What kind of oil to pour into the box of a VAZ 2109

What is the best gearbox oil for VAZ 21093?

Any unit with rotating parts requires lubrication. And in the case of a variable gearbox, the lubricant must also be of proper quality. Which oil is better to buy for the transmission of a VAZ 2109? Light on this issue is shed by these instructions for choosing oil for a VAZ 2109 gearbox. Study this article carefully - here you can learn about the choice between engine and transmission oil, synthetic and semi-synthetic, as well as the choice between different manufacturers of transmission oils. Photos and videos will help you understand this difficult issue more thoroughly. So, let's begin.

Oil options for VAZ 2109 gearbox
The choice of oil for each car is different
Transmission oil
Manufacturer's choice
Foreign manufacturers
Some tips for filling oil
Conclusion

What kind of oil to pour into the VAZ-2109 box

One of the most sensitive questions. Most owners of this car model can sit on forums for days and search for information on this matter. But, as they say, everything ingenious is simple, and this is exactly the case. It’s enough to open the instruction manual, where, in fact, everything is written, but if you don’t have one, then here are some useful tips. So, in our gearbox the main pair of teeth is helical, and not hypoid, as on the “classic”, so we can say right away that it makes no sense to fill such a gearbox with TAD-17I oil. As for using engine oil in the gearbox, this is a more suitable method, but it is especially applicable to “nines” manufactured before 1993. After 1993, TM 5-9M oil is used. In models with front-wheel drive, it can operate for 70-75 thousand kilometers. However, this brand of oil is not available for sale.

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 alignment of the angular velocity of the gears and the coupling was not ensured. 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.

Which gearbox oil for a VAZ 2109 should I choose at a car store?

And so we came to the auto store to buy oil in a box for the VAZ-2109. Of course, sellers today are more likely to sell you a more expensive product. However, it is best to give preference to imported oils in the mid-price range. But here we are faced with classification. GL-4 is an oil that is used for “nines” with front-wheel drive. GL-5 is used in other cases. You can also find combined oils of the GL-4/5 brand; they are suitable for all VAZ-2109. The oil box must be filled with GL-4 or GL-4/5, the viscosity should be as follows: 75w-40, 80W-90. It won’t be difficult to find all this in specialized stores. However, extremely seductive low prices should be avoided. The average temperature range varies from -25 to +40 degrees Celsius. As a rule, the lower the thickening temperature, the better, especially given the harsh winters in our region.

How much oil to put in the box

3 liters

This can be established experimentally, but you can spoil a certain amount of oil, which, by the way, is not cheap. If the box is completely empty, then it contains smoothly 3 liters. But again, this takes into account the fact that the old oil was drained entirely. It should be noted that there is a special dipstick that can be used to check the oil level. To do this, you need to take out the dipstick, it is located near the battery in the engine compartment, and wipe it with a clean rag. After this, it is inserted all the way and taken out again. If the degree is between the maximum and minimum marks, then everything is in order, if it is higher or lower, then you need to either drain or add oil. There are some nuances regarding filling volumes. In particular, it all depends on how many degrees the checkpoint has. If it is a four-speed gearbox, then fill in 3.1 liters, if it is a five-speed gearbox, then fill in 3.3 liters. A lot of detailed information specifically about your case can be found in the service book.

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.

Such originality was caused by a fundamentally new design of the gearbox, which worked exclusively on special fluids. But since quite a few such oils were produced in the USSR, ordinary motor substances were poured into the gearbox.

A little more useful information

We have already decided what kind of oil to pour into the VAZ-2109 gearbox and how much is needed. Now I would like to say a few words about what high-quality gear oil should be like. Since lubrication in a gearbox is extremely important and work is simply impossible without it, you need to use only a high-quality product that has already proven itself on the market. Synthetic-based oils are more preferable for severe winters, when the temperature drops to -30 at night. Synthetics do not thicken as much, which allows you to start the car the first time even under such conditions. Mineral oils are a little expensive, but do not perform well in sub-zero temperatures. A significant point is the number of additives. In most cases, these are sulfur compounds, which reduce the likelihood of gear scuffing. This type of connection completely eliminates metal scuffing, forming a film that simply wears out during operation. But there are some disadvantages here - the metal literally corrodes, but this still minimizes wear. The conclusion follows that the VAZ-2109 gearbox, for which the oil is purchased wisely, will serve for a long time and properly.

