Gearbox oil (Volvo) - OEM or third party

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Thu 24 Feb 2005 08:26
Gearbox oil (Volvo) - OEM or third party - jon_s
I need to change the gearbox oil in my 1998 Volvo S40 T4. Volvo do not recommend a viscosity rating or API spec, they simply state that their own fully-synthetic oil, costing 14 pounds/litre should be used. As money is tight, I am wondering if I can get away with using a third-party oil. I would welcome any advice on the following:

1. Should I play it safe and stick to OEM oil?
2. If I decide to go for third-party, how should I select which product to go for - simply buy the best fully-synthetic I can afford, or try to get a more detailed specification from Volvo as to what to use?

Thanks in advance for any and all help.
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Thu 24 Feb 2005 08:37
Gearbox oil - OEM or third party - Roger Jones
As with tyres, I wouldn't take any risks with such a crucial component. Deny yourself a few pints of ale and buy the Volvo lubricant or, maybe on reflection, take a look at

98012 GEARBOX OIL-SS75/90
500ml GENERAL USE-SYNTHETIC BASE £3.00

from GSF

www.gsfcarparts.com/

and make sure they guarantee it to be the correct lubricant.
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Thu 24 Feb 2005 13:47
Gearbox oil - OEM or third party - Stuartli
It's very similar to computer printer manufacturers claiming that using compatible third party products instead of their (very, very expensive) inkjet cartridge replacements, the smooth running and reliability of the printer is very likely to be compromised.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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Fri 25 Feb 2005 12:35
Gearbox oil (Volvo) - OEM or third party - oilman
To be honest, these are readily available oils, you just need to ensure that you match or exceed the required specs.

Cheers
Simon
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Fri 25 Feb 2005 17:42
Gearbox oil (Volvo) - OEM or third party - quizman
Oilman, my combine needs GL4 gearbox oil, and I have only got GL5. Will this be OK, or will it ruin the internal seals?
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Fri 25 Feb 2005 23:55
Gearbox oil (Volvo) - OEM or third party - Aprilia
This is a tricky one. I have come across this before - Volvo specify their part no. (1161423-7) but give no other specification. They sell it at an obscene price. I suspect a 75W-90S synthetic will be OK - but maybe check with the owners club or forum?
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Mon 28 Feb 2005 14:12
Gearbox oil (Volvo) - OEM or third party - oilman
If it specifies GL4 then use GL4.

GL5 is normally suitable for differentials as a rule.

Cheers
Simon
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