Does the Gear Shift Mechanism Need Lubricating Oil?
2 Answers
The gear shift mechanism generally does not require lubricating oil. The specific details of the gear shift mechanism are as follows: Generally, the gear lever does not require special lubrication: Regular maintenance is sufficient. It is generally recommended to replace the transmission oil every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. If the ball joint at the base of the gear lever is too tight or stuck, a small amount of lubricating grease can be applied to provide lubrication. Manual transmission gear shifting issues can be divided into the following situations: In winter, low temperatures may cause the gear shifting to feel less smooth. In this case, no action is needed, and the issue will resolve once the vehicle warms up. If the vehicle speed and gear position do not match, you can increase the engine speed by blipping the throttle to improve the success rate of gear engagement. If the gear shift mechanism shows signs of aging, it is necessary to perform maintenance.
Absolutely needs lubrication! Those mechanical components under the shift lever are constantly rubbing against each other. Without lubricant, it's like a bicycle chain without oil – it'll start squeaking or even seize up after prolonged use. I've seen many older cars with stiff shifting, and when taken apart, they're full of metal shavings from dry friction. For DIY maintenance, just apply regular white grease to the shift lever ball joint and linkage joints, but don't overdo it to avoid attracting dust. If you drive a manual, the shift cable joints also need regular lubrication, otherwise shifting will become extremely stiff. Although automatic transmission shift mechanisms are better sealed, the gear meshing areas still require grease protection. Have the mechanic check it during routine maintenance to avoid being stranded due to sudden shifting failure.