What kind of oil should be poured into the gearbox of the Lada Granta?

When do you need to change the oil in a Lada Granta gearbox?

The answer to this question is a frequent subject of debate. The car manufacturer claims that the transmission oil is filled for the entire service life of the car. This period means 5 years of operation. Converting to mileage, it turns out to be about 100,000 kilometers.

But this period is too long, especially for gear oil. Let's try to figure out when it would be better to change the lubricant in the gearbox

First, let's remember where the Lada Granta gearbox originates. This car itself is a relative of the first Soviet front-wheel drive car - the VAZ 2108, and it was from the G8 with minor upgrades that it got this gearbox.

According to the regulations, at TO-5, with a mileage of 75 thousand kilometers, the gearbox of a VAZ 2108-2115 must be replaced with gear oil. Therefore, this regulation is also applicable to Lada Granta.

In fact, in order to extend the life of the gearbox, it is necessary to replace it a little earlier - after a mileage of 60 thousand kilometers. This is exactly what most car owners do.

Features of the gearbox device

So, if you don’t want to deal with a scheduled transmission oil change, then you should purchase the Granta “Lux” package and get a Jatco automatic transmission made in Japan. It has its own resource - only 5 years, but during this period the manufacturer guarantees that work on the box will only be necessary in the event of a breakdown. The automatic transmission is already filled with a special fluid, and it will not need to be replaced during the entire period of use. Adding oil is also not necessary.

A cable manual transmission requires more attention in terms of maintenance, but it can last much longer. As such, it does not have a service life - you can, if necessary, update its parts and change the lubricant, thereby increasing the duration of its uninterrupted operation.

This gearbox is based on the model first installed on the VAZ-2108. It has been slightly changed and modernized. Weaknesses in the previous version:

• large lever stroke;
• fuzzy switching scheme;
• high vibration;
• Difficulty shifting gears.

The manufacturer has tried to correct this situation. And on the Lada Granta, the cable drive made it possible to make gear shifting clearer. In addition, the shift mechanism in the new gearbox has changed, which is no longer bathed in transmission oil, but is installed last as a separate module. It is easier to repair and assemble during production. It also embodies German technology, and a three-dimensional plate has appeared in the gearbox, which sets the force when shifting gears.

The cable drive has replaced the old rods, which are no longer used by any manufacturer when assembling boxes. The rationality of its use was also, like all innovations, calculated using a computer program.

What kind of oil can be poured into the Grants gearbox?

The most important parameter that determines the oil in a gearbox is its class. In this case, the Grants gearbox allows the use of GL4 class oils. At the same time, semi-synthetics are poured from the factory:

• For gearbox 2190 – Lukoil TM4 80W85.
• For gearbox 2181 – RosNeft Kinetic 75W85.

The last numbers with the letter (75W85) determine the viscosity of the transmission oil and its ability to operate in low temperature conditions. The viscosity of 75W85 is sufficient for proper operation of the box at temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, this viscosity is well suited for almost all regions of Russia.

By and large, it doesn’t matter which brand is chosen among the manufacturers, the most important thing is that the oil is not fake. It is this factor that determines the long service life of transmission oil.

Great owner review

The owner of a Lada Vesta (gagarinec) decided to find out which oil for the VAZ 21807 manual transmission is better to choose.

During the operation of his car, he changed the oil in the transmission several times, each time filling in a new brand of oil. Here are his observations:

• Oil ROSNEFT Kinetic MT 75W85 GL-4. This is the factory option. Nothing drastic happened, except for updating the gearbox oil.
• Castrol Syntrans Multivehicle 75W90 GL-4. I expected improvements in work, but nothing much has changed.
• UAZ 75W85 GL-4 (LUKOIL). It seemed that it was getting better, but time passed and it became clear that, if there were any improvements, they were at the placebo level.
• Castrol Syntrans Transaxle (Castrol Transmax Manual Transaxle) 75w90 GL-4+ (15d705), I liked the option with this oil the most. Shifts became somehow “oilier”, i.e. not dry, with steps and bumps, as if there was water in the gearbox, but soft, as it should be in a normal gearbox.

