Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Samsung SM3 in some regions) is one of the most popular budget sedans in the post-Soviet space. Despite the simplicity of the design, a manual gearbox (Manual transmission) of this car requires attention, especially when it comes to choosing and replacing transmission oil. Many owners mistakenly believe that manual transmission oil is filled “for its entire service life,” but this is far from the case.

In this article we will analyze what oil does the manufacturer recommend?, which analogues are better suited, how to replace them yourself, and what to pay attention to during operation. You will also learn why ignoring this issue can lead to premature wear of synchronizers and bearings already by 150,000 km, even if the box “does not make noise”.

Official Nissan recommendations: what kind of oil was filled from the factory

Manufacturer Nissan for Almera Classic (body B10, 2006–2018) with manual transmission (RS5F32V or RS5F31A, depending on the year of manufacture) indicates the following requirements for gear oil:

  • 🔹 Oil type: API GL-4 or GL-5 (but with a caveat - GL-5 is not recommended for synchronized boxes).
  • 🔹 Viscosity: SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 (depending on climatic conditions).
  • 🔹 Original oil: Nissan MT-XZ Gear Oil (art. KE908-99932) or its analogue Nissan MT Gear Oil 75W-80 (art. 999MP-AM000P).

Important: in the manual for Almera Classic it is indicated that the oil is in the manual transmission does not require replacement under "normal operating conditions". However, in practice this means only one thing - the manufacturer does not take responsibility for the wear and tear of the box after 100,000 km. In reality oil change every 60,000–90,000 km significantly extends the life of synchronizers and reduces operating noise.

⚠️ Attention: If your box was previously filled with oil GL-5, and you decided to switch to GL-4, be sure to flush the system! Mixing these types of oils will degrade the additives and may cause corrosion of the synchronizers.

Analogues of the original oil: what to choose for replacement

Original oil Nissan MT-XZ not always available, and the price is too high. Fortunately, there are proven analogues that are not inferior in quality, and sometimes even surpass it. The main thing is to comply viscosity 75W-80 and class GL-4.

Brand Oil name Article Price (≈ per 1 l) Features
Mobil Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 152660 1 200–1 500 ₽ Synthetic, suitable for cold climates
Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90 157F9 1 100–1 400 ₽ Good wear protection, but may be noisier than original
Liqui Moly Getriebeoil 75W-80 3941 900–1 200 ₽ Optimal price/quality balance
Motul Gear 300 75W-90 105784 1 300–1 600 ₽ High anti-wear properties, but more expensive than analogues

If you operate your vehicle in a region with severe frosts (below –30°C), it is better to choose an oil with a viscosity 75W-80, since 75W-90 may thicken in the cold. For hot climates, on the contrary, it is preferable 75W-90 - it better protects against overheating.

📊 What oil do you use in the Almera Classic manual transmission?
  • Original Nissan
  • Mobil
  • Castrol
  • Liqui Moly
  • Other

Oil volume in manual transmission Almera Classic: how much to fill

Oil volume in manual transmission Nissan Almera Classic depends on the type of manual transmission:

  • 🔧 RS5F32V (on most models) - 2.8–3.0 l.
  • 🔧 RS5F31A (early versions) - 2.5–2.7 l.

Important: when partial replacement (without flushing) it is possible to drain only ~2.2–2.5 liters, since some of the oil remains in the cavities of the box. For complete replacement Special equipment (vacuum pump) or repeated flushing will be required.

⚠️ Attention: Do not add oil by eye! Overfilling is just as harmful as underfilling - excess pressure can squeeze out the seals and lead to leaks. Use a dipstick or test hole to accurately check the level.
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If you're not sure about your transmission type, look at the VIN plate under the hood or check your documents. Models with engine 1.6 (HR16DE) usually equipped RS5F32V

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a manual transmission

Changing the oil in a manual transmission Almera Classic - The procedure is simple, but requires accuracy. You will need:

  • 🔧 New oil (3 l).
  • 🔧 Key on 10 mm And 24 mm (for drain plug).
  • 🔧 Funnel with flexible hose (diameter ~8 mm).
  • 🔧 Container for old oil (minimum 3 l).
  • 🔧 Gloves and rags.

Sequence of actions:

  1. Warm up the box (drive 5–10 km) so that the oil becomes less viscous.

  2. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. The drain plug is located bottom of the box (not to be confused with the engine crankcase plug!).