Any unit with moving parts requires lubrication. And in the case of a variable gearbox, the lubricant must also be of proper quality. Which oil is better to buy for the transmission of a VAZ 2109? Light on this issue is shed by these instructions for choosing oil for a VAZ 2109 gearbox. Study this article carefully - here you can learn about the choice between motor and transmission oil, synthetic and semi-synthetic, as well as the choice between different manufacturers of transmission oils.

Transmission oil

There are a great number of such oils and there is not enough time and patience to consider all specific oils. Therefore, we will consider only categories of oils, and in some cases we will give examples. Go:

Let us mention the TAD-17 in a little more detail. If anyone doubts that it cannot be used in the VAZ 2109, read below for the reasons for this.

Extremely undesirable oil for the VAZ 2109 gearbox

The viscosity or thickness of TAD-17 oil is very high, which leads to the following problems: the car will not start in winter; extreme pressure additives (which in themselves give a good effect) are contained in very large quantities in the oil.
A large amount of extreme pressure additives contributes to intensive wear of synchronizers.
Synthetic oil would seem to be better suited than the others. It is better in thickness, has positive qualities, and has additives. But there is one thing! The use of synthetic gear oil (designated GL-5 or TM-5) is encouraged in sports gearboxes, where the quality of the parts is better, the temperature range is higher, and (in some cases) there are no synchronizers.

By the way! By carefully reading the instructions for the transmission oil, you can determine whether it is suitable for your car or not.

So, in the instructions for GL-5 class synthetic oil it is directly written: “used for unsynchronized manual transmissions.”
And one more point not in favor of synthetics is its price. The cost of such oil is high, and practicality is not very good - therefore, the use of synthetic oil in VAZ 2109 gearboxes has no reason.
And the last option is semi-synthetic gear oil. It is perfectly suited for use in this car.
The designation of this oil is GL-4.

By the way! The service book for the car indicates the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. This is exactly GL-4 or TM-4.

In terms of density, it is better to use the designation 75 or 85. The composition of this oil and its properties are optimal for both gearbox gears and its synchronizers.
As for the winter period, semi-synthetics will not freeze as much as mineral water, for example. In frosty temperatures of -25 degrees, the car will start, just like in summer.

Domestic manufacturers

So:

The gearbox oil declared by the plant is TM-4-12. Ideally, you should use it, of course. This oil was specially developed for the gearbox of this particular vehicle.
Using logic, we come to the conclusion that since it was specially developed, it must be the best. The manufacturer may be different - for example, Rexol.
For example, the M6z12G1 engine oil used in the VAZ 2109 gearbox falls slightly short of the TM indicators.
LukOil SAE 15W-40 is also a good competitor to specially developed oil, TM-4-12. The gap from it is only 4%.

Foreign manufacturers

We analyze the oil for the VAZ 2109 gearbox of foreign production:

The Castrol brand, and more specifically EP-80 and EP-90 oil, which according to the GL-4 class is undesirable for use in Samara gearboxes. Its properties are more suitable for sports gearboxes.
But the foreign company Valvoline, which produced DuraBlend SAE 75W-90 oil, showed good performance for our car. This semi-synthetic oil is at the second point, after the recommended domestic oil TM-4-12.
On the other hand, the same Valvoline, but no longer GL-4, and GL-4/5 is not suitable for high-quality work on the VAZ 2109 gearbox.

We remember that the presence of extreme pressure additives has a positive effect on the overall performance of the gearbox. However, too much of them contributes to rapid corrosion of metals. All this is because extreme pressure additives introduce sulfur into their composition, which corrodes gears.

From this point of view, motor oils are the best contenders (but we also remember their other qualities).
And again, semi-synthetic Valvoline turns out to be close to the standard - TM-4-12. And synthetic, on the other hand, turns out to be the most destructive in this regard.

As for other manufacturers, it is worth paying attention to certain points and studying the composition of the oil in detail. Pay attention to:

Viscosity
Temperature order of oil operation - pour point
Number of additives and their type
Reviews of other drivers on this oil.