How much oil should be poured into a Granta box?

The answer to this question depends on what gearbox is installed in the car. The Grant uses two types of manual transmission:

• Old-style grants with a VAZ-2180 gearbox have a 3.1-liter crankcase.
• New model grants with gearbox 2190 (2181) have an oil volume of 2.3 liters.

To distinguish the old box from the new one, just look at the control drive. The latest gearboxes have a Japanese cable control drive. And on old boxes, rods (links) were used to select gears.

How to check the level and condition of the oil in the gearbox in Grant

Lada Granta gearboxes have a dipstick for checking the oil level. To check this parameter, place the machine on a flat surface, wait 3-5 minutes and remove the dipstick.

The oil should be between Min and Max. Maximum level allowed. The most important thing is that it is not minimal or lower.

On the dipstick, you can assess the condition of the lubricant. A brownish tint to the oil is acceptable, the most important thing is that it is not dark gray or black. In this case, the TM is seriously worn out and dirty. This means it needs urgent replacement.

Choosing oil for Lada Granta

The oil in the Granta gearbox is selected according to the type of transmission in accordance with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. It doesn’t matter at all what kind of engine the car is equipped with – 8- or 16-valve. But the viscosity, composition, brand and other data specified in the instruction manual are taken into account. Some tolerance is allowed when selecting transmission fluid.

By viscosity

Like motor lubricant, the oil in the Lada Granta gearbox with a cable drive must be selected according to viscosity. This mechanics, according to the manufacturer, has become an innovation. But on many liftbacks and sometimes sedans, there is howling and noise in the box with such a drive. It is especially noticeable in second gear.

Advice has appeared on the Internet to use more viscous chemicals. It is recommended to pour even thick mineral oil into such a manual transmission. But you shouldn't do this. Without consulting with specialists, there is no need to use additives, which supposedly will make the box hum less.

Therefore, you need to be guided only by what is indicated in the car’s passport. You should not buy very thick or liquid chemicals. The first negatively affects the operation of the gearbox and makes it difficult to start the car in cold weather, and the second can lead to scuffing of gearbox parts. This occurs due to a very thin lubricating layer with low oil viscosity.

For areas with cold and temperate climates, parameters 75W-80 and 75W-85 are suitable. They are designed for temperatures from -40 to +35 degrees. A liquid with the characteristics of 75W-90 is considered universal. It works without problems both at very low and very high temperatures (from -40 to +45). For temperate climates, it is permissible to buy oil with viscosity class 80W-85. It ensures reliable operation of the mechanics in temperature conditions from -26 to +35 degrees Celsius. For hot and warm areas, 80W-90 or 85W-90 grade chemicals should be used. The first one can withstand temperatures from -26 to +45 degrees. And the second does not lose its properties even at higher temperatures. But it is undesirable to use it if it is less than -12 degrees Celsius outside.

For the Granta robotic box, you can follow approximately the same recommendations. There are no such requirements for an automatic machine.

By composition

It is better to purchase only synthetic oil at the Lada Granta gearbox. It has the best lubricating and cleaning properties. This chemistry provides the mechanism with reliable protection from premature failure. But semi-synthetic fluids are also used for mechanical transmissions. The recommended chemistry contains the necessary additives. Therefore, there is no need to pour anything additional into the box.

It is better not to use mineral fluid even on mechanics. But the automaker allows its use. It is also said to help reduce box noise. But this is not true.

By manufacturer

The liquid must be original. This rule is relevant not only for Grants, but also for any other car. Therefore, counterfeits should be avoided. And the choice of brand is more of a personal matter for the car owner.

For this Lada model with a manual transmission, transmission fluids from the brands Lukoil, Rosneft, TNK, Tatneft and Shell are suitable. Liquids of other brands with appropriate characteristics are also applicable. The same applies to robot cars.

For the machine, it is worth buying chemicals from the NISSAN or Genuine brands. The liquid from Aisin from Japan has proven itself well. It is possible to use products from other manufacturers.

