Changing fluid in the T56
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 94
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From: Irmo, SC
Changing fluid in the T56 I've recently noticed that my shifting is getting a little less smooth lately and I realized that I've never changed the fluid in nearly 40k miles of ownership. (d'oh!) I've never tried to change the fluid on this beast so I'm curious what are some helpful do's and don'ts when changing the fluid.
I'm going to go with the GM Synchromesh, doing this on ramps (or jackstands if necessary) and I'm hoping my TDs don't get in the way of things, but I'm sure there are some tricks out there that people know, that I'd like to know!
Thanks
I'm going to go with the GM Synchromesh, doing this on ramps (or jackstands if necessary) and I'm hoping my TDs don't get in the way of things, but I'm sure there are some tricks out there that people know, that I'd like to know!
Thanks
Originally Posted by Emfuser
I've recently noticed that my shifting is getting a little less smooth lately and I realized that I've never changed the fluid in nearly 40k miles of ownership. (d'oh!) I've never tried to change the fluid on this beast so I'm curious what are some helpful do's and don'ts when changing the fluid.
I'm going to go with the GM Synchromesh, doing this on ramps (or jackstands if necessary) and I'm hoping my TDs don't get in the way of things, but I'm sure there are some tricks out there that people know, that I'd like to know!
Thanks
I'm going to go with the GM Synchromesh, doing this on ramps (or jackstands if necessary) and I'm hoping my TDs don't get in the way of things, but I'm sure there are some tricks out there that people know, that I'd like to know!
Thanks
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
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Do not use GM Synchromesh, the transmission is not designed for that fluid.
Its stamped right on the case:
"Use Dexron III Transmission Fluid Only"
Some people have tried synchromesh, with mixed results. T56 Rebuilds only reccommends Using Dex III ATF. Mobil 1 ATF is one of the best, that what I use.
Its stamped right on the case:
"Use Dexron III Transmission Fluid Only"
Some people have tried synchromesh, with mixed results. T56 Rebuilds only reccommends Using Dex III ATF. Mobil 1 ATF is one of the best, that what I use.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 317
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Originally Posted by Emfuser
Through the shifter hole? Seriously? That sounds too easy. 
Just get a fluid pump from walmart and fill it until fluid overflows out of the hole. Thats how you know it is full (make sure the car is level).
If you put it in through the shifter, you can't be sure how much fluid is still in the trans, and therefore how much should be added.
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I just did ine yesterday, I drained it all out, and took the fill plug out. I filled it through the shifter and right after the 4th quart it started to dribble out of the fill hole. So i would say 4 quarts is right on.
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Originally Posted by 3.4camaro
Mobil 1 ATF
drain the whole thing and put 4 quarts through the shifter hole, says amber @ t56rebuilds.
drain the whole thing and put 4 quarts through the shifter hole, says amber @ t56rebuilds.
Originally Posted by ONEBADASSWS6
You could probably do that but there is a fill plug on the side of the transmission for a reason.
A pump with a hose running to the fill hole isn't tough at all. Ive been running Synthetic Trick Shift for MT for 17000 miles with lots of power shifts and track time. No tranny problems for me so far.
Synchromesh works great for me?
This is right from then sticky in this forum
Q: What transmission fluid do you recommend?
A: We use Mobil 1 ATF in all of our daily drivers. While Mobil 1 is what is desired some customers have trouble finding it in there locations. We also use GM Synchromesh. Royal Purple should not be used in a stock transmission as it has been known to cause premature blocker ring wear.
This is right from then sticky in this forum
Q: What transmission fluid do you recommend?
A: We use Mobil 1 ATF in all of our daily drivers. While Mobil 1 is what is desired some customers have trouble finding it in there locations. We also use GM Synchromesh. Royal Purple should not be used in a stock transmission as it has been known to cause premature blocker ring wear.
dex III is gm recommended. that is why most use it. it says DEX III ONLY on the tranny case and if you were to look it up on a online tech program ( GM SI, mitchell, all data) it will also say dex III. imo if mobil 1 ATF works and you want a special fluid, fine, but why spend the extra money on synchromesh if you can run dex III saftley?
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 228
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From: Hoosier Daddy....
Originally Posted by ONEBADASSWS6
Just get a fluid pump from walmart and fill it until fluid overflows out of the hole. Thats how you know it is full (make sure the car is level)..
I'm planning on changing my m6 tranny fluid, also. This thread answered a few of my questions, thanks guys.
But, a few more questions: what type of pump (water, oil, gasoline, or does it make a difference?), and is it battery operated or manual?
Also, I plan on putting the front tires on ramps, then jack stands in the rear. Can I use a floor jack under the rear end housing (like the older cars)to get the rear high enough for the stands?
Thanks,
John