For example, according to reviews from VAZ 2109 owners, the following have good qualities:

TNK semi-synthetics
ZIC 75W85 G-FF GL-4

Gearbox oil for VAZ 2109

Mannol semi-synthetic

Separate tips for filling oil:

Although the stated characteristics of the VAZ 2109 car indicate that the amount of oil in the box is 3 liters, it is necessary to fill in a little more.
For a 4-speed gearbox you need to fill in 3.3 liters, and for a 5-speed gearbox all 3.5 or even 3.6. This is done so that driving in fifth gear does not strain the car so much.
A very interesting point is the use of special XADO miracle additives, which are supposedly capable of ridding the gearbox of whining. Observing the reviews of 2109 drivers, you can notice some features.
XADO additives do not give the desired effect, and at the same time they have an exorbitant price. It will be much cheaper to repair the gearbox yourself or at a service station with replacement of failed parts.
Check the oil level in the gearbox regularly so that it serves you longer and change the oil on time (70-75 thousand km or earlier if necessary).

VAZ 2109 cars are known for their frequent breakdowns, but parts and repairs are relatively inexpensive. Proper operation and maintenance helps keep your car in good condition. And this is especially true for the gearbox and its high-quality lubrication. What kind of oil to put in the box of a VAZ 2109 is a simple problem, but not everyone knows the answer. Therefore, in this article we will try to respond to it.

Which oil is better?

When choosing a lubricant product for the VAZ 2109 gearbox, you can use the car’s operating manual.
Or you can use the experience of numerous “Nine” owners. The manufacturer AvtoVAZ recommends using mineral all-season lubricants such as:

"Rexol 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.

You can also choose a lubricant from other domestic or imported manufacturers. The most important criterion when choosing should be the class of the lubricant.

Since the VAZ 2109 is a front-wheel drive car, it is worth filling in oils of class GL-3 and GL-4 according to the foreign classification or TM-3 and TM-4 according to the domestic one. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to fill a product of class GL-5TM-5. This can negatively affect the gearbox synchronizers.

Conclusion

What can you briefly say about the choice of oil for the VAZ 2109 transmission? The use of motor oil in modern cars is undesirable. In addition, it preserves the synchronizers, but corrodes the gears. Using a special gear oil developed for the VAZ 2109 - TM-4-12 - is the best option. Using other gear oils is quite possible, but the choice must be made wisely. Transmission oil should be taken only of class GL-4 or TM-4 and a viscosity of approximately 75W-90. You should choose the manufacturer for yourself - based on your budget, but not forgetting what is written a little higher. But the bottom line is this: there is simply no ideal oil, such that a car will run on it forever! The engine ruins the gears, the transmission ruins the synchronizers. And yet the special oil TM-4-12 remains the best. When choosing it, the main thing is not to fall for a counterfeit product! Happy shopping and may your VAZ 2109 drive for a long time and not break down!

Instructions

The VAZ 2109 was produced from 1987 to 2011 and therefore these cars have some differences in the design of the gearbox, namely: a manual gearbox can be with or without a dipstick. In this regard, replacing a lubricant has its own characteristics. The replacement should be made on a warm car, that is, after a trip. This will help it drain quickly.

For the basis of the operation itself, the transport must be placed on a lift or inspection pit. If the car is on a flat, horizontal surface, this will help you find out the exact degree of the substance poured into the transmission. A special feature is that in boxes with a dipstick (many new models), the filler hole or the dipstick itself is located on top. You can get to the points where you pour the substance through the open hood.

And many early models do not have a dipstick, but instead there is a filler hole covered with a filler plug. It is accessed from the lower part of the car. Using a syringe, filling in lubricant in both cases is quite simple. So, let's begin the process of replacing the lubricant in the VAZ 2109 car.

Indication of the drain hole Indication of the breather Indication of the drain hole if there is a dipstick Oil on the dipstick marks Drain and fill hole Funnel in the fill hole Filling oil with a syringe

Step 1 - Test the oil level

Without a dipstick, the lubricant level can be checked by supporting your finger or visually. To do this we do the following:

Under the car, in the front lobe, unscrew the transmission filler plug.
If the liquid begins to flow out, then the liquid level is sufficient. If not, check with your finger. The optimal amount of liquid should reach the level of the edge of the filler hole.
You can also check the current degree of lubrication after pouring it into a container. This will show how much substance was in the aggregate.