Types of oils

With the huge selection of oils that the market provides, there are not many recommended for use in winter. Below are all the brands for the winter period and the temperature at which they should be used. Follow the recommendations and your car will serve you for a long time. So, there are these options:

Probably, almost all motorists know that synthetics are much better than mineral water in a number of parameters:

• Lubricating properties;
• Cleaning properties (thanks to them, there is no sediment left on the parts in the form of metal particles or other debris);
• Starting in severe frost is much easier than using mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil.

The only drawback is the high cost. But in order for the car to work stably and smoothly, it may be worth spending money on such expensive oil.

Lubricant

The most important question that car owners ask is what kind of oil should be poured into the Lada Granta box. There is no clear answer to this. The manufacturer recommends the use of lubricant, taking into account the region in which the vehicle is constantly operated. However, this does not mean at all that this type will be considered the only correct solution. It is better to get recommendations from your mechanic to understand what kind of oil to buy to put into the transmission.

The main assistant in choosing the right lubricant will be a good consultant in the store or a service station employee. They can provide comprehensive information regarding the parameters, the possibility of its use based on the characteristics of operation, the year of manufacture of the car, weather conditions in the region, as well as storage conditions of the car.

It should be noted that the Lada Granta is a completely unpretentious car in terms of lubrication, but, like other cars, it requires care and attention.

A wide range of lubricants will be suitable for the parts and crankcase installed in it. If the car has an automatic transmission, in this case the choice should be more careful, since this is a more capricious mechanism. Particular attention should be paid to the oil viscosity level. It must be purchased exclusively in full accordance with the established parameters from the manufacturer.

The best transmission oils for Lada Granta with automatic transmission

The manufacturer recommends filling the automatic transmission with 5.4 liters of working fluid. However, in practice it is difficult to accommodate such a volume, since it is impossible to completely drain the waste liquid without disassembling the box. A partial replacement requires about 3 liters of fluid.

The manufacturer of Jatco gearboxes, which are installed on the Lada Granta, says that at a mileage of 80-85 thousand km a complete replacement is already required, and it is better to carry out a partial replacement every 30-40 thousand km. Although there is no replacement regulation as such - the oil is in the box of the car, which the plant writes about in the operating manuals. The Lada Granta requires transmission fluid with the ATF Dexron VI standard, which all participants in the category comply with. Also, all products presented are synthetic oils.

Top 3. TOTAL Fluidmatic MV LV

Rating (2022): 4.70 Best balance of price and quality

The synthetic fluid is in the middle price range, but has excellent friction properties and reliably protects the automatic transmission of the Lada Grant.

• Characteristics Average price: 753 rub./l
• Country: France

Oil for automatic transmissions of the French brand meets the requirements of most automatic transmission manufacturers. Viscosity modifiers included in the fluid provide its excellent friction properties and contribute to more economical fuel consumption. Drivers notice that the oil has a high penetrating ability, and the gears with it in the box shift smoothly. Effective antioxidant and detergent additives have been added here, and the liquid is endowed with thermal stability regardless of the operating conditions of the vehicle. But there is also a drawback - this oil cannot be found everywhere.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Fuel economy
• Smooth gear shifting
• Thermal stability
• Effective detergent additives

• Not sold everywhere

Top 2. NISSAN ATF Matic-S

Rating (2022): 4.75 Best according to JSC AVTOVAZ

The car plant recommends using this particular transmission fluid for the Lada Granta with an automatic transmission.

• Characteristics Average price: RUB 1,781/0.9 l
• Country: USA

Synthetic fluid recommended by AVTOVAZ JSC for automatic transmission of Lada Granta. The oil has impeccable lubricating abilities, which are endowed with high-quality additives. ATF Matic-S has a beneficial effect on the gearbox, extending the life of the system as a whole. The gearbox with it works quietly, stably, without jerks or delays. Thermal stability allows the liquid to effectively remove heat and maintain its properties in severe temperature conditions. The oil is resistant to oxidation and effectively prevents the formation of deposits on metal parts. Drivers who put it in the box are calm about the transmission. However, the price of the product seems high considering that the Lada Granta is a budget car. And its packaging is smaller than other participants in the rating.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Recommended by the car plant
• Effectively lubricates
• Thermally stable
• Protects box parts from wear and deposits

• Dear
• Packaging less than 1 liter

Top 1. ZIC ATF Dexron 6

Rating (2022): 4.80 16 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.MarketThe most affordable for automatic transmission

The price of this transmission fluid is noticeably lower than that of other participants in the rating. However, in terms of the quality of gearbox service, it is not inferior to others.

