Thread: Puma Gearbox oil, what to use?

Ultimately the manufacturers have determined through oil analysis what works, but there are so many variables in transmissions and no filtration that contaminant levels can become high relatively quickly.

I use Motul Gear 300 in my R380 and it was awfully soupy when drained after about 30,000km or so.
If I could be arsed I could could test it, but at $30/litre it's easier to just replace.

In the same gearbox a number of us have found Castrols well regarded Syntrans 75W-85 is at the end of its useful life @ 20,000km. Shifts start deteriorating indicating the additive package is becoming depleted and/or the fluid is becoming sheared.

The same fluid is manufacturer approved for 400,000km in certain Volvo truck transmissions.
The R380 is a tiny compartment in comparison with a cast iron case, so doesn't dissipate heat well, etc.

POD is right, too, that Getrag would build the 'box and either they or Land Rover would have a fluid formulated to suit.

Funilly enough, IIRC Ford in the US now specify their DCT fluid for the similar Mustang 'box, moving away from a 75W-90.
That 'box might use different synchro's though and was built in China.

I remember JC commenting on the fluid state after dropping it in a couple of Tdci's and reckoning it was past its useful life at that point.

I'll try and dig the posts up.

Originally Posted by rick130

I agree, and it isn't so much the oil that's toast, it's the level of contaminants in the oil !

40,000km is the absolute upper limit IMO, anything more is pushing the friendship.

It's not sealed for life Rick,when I was using mine up north in extreme heat, 50+ degree's I changed it every 20K. Pat