classifications GL-3 and GL-4, as well as TM-3 and TM-4 according to Russian standards. You can choose any one that meets these requirements. Semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricants behave much better in cold weather, providing rapid heating and maintaining their properties even at very low temperatures.

It is also equally important to purchase without running into a fake, so you need to buy oil from trusted sellers who have appropriate certificates confirming the quality of the products.

On the very first cars produced, the same oil was used for the transmission that was poured into the engine. This was also recommended by the manufacturer. Now there is no shortage of auto chemicals, so it is better to use specialized products for their intended purpose.

How much to fill

How much oil to pour into the VAZ-2109 gearbox depends on the type of transmission design. Previously, the “nines” were equipped with a four-speed gearbox, and a little later – with a five-speed one. In any case, you can purchase a canister with a capacity of four liters or more.

Amount of oil needed for replacement:

• a four-speed gearbox holds 3 liters of lubricant;
• for a five-speed gearbox the oil volume will be 3.3 liters.

Tools and materials

To update the transmission oil in a VAZ-2109 box, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

Topping up oil

Regularly checking the fluid level in the VAZ-2109 box will allow you to maintain the device in good condition for many years.

Based on the marks on the dipstick, add oil if necessary. It is very important to keep the transmission fluid level at the maximum level. A drop in volumes to a minimum leads to severe wear and tear on the car's gearbox, as a result of which it is at risk of repair or complete failure. Topping up is carried out using a dipstick and a funnel into the hole of the measuring device, where oil should be poured if the gearbox is serviced. In case the car does not have a dipstick, a syringe is used and liquid is added to the hole in the filler neck.

You should only add a product that is identical to what was used previously; mixing different compositions can have an extremely negative effect on the box.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the gearbox on a “nine”

VAZ produced “nines” with serviced boxes that were not equipped with a measuring probe.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to warm up the transmission fluid so that it drains better. To do this, it is enough to drive 5–10 km, and then drive the car into a pit or place it on a lift.

How to fill oil into a VAZ-2109 box without a dipstick

The process of changing oil in a manual transmission consists of three main stages. When the preparation has already been completed and access to the bottom of the car is obtained, we move on to the next step.

Drain the oil

Remove the rubber cap of the transmission breather, clean it and reinstall it. Unscrew the drain bolt with a 17mm wrench, then tighten it by hand. We pour the waste into a pre-prepared container; about three liters should flow out of the box, provided that the oil level is normal. After we have managed to drain all the fluid from the gearbox, tighten the plug.

Filling with new oil

For boxes with a dipstick, new transmission fluid is poured directly into the hole of the measuring device using a funnel, and it is easy to control the level of the lubricant being poured.

It's more difficult to do without a probe. The filler neck is located slightly higher to the right of the drain hole, and you will have to measure the level along its edge. We unscrew the plug and pour in the oil using a special syringe with an oil line at the end. When the liquid reaches the upper edge of the hole, stop filling and return the lid to its place.

There is also the option of changing the oil through the speedometer drive hole. In this case, the level of the lubricant being poured is easily visible, but this method is intended to be used as a last resort if it is not possible to carry out the procedure in a standard way.

It is very important to replace the TM inside the gearbox on a VAZ 2109 in a timely manner. Domestic cars require constant replacement of oil fluids, just like foreign brands of cars. The oil in the VAZ 2109 gearbox must be changed constantly, just like in other cars.

Using the VAZ 2109 as an example, let's look at how to properly change the oil in the gearbox, as well as what fluid to choose and how often it should be done.

When should TM be changed?

Different experts have different opinions on this matter, but the majority is inclined to believe that the oil fluids inside the car for the VAZ 2109 gearbox should be changed every 30,000 kilometers, or once a year. But, of course, everything depends on the operating conditions and the roads on which the vehicle travels, so in a gentle mode, gear oil can serve well for 50,000 kilometers.

Every motorist should constantly check the quality of the working oil fluid, preferably at least every 10,000 kilometers. If the oil has acquired an unpleasant dark color, abrasive particles are visible in its structure, or foreign sediment is visible, then it is better to replace the oil composition. This way you will not only prevent car damage, but also protect your travel on the road.