• Characteristics Average price: 556 rub./l
• Country: South Korea

Synthetic transmission fluid, based on Yubase's own oil, is characterized by increased adhesion to transmission elements. This prevents the oil from completely settling in the crankcase, even if the car is idle for a long time. The liquid has a very low fluidity threshold - even at -50 Celsius it works, freezing only at -52.5 degrees. The oil ensures smooth gear shifting for the entire service life, saves fuel and extends the service life of the gearbox. Drivers also like the availability - the product is low priced and sold in many stores. But some buyers believe that they may stumble upon a fake.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Affordable price
• Wide temperature range
• Fuel economy
• High quality

• You can find counterfeit

Top 2. ELF Transself NFJ

Rating (2021): 4.73

65 reviews from resources were taken into account: Ozone, Otzovik, Yandex.Market

The longest period of operation The oil is enough for 100 thousand kilometers. At the same time, it maintains stable characteristics throughout its service life.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 842 rub./l

• Country: France
• Type: synthetic
• API Standard: GL-4+
• Viscosity: 75W-80

Synthetic gear oil, which is filled in at French car factories, ensures quiet and stable operation of the gearbox. Reliably protects gears and other mechanical components of the gearbox under intense loads. The oil has good anti-corrosion properties and resistance to high temperatures. The formula of the composition makes it easier to change gears even in severe frost, since the oil retains high fluidity. In this case, there is no spontaneous shutdown of speeds. However, drivers notice that in hot weather it becomes too liquid and gears are difficult to shift. And its price is noticeably higher than many other oils.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Retains properties for a long time
• High shear strength
• Thermal resistance
• Viscosity in cold

• Liquid for summer
• The price is high

See also:

• 10 best batteries for Lada Granta

Change of oil

The oil in the Granta gearbox must be changed at the interval established by the regulations. It should be filled in the recommended volume and in compliance with the replacement rules specified in the manual. Each type of gearbox has its own replacement features.

How to change oil

In some cases, you need to change the fluid ahead of schedule. These reasons will be discussed further.

If there is no hole

The first step is to find out where the drain hole is located on the gearbox housing.

It is important to remember that changing the oil in the Lada Granta gearbox should always be done hot - the engine is pre-warmed. If you start draining the lubricant without warming it up, the high viscosity will make it difficult to completely drain it from the boat. To warm up the gearbox, you should drive the car a little. A few minutes will be enough for the oil to warm up.

Possible difficulties with changing oils

Some Lada Granta owners may have difficulty purchasing Tatneft gear oil. But if it is not sold in a given region, you can safely switch to the chemistry of any other of the previously mentioned manufacturers. For automatic transmissions, it is not advisable to purchase NISSAN Matic D if it is impossible to buy NISSAN Matic Fluid S. In such a situation, ATF NISSAN Fluid Matic J is suitable.

Possible difficulties with changing oils

In addition, the problem of counterfeit auto chemicals has not yet been resolved in our country. Such transmission fluids are especially dangerous for a robot or automatic machine. Therefore, you should buy chemicals from trusted places. In this case, you can check with the seller for the availability of documentation for the product confirming its authenticity.

Possible difficulties with this procedure also include the eternal struggle of some owners with howling in the manual transmission. There is no point in solving this problem by pouring “mineral water” or oil thicker than recommended. On the contrary, it is worth pouring good quality synthetic fluid. This will help reduce the noise a little. But there is no need to add additives and apply other tips from the Internet without the recommendation of a specialist. It has been proven that these sounds have virtually no effect on the service life of the unit. They basically only cause acoustic discomfort to the car owner.

Sometimes partially replacing the fluid in a machine at a technical center is not cheap. But this procedure can be performed independently if you have a garage and some experience.