In many modern models, a dipstick is installed instead of a filler plug. Using it, checking the lubricant number is relatively simple:

Unscrew the dipstick plug.
Wipe off any remaining oil. This is done because previously the substance could have reached above the current level while the car was moving.
We place the clean probe in a “quiet” box.
We take it out and determine how much lubricant is at this moment. In the case when the liquid touches the lower mark (MIN) - the minimum allowed level. The optimal oil level is if it has colored the dipstick to the upper rating (MAX).

Step 2 - Drain the oil

First of all, remove the rubber plug from the breather, then clean the breather while supporting the wire and close it with the plug again. With this action you equalize the internal pressure in the gearbox.
Further, unscrew the bolted drain plug. In both cases, it can be found at the bottom of the gearbox.
Drain the liquid into a previously prepared container. On a “hot” car, the liquid drains faster, but in general it will take several minutes.
After the liquid is drained, the drain hole closes.

Step 3 - Oil Change

In VAZ 2109 cars, the filler hole, like the drain hole, is located at the bottom. To replace we do the following:

We unscrew the drain plug.
Using a syringe, fill the gearbox with lubricant. We stop the procedure when the liquid reaches the edge of the hole.
Close the filler plug.

It is worth noting that for 5-speed transmissions it is worth pouring 300–350 ml more lubricant than normal. Otherwise, when the box is operating in 5th gear, it may “cry” about the lack of fluid, even if it is filled to the brim.

To do this you need:

Raise the side of the car opposite the filler hole with a jack (or any other accessible or convenient way). This will prevent additional fluid from leaking out.
While raised, add additional lubricant.
Close the filler hole with a plug and return the car to a horizontal position.

In order to change the oil in a VAZ 2109 through the dipstick hole, we perform the following procedures:

We find the hood.
We take out the dipstick plug.
Using a funnel or syringe, pour lubricating fluid into the cold hole.
When pouring the substance, you should check the current level while supporting the dipstick. When the level reaches the MAX mark, we stop the filling process.
Close the dipstick plug.

The oil change in the VAZ 2109 gearbox has been completed. Now the gearbox in your car will last longer and will not bother you with faulty operation.

Preparation for work

The first thing you need to know is that the oil change in the VAZ gearbox of the ninth model is carried out after this unit has warmed up. If you decide to have surgery immediately after your trip, then this is an ideal option. Otherwise, you will have to leave the garage and drive several kilometers, since the unit will not warm up at idle engine speed if the car is stationary, for obvious reasons. An inspection ditch or overpass will be required; without it, it will be extremely difficult to complete the work. Here is a list of tools and materials that will be needed during replacement.

Wrench size 17 mm, open-end or socket head.
Drain pan for waste.
A fill funnel, to the neck of which you need to securely attach a hose or tube about half a meter long.
Lighting device (flashlight or portable lamp).
A rag for removing oil spills.

After the machine is installed on an inspection ditch or overpass and secured with a hand brake, it is recommended to remove the oil pan protection. Perhaps many will consider this extra work, since the protection has a special opening for access to the neck. But when flowing out of the crankcase, the stream of oil partially enters it, and the other part spreads over the inner surface of the protection and begins to drip from all sides. All this will have to be wiped off, and the oil remaining on the protective casing will subsequently attract dust and dirt.

Useful tips for choosing gearbox oil for a VAZ 2109

Changing the gearbox oil is a significant part of car maintenance for any car. Over time, the lubricant ages and ceases to perform its functions, thereby causing wear of structural parts. The VAZ Nine gearbox is reliable and durable, but it cannot do without maintenance. The replacement procedure is simple; a motorist can handle this task on his own. Before pouring oil into the VAZ-2109 box, it is important to familiarize yourself with the automaker’s recommendations.

About types of transmission oils

For VAZ 2109 vehicles, it is recommended to use the following types of gear oils:

API GL-4
SAE

Let's talk about each of these types in more detail.

API GL-4

These gear oils are suitable for use in a variety of conditions from light to heavy and are used in synchronized gearboxes.

SAE

The most popular classification of transmission oils. The following types are suitable for the VAZ 2109 box:

Mineral 85 W This type of oil is perfect for gearboxes with high mileage. It has good lubricating properties in hot weather due to its good viscosity and thickens at low temperatures.
Semi-synthetic 75 W Lubricating properties at a high level. In warm climates it remains quite viscous. In winter it warms up quickly. Reduces noise during gearbox operation
Synthetics 75 W In summer, due to high temperatures, it becomes liquid. Particular attention should be paid to the gearbox seals; oil leaks are likely; it does not thicken in the cold.