Specialists oblige all motorists to replace the working oil fluids inside the VAZ 2109 gearbox every time the gearbox is repaired. This way you can prevent contamination and erosion of new parts, and most importantly, you will know that gear shifting is done efficiently.

Types of gearbox 2109

There are two types of gearboxes for nines, and therefore the fluid replacement procedure is different:

• serviced - gearbox with dipstick. In the engine compartment next to the battery there is a dipstick for monitoring the oil level in box 2109. These are 5-speed gearboxes.
• maintenance-free - gearbox without a dipstick. They are mounted on the 2109, which only has 4 gears and no 5th. These cars have a special filler neck.

Oil change process

Changing the oil in a VAZ 2109 gearbox itself is not very difficult, so you can do it on your own and without contacting specialists at a car service center.

Replacement tool

To change the oil in gearbox 2109 or 2108 you will need the following tool:

• The keys you will need are ring or rack keys for 17 and 12;
• drain empty container or container;
• for a gearbox without a dipstick - a syringe for filling, and for a gearbox with a dipstick - a filler funnel;
• Having a rag or rag to wipe away oil drips will not hurt.

Having prepared this equipment, you can now change the used oil fluid. Its replacement in the VAZ 2109 gearbox is carried out in several stages.

Drain the oil

Before replacing, you need to go to the pit. This will make it more convenient to drain the old motor oil from the gearbox. The whole process takes no more than 20 minutes.

Wipe the drain plug and unscrew the drain bolt. Place a bucket for used oil. Next, you need to drain the waste from the car’s gearbox. After all the waste fluid has drained, screw the bolt back in.

Filling with oil

Depending on the type of VAZ 2109 gearbox, the procedure for replacing used fluid differs.

• For a VAZ 2109 with a gearbox with a dipstick, oil must be poured directly through the dipstick itself. It is necessary to place a funnel and pour clean product to the required level. We check the level using the dipstick. Fill it into the gearbox up to the maximum mark on the dipstick.
• For a VAZ 2109 with a gearbox without a dipstick, the filling hole is on the right. You need to unscrew the plug and use a syringe to fill in new liquid. Because There is no level here, then for the required volume you need to navigate along the lower edge of the hole. It is necessary to add oil until it reaches the required level.

The automatic transmission is also replaced. After the working fluids have been replaced, you can continue to operate the vehicle. Please note that it is best to make a replacement at a car service center, but in any case you will have to purchase the TM yourself. Let's look at what types of it are suitable for nine.

What to put in the box?

Today, car stores offer a wide range of transmission oils, and often an ordinary motorist cannot choose the right option for his car if he does not know which lubricant to fill in specifically for his vehicle.

Let's look at the three most popular and current types of oil fluids that should be poured into a VAZ 2109 box:

1. Synthetic TM is considered the most expensive and most effective among competitors, but they are often purchased for foreign cars and expensive car models;
2. Semi-synthetic TM is considered an excellent option for use in a VAZ 2109 box; it is relatively inexpensive and perfectly performs its functions;
3. Mineral TM is the worst suited for gearboxes; it is rarely used, despite its cheapness, since such a mixture can damage the gears;

Oil liquids also differ in color, density, frost resistance and other characteristics. It is best to use only those working fluids that are recommended in the operating instructions for your specific car model.

Important: Synthetic oils are best suited in severe frosts, semi-synthetics perform worse at sub-zero temperatures, and mineral oils are not able to withstand cold at all.

Experts recommend using the following types of oil for the VAZ 2109 gearbox: GL-4, GL-4/5, GL-5. Domestic manufacturing companies produce TM-4 and TM-5, which are also great for nines. TM5-9M performed best in the VAZ 2109; it can last your gearbox up to 80 thousand kilometers, which is considered a huge value; this type of oil composition has no competitors. In this case, the viscosity of the oil fluid should be either 75w-40 or 80w-90. Temperature ranges are selected according to your climate zone.

It is best to use oils from trusted manufacturers and it is advisable that either you or your acquaintances, friends, or relatives are familiar with the brand. This way, you will avoid problems and will not stumble upon a low-quality product that, over time, can render your gearbox completely unusable.

How much oil to fill in the box of a VAZ 2109

Before you pour oil into the VAZ 2109 box, you need to purchase it, but you need to know how much oil before going to the store, because every liter poured into the car costs a lot of money.

