I've been noticing over the past week or three that my 03 is getting harder to shift. It's been a good while since I've done an trany oil change so I checked locally to see if my auto part store had the stuff to do it. They have a synthetic gear oil (I don't know the brand) that is 70w-90, is it ok to use that or should I order it online and wait?

 

Amsoil MTG

 

I use Pennzoil Sycromesh. I have had in mine for almost 30k with no problems. Before when I had the factory fill I had the fifth gear grind at high rpms and it was hard to shift into 1st from 2nd when the trans was cold. I don't track my car or anything but do run hard now and then. You can find it at Advance Autoparts if they are around you.

 

You dont want to use a brand that you are not sure of in any evo drivetrain component. People have had issues with tcase/tranny rear diff due to incorrect fluid. You can search and see what brands are proven to be ok.

 

I ordered some new trany oil for it, but the problem is getting worse rather quickly. The shifter is reluctant to go into gear hot or cold, and I almost can't get it into reverse at all. With the car sitting on a level surface it will roll slightly forward or backward when I push the shifter into forward or reverse with the clutch in. There's no grinding noise, tho there is a very small sound as I let out the clutch (a faint rattle and a small squeek); it is an 03 with 116k miles.

Is this the old oil telling me to change it or is it a real mechanical problem? The car power off will happily go into any gear, start the motor and 1-4 are usually stiff (but not always) and reverse is very hard.