The best gear oil manufacturers

Transmission oils are produced by various factories. The Lada Grant manual transmission at AvtoVAZ is filled with Lukoil and Tatneft Translux; for automatic transmissions, the plant recommends choosing Genuine EJ-1 ATF or NISSAN ATF Matic-S. But on the market there are quality products from other brands that are suitable in terms of characteristics and properties.

Lukoil. A universal oil that is filled at some car factories, and until 2012 it was filled at the AvtoVAZ plant. Excellent characteristics, wide temperature range and affordable price make the brand’s products universal.

Rosneft. The products recommended by AvtoVAZ for manual transmissions fully comply with the requirements for oil. And the affordable price is especially relevant for owners of budget Lada Granta cars.

Elf. French oils of this brand retain their properties for a long time. An ideal option for those who do not plan to update their transmission oil frequently.

TOTAL. French-made products balanced in price and quality. Widely distributed among foreign automakers and fits perfectly with the modern Grant.

ZIC. Affordable oils demonstrate high quality. The lubricating fluid is made on the basis of its own oils and is characterized by high adhesion to box parts.

NISSAN. Expensive, but high-quality products recommended by AvtoVAZ for Lada Granta automatic transmissions. Manufactured under strict quality control and ensures flawless operation of the transmission.

Top 1. Rosneft Kinetic MT

Rating (2021): 4.85

16 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozone

The best opinion recommends using Rosneft brand lubricants, as their characteristics ensure stable operation of VAZ vehicles.

The most affordable price for 1 liter of this oil is 135 rubles. below the next rated. Taking into account the optimal properties for Granta and the recommendations of the car plant, it can be considered optimal.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 291 rub./l

• Country Russia
• Type: semi-synthetic
• API Standard: GL-4
• Viscosity: 75W-90

All-season semi-synthetic oil for mechanical transmissions, which demonstrates excellent anti-wear and performance properties. It was developed taking into account the requirements of Russian and foreign transmission manufacturers. The oil ensures the durability of synchronizers operating at high temperatures, smooth gear shifting and protection of transmission parts under contact loads. Drivers note that the oil corresponds to the declared parameters and does not thicken in 35-degree frosts, and gears are easily changed. And many people like the price of the product. But some buyers have complaints about the viscosity in hot weather: it is a bit runny and the gears are difficult to shift.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Affordable price
• Doesn't thicken in the cold
• Good friction properties

• It's hard to shift gears in hot weather

See also:

• 5 best motor oils for Lada Granta

to the beginning of the rating

Important tips when choosing gear oil

LADA GRANTA is available with different types of transmission - 5-speed manual and robotic gearboxes and 4-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission. Depending on the type of transmission, the oil is also selected.

The same transmission oil is used for the manual and robotic gearboxes that are installed on Lada Granta cars. This choice is explained by the fact that the operating principles of these boxes are similar to each other. The oil in them does not overheat and is not subjected to excessive pressure. Its main function is to reduce the mechanical load on the box parts, protect them from rust and remove heat.

When choosing, you need to focus on the viscosity class, which should correspond to the region in which the car is used. Classes 75W-80 (85, 90), 80W-85 (90) and 85W-90 are suitable for Lada Granta. To find out the minimum permissible temperature for stable engine starting, you need to subtract 40 from the first number in the coding. For central Russia and the southern regions, the optimal viscosity is 75W-90.

For an automatic transmission, it is necessary not only to lubricate the bearings and remove heat from heating parts. Transmission fluid for the torque converter and hydraulic control system is the working fluid. The oil must maintain its properties so that all parts of the gearbox function properly, and the car moves without jerking, maintains traction, and just drives.

Is it worth it to flush the gearbox?

Many car owners are supporters of flushing the engine or gearbox of the Lada Grant and not only. They believe that in order to get rid of old oil residues, contaminants and to avoid mixing incompatible oils, the unit must first be washed with a full-fledged flushing oil or for five minutes.

In fact, it’s definitely not worth doing anything like that. The best flush is the most common oil.

It already contains all the necessary additives. In addition, you can completely drain the oil from the system by simply waiting a little. And after flushing, in any case, traces of the flushing fluid will remain in the crankcase, and they may be incompatible with conventional lubricant.