Often, motorists independently determine how much oil is required when changing it for the first time, since there is a special dipstick to measure its level in the gearbox. But in cars of early years of production, there is no such device, so the car enthusiast has to somehow navigate on his own.

In accordance with the technical characteristics of the nine, its gearbox usually contains exactly three liters of gear oil. But there are some peculiarities of this characteristic.

• in a four-speed gearbox, the gearbox volume is 3,100 liters;
• while for a five-speed the amount of lubrication required is 3,300 liters.

The best way to help you understand this issue is your car's service book.

In any case, when changing the oil in the gearbox of a VAZ 2109, it is best to use a dipstick for measurements. It will help determine not only the level of the remaining lubricant, but will also allow you not to overdo it with the composition poured inside.

Video: replacing the gearbox on a VAZ 21099

Domestic VAZ 2109 cars are famous for their regular breakdowns, but repair work and the spare parts themselves are relatively inexpensive. With proper operation and regular maintenance of your car, you can keep it in good working order. In this case, transmission oil for the VAZ 2109 plays an important role. Today we will tell you how to choose it correctly, taking into account all the main parameters and characteristics.

When choosing oil for the VAZ 2109 gearbox, you can use the car’s operating manual or turn to the experience of numerous owners of this car. The manufacturer recommends using mineral all-season lubricants, including:

• Reksol T - SAE 80W-85 class GL-4;
• Omskoil Trans P - SAE 80W-85 universal classification GL-4/5;
• Volnez TM4 - SAE 80W-90 class GL-4.

In addition, you can select gear oil from other imported and Russian brands. The key criterion when choosing is the class of the liquid.

The VAZ 2109 car is front-wheel drive, so GL-3 and GL-4 oils according to foreign classification, as well as TM-3 and TM-4 according to Russian classification, are suitable for its gearbox. Accordingly, despite the advice of some motorists, under no circumstances should GL-5\TM-5 transmissions be filled into the gearbox, otherwise the box synchronizers will suffer.

At the factory, the nines were always filled with mineral oil for the gearbox from Lukoil. Of course, for the first time it is quite enough, especially if you operate the car in the warm season. Mineral gear oil for the VAZ 2109 is not suitable for winter, and we will look into why this is below. You can read how to change the oil.

Mineral oil in Lukoil gearbox

The most important and only advantage of mineral oil for the VAZ 2109 gearbox is its low price, especially compared to semi-synthetic and synthetic fluids. For example, a 4-liter canister of good mineral oil can be bought for 400 rubles, and a semi-synthetic canister of similar volume costs at least 1,000 rubles.

Mineral oil has very good lubricating properties, so even with the cheapest lubricant you can drive up to 50-70 thousand kilometers. At the same time, in cold weather, the oil will lose its properties and harden, making it difficult to start the engine in severe frosts.

Semi-synthetics and synthetics

Gearbox oil for VAZ 2109 Liqui Moly

With these types of oils for the VAZ 2109 gearbox, everything is somewhat different, and the main disadvantage is associated with the high price. In general, this is the only disadvantage, but such oils have many advantages:

1. This type of VAZ 2109 gearbox oil is more technologically advanced and contains multiple additives that reduce wear on transmission parts and extend its service life.
2. The freezing point of the oil is lower, so even in cold weather you can start the engine and release the clutch after a few seconds.
3. The oil quickly warms up and becomes fluid, unlike mineral water.
4. The version that synthetic oil squeezes out oil seals and flows through all connections is a myth.

Motor or transmission?

Some owners of domestic cars buy and pour motor oil into the VAZ 2109 gearbox, but this is not always good for the transmission.

When front-wheel drive VAZs appeared in the 80s, many car enthusiasts and mechanics in service centers were surprised that ordinary motor oil had to be poured into the transmission. This unusual solution was explained by the new design of the gearbox, for which in those days there was simply no suitable oil, or rather it was very difficult to get.

Popular oil TAD-17I

A common brand of transmission oil for the VAZ 2109, TAD-17I, was created for spur, hypoid and helical, highly loaded gears that operated with contact loads between the teeth of more than 3,000 MPa, but it was not suitable for VAZ 2109 transmissions.