Author's advice: When choosing gear oil for a VAZ 2109 gearbox, you should take into account your financial capabilities and the recommendations of specialists.

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 structure, the procedure must be carried out earlier. It is also necessary to take into account the fact in what conditions the vehicle 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.

Testing the volume and condition of the oil

Every 5 - 10 thousand km. It is recommended to test the level, condition of the oil, as well as the box for leaks. Continuous 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 a dipstick located under the hood. To do this, pull out the device, wipe off the grease and push it back in until it stops, then take it out again and evaluate the results.

Ideally, the oil level is at the upper mark of the meter, but if not, then it is necessary to add fluid to the desired level, and it is important not to overfill the lubricant more 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 liquid. Its color, which tends to change over time and is often far from the original, will say a lot. If the oil remains transparent 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.

How to replace it yourself?

Below we will look at how to replace and fill a new lubricant in a VAZ 2109 box.

Preparation

Before changing and pouring new lubricant into the transmission, you need to prepare the following:

a set of wrenches, you will need tools for 10 and 17;
fresh lubricant;
a container for collecting waste substances, a cut-off canister or an old bucket will do.

User Home Craftsman published a video showing the procedure for replacing transmission fluid in a VAZ 2109 gearbox.

Step-by-step instruction

How to replace the lubricant in a VAZ 2109 transmission:

You need to drive the vehicle into a garage with a pit or onto an overpass. Under the bottom of the car you can see the protection of the power unit. Using a 10mm wrench you need to unscrew the bolts that secure it; they are located under the front bumper of the car. It is also necessary to remove two more screws that secure the protection closer to the car interior.
Place a container under the drain hole into which the waste will flow. Using a 17mm wrench, you need to unscrew the bolt that serves as the drain plug. Care is important, since the lubricant is under pressure in the system; when unscrewing, the plug may fall into the container.
You need to wait about 10 minutes until the used lubricant is completely released from the gearbox. Then the plug can be screwed back on. It has a rubber seal that can wear out over time. When the gasket is severely damaged, it will need to be replaced.
It is necessary to evaluate the quality of the drained liquid. If the oil is black, contains traces of deposits or wear debris in the form of metal shavings, it is advisable to flush the gearbox. Because some of the sediment could remain inside. This will require special flushing oil.
It is necessary to remove the liquid level meter from its seat, which is located in the engine compartment of the car. Then pour fresh flushing oil through the hole. When the fluid is added, you need to put the dipstick back and start the engine. It is necessary to engage all gears in turn, which will allow the flushing to quickly disperse through the channels of the oil system.
It is necessary to drain the flushing agent and evaluate its condition. The presence of chips and deposits in the waste fluid indicates the need to perform another procedure. If the lubricant is almost transparent, then you need to repeat the drain and tighten the hole plug.
Then new oil is poured into the gearbox, the volume of the substance is controlled by the dipstick. The engine starts and all gears are engaged in turn again. You need to turn off the power unit and check the level again. If necessary, add lubricant. After completing the procedure, we recommend checking the lower part of the transmission for leaks. If the gasket has not been changed, oil may come out of the drain hole.

Oil options for the VAZ-2109 gearbox

The fact that the performance of the transmission depends on the quality of the lubricant being poured is no longer a secret, but a well-known fact. An ill-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 a significant role in ensuring stable operation. There are certain recommendations for selecting a lubricant suitable for this vehicle. The choice should be taken with full responsibility, because the serviceability, service life of the structure, as well as the frequency of replacement will depend on what kind of oil is poured into the VAZ-2109 box.

Let's look at the factory recommendations

When selecting transmission fluid, it is better to adhere to the car manufacturer's recommendations. This ensures the compatibility of the product with the box and ensures the stability of the device.

The manufacturer recommends using all-season mineral oils of domestic brands with viscosity characteristics 80W-85, 80W-90:

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

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

The range of compounds for the Nine transmission 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 bend any that meets these requirements. Semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricants behave much better in cold weather, ensuring rapid heating and maintaining their properties even at very low temperatures.

It is also important to purchase an original product without running into a fake, therefore you need to buy oil from trusted sellers who have the 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.

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 maintain 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.

Topping up results in a product that is exclusively identical to what was used previously; mixing different compositions can have an extremely negative impact on the box.