  3. Place the container and unscrew the drain plug with a key 24 mm. Be careful - the oil will be hot!

  4. Wait until it drains completely (10–15 minutes). If the oil is dark with metal shavings, the box requires flushing.

  5. Tighten the drain plug (tightening torque - 35–40 Nm).

  6. Unscrew the filler plug (located on the side of the box, closer to the motor). Use a funnel with a hose to add new oil.

  7. Fill with oil until it begins to flow out of the filler hole. Tighten the plug.

Warm up the box (oil temperature ~50–60°C)|

Prepare tools and new oil|

Check the presence of O-rings on the plugs|

Make sure there are no oil seal leaks|

Clean the drain plug magnet from chips -->

If you decide wash the box, after draining the old oil, fill in 1 liter of special flushing fluid (for example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger), tighten the plugs and let the engine run for 5–10 minutes in neutral gear. Then drain the flush and fill with new oil.

Signs of oil wear and when to change it ahead of schedule

The manufacturer may claim that the oil in the manual transmission Almera Classic “eternal”, but reality proves the opposite. Here symptoms, in which replacement must be carried out immediately:

  • 🚨 Increased noise when driving (especially in 3-4 gears).
  • 🚨 Difficult gear shifting or “crunch” of synchronizers.
  • 🚨 Vibrations on the gearshift lever during acceleration.
  • 🚨 Darkening of the oil (black color or metal shavings on the dipstick).
  • 🚨 Burning smell from the box (indicates overheating).

If you notice any of these signs, check the oil on the dipstick (if there is one) or drain some oil through the filler plug. Critical case - presence in oil large metal particles (this indicates the destruction of bearings or gears).

What happens if you don’t change the oil in your manual transmission?

Driving for a long time on old lubricant leads to:

1. Wear of synchronizers (gears engage with a crunch).

2. Corrosion of gears (due to the accumulation of moisture and oxidation products).

3. Increased play in bearings (a hum appears in all gears).

4. Scratches on the shafts (may require major repairs of the box).

In advanced cases, repairing a manual transmission costs 30,000–50,000 rubles, while an oil change costs ~2,000 rubles.

Common mistakes when changing manual transmission oil

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that ruin all efforts to change the oil. That's what can't do:

  • ❌ Mixing different brands or types of oils (For example, GL-4 And GL-5). This leads to sedimentation and loss of properties.
  • ❌ Use motor oil instead of a transmission (even if “the neighbor said it was possible”).
  • ❌ Tighten plugs without a torque wrench - overtightening threatens to break the thread.
  • ❌ Ignore flushing when switching to another type of oil or if the old oil is heavily contaminated.
  • ❌ Drive with underfilling or overfilling - both of these accelerate the wear of the box.

Another common mistake is buying cheap oil from unknown brands. Savings of 300–500 rubles can result in repairs costing 20,000 rubles. If your budget is limited, it is better to take Liqui Moly 75W-80 or ZIC G-FF 75W-85 — they are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio.

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If, after changing the oil, the gears become more difficult to engage, you may have filled in too thick an oil (for example, 80W-90 instead of 75W-80). In this case, repeated replacement is required.

Frequently asked questions about manual transmission oil Almera Classic

Is it possible to use GL-5 oil instead of GL-4?

Theoretically it is possible, but it is not advisable. Oils GL-5 contain more sulfur-phosphorus additives, which have an aggressive effect on synchronizers (especially those made of copper). If there is no alternative, choose oil marked "suitable for synchronized boxes" (For example, Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90).

How often do I change the oil if I only drive around town?

Urban mode with frequent starts/stops and traffic jams is considered heavy for the box. In this case, it is better to reduce the replacement interval to 50,000–60,000 km, even if the oil looks clean.

What to do if a hum appears after changing the oil?

The reasons may be different:

  • 🔹 Oil filled wrong viscosity (too thick for your climate).
  • 🔹 Already in the box bearings are worn out, and the new oil simply washed away the deposits that previously muffled the noise.
  • 🔹 Insufficient oil level (check and add if necessary).

If the hum does not go away after 200-300 km, contact a mechanic for diagnosis.

Do I need to flush the transmission when changing the oil?

Flushing is required in three cases:

  1. If the old oil black or with large chips.
  2. If you change oil type (for example, with GL-5 on GL-4).
  3. If the box bought used and service history is unknown.

For washing, use special compounds (for example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger) or fresh oil, which is then drained.

Which oil is better for winter: 75W-80 or 75W-90?

For most regions of Russia the optimal option 75W-80 — it thickens less in cold weather and makes cold starting easier. 75W-90 suitable for hot climates or if the box already has increased wear (thicker oil “holds” pressure better).