Hi everyone, I'm a bit confused about this so wanted to get clarification. I bought another 86 rx7 recently and it makes a winding noise in 1st 2nd and 3rd gears. Nothing feels wrong and it shifts okay but thought id add or maybe replace all of the transmission fluid. My question is what is the easiest way to do this without any fancy tools or equipment? My confusion is because I've read you can add some from removing the shifter and also read you cannot. Also what would be best to add? Thank you

 

I've always used a cheap fluid siphon pump. They can be found at most any auto parts store. Either of these will work...

Amazon: Custom Accessories 36670 Fluid Pump One Quart

Amazon: Arnold 490-850-0008 Small Engine Siphon Pump


It seems that Redline MT-90 is pretty popular. I keep hearing that synthetic is the way to go in the gear box, though.

 

Check the Factory Service Manual for your car. It's probably available in a free download somewhere in the 2nd Gen. stickys.

Probably should let a 2nd Gen. owner chime in but I suspect it's not alot different than the 3rd Gen. cars. The shifter resevoir is NOT connected to the rest of the transmission. So you don't drain or refill the main body of the transmission from there.
For that there's probably a drain plug for the transmission which you access from under the car. Probably on the driver's side of the transmission case. Somewhere just above the drain plug will be a fill plug. Usually the fill plug has a simple square head with pipe thread. Again, check the FSM for specs to be sure, but your transmission probably requires 75w 90 GL-4 or 5 gear oil...available at any decent parts store. Remove the FILL PLUG FIRST. Then drain. Replace the drain plug and fill the transmssion to the level of the fill plug. Replace the fill plug but DON'T over-tighten. Your done. No fancy tools other than a cresent wrench and a socket for the drain plug.

The shifter resevoir sees far less stress, so as long as it's full it's probably fine. But as mentioned above, you can CAREFULLY use a syphon bulb to get the old oil out into a container. Then refill with the same fluid. Another glance at the FSM might be in order as it might specify grease on the shifter ball as well as sitting in the bath of gear oil. Since your working from the interior of the car, you just have to be really careful not to spill anything.

 

I drain the old oil out through the drain plug and siphon IN the new fluid through the fill plug. It's very simple.

 

The shifter housing part may contain particles of the shifter bushing ,so just make sure that it is sucked out and clear of debris.That debris can create havoc later.

 

Thx for replies. I will do it that way when I get some free time. As mentioned above however, does that whining sound I explained seem like its from needing the fluid replaced or do you think its throwout bearing? Mainly in 1,2 and 3 gear sounds like a winding sound.