Renault Clio - Gearbox Oil Change

[@Parknest]

I'm in the middle of a clutch change on an identical Clio. I removed the left hand driveshaft and most if not all the gearbox oil came out. This video is really helpful and I know exactly what to do when it comes to refilling the gearbox oil. The Clio I'm working on has the plastic cover for the gear linkage. The clutch can be changed without removing the subframe but you will need to lower it to cheat yourself enough room to get the clutch out. I've only got as far as putting the new clutch in (old one was defintiely toast) and I've put about 6 hours into the job so far. Just need to put the gearbox back on and button everything else up.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Very nice! How many miles had the clutch lasted? When the one on this Clio starts to slip I will make a video for it and will probably remove the subframe, people may want to see that for changing the box itself. The drivers side driveshaft comes out with no oil loss but the passengers dumps it all. Sometimes the ABS reluctor rings break on the shafts and you always hope its the drivers side one.

[@Parknest]

The Clio has 89K miles and the clutch was a Valeo one so it was most likely the original from new. It is possible to change the clutch without removing the subframe completely. My video will be out at the end of this month (December 2022 for those reading this in the future).

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I'll definitely drop by and give that a watch and a like.

[@davidbennett906]

An excellent easy to follow procedure, well done. I've recently acquired a 2006 Clio 16v 1.4 Dynamique with 63,000 miles, so I'm going to get the gear oil changed at the next service. If I was younger I'd be doing it myself as I always used to do, but at 76 (and no garage) it'll have to be the local independent lol! But I'll be making sure to get the ELF oil you mention, so that it a very useful bit of information. Thank you and good luck with your channel.

[@rodman417]

Hey! I also have this beauty, 1.2 16V here in Spain. Thanks for uploading this videos, very helpful. Looking forward for your review of this oil swap on the next videos.. keep it up!

[@mullemeck2240]

Accidentally pulled one of the driveshafts out so now i need to change the transmissionfluid. Thanks for the video, helped alot!

Was it the left side by any chance? That weird driveshaft boot arrangement is a pain😂

[@mullemeck2240]

Yes indeed, was suppose to change the lower balljoint.

[@D.rinne01]

...I have a Clio III 1,2 16V /75hp from December /2013 ...now with 105.000 Kilometer..its a car with manuel Gearbox... Like next time also change the Gearboxoil.....I will take the same Oil like in your Video....i hope thats correct, because I still not find the number on the gearbox .........I learn a lot from your videos...thanks for that...greetings from Germany and sorry for my bad English.

[@ryanwooldridge7546]

I've jacked in my 182 for a suitably up to date car now but still had to check this out for nostalgia, top video as always 👍

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Them sweet nostalgia views!

[@mertg.4933]

Greetings from Turkey. Great videos for D4F and others... 🖐🖐

[@sleekitwan]

FYI…we have just had the syncromesh go on 2nd gear and third might be a bit iffy too. 143,000 miles, now in August 2023. The gearbox oil was changed once at about 87k miles when the clutch was replaced. Having since looked up manual shift syncromesh, I now understand these are just on an inevitable path of decline and wear, but a clever and interesting design. Not only does this technology match gear speeds, but it also BLOCKS the gearchange if the syncromesh has not functioned/meshed properly. I realise, the first half of the gearstick movement, meshes the syncromesh teeth/wheels [EDIT: in fact there is a cone-shape to the synchro rings, which first gets things to matching speed], and the second half of the movement gets blocked if the meshing of the syncromesh teeth did not occur as planned. Hence, classic symptoms, are you can move the gearstick halfway into the troublesome gear position, but have FORCE it the second half of the movement, and of course are rewarded with a crunch of gear teeth (not syncromesh teeth). I am told, you can ‘double declutch’ to fudge the change, but we’ve never done that. Thanks for the vid, take care all.

[@Iolis]

Many thanks Sockets, Thats really helped me out,

[@georgehuser4711]

The torque spec for the gearbox plug should be 24 nm, but as you said tightening just enough by hand works fine. I'll have to change the oil in my clio 1.4 16v because I'm pretty sure that it's the original oil. And also in my laguna 2 2.0 turbo which has pk6 manual gearbox and that's pain in a butt to change the oil in it. Really enjoyed this vid. Great job as always!

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I looked for it but couldn't find it in time, engine sump is 20 nm so I would have guessed around there. This box is a piece of cake to get to on the 1.2... good luck on yours.

[@MILITARY1231]

24 nm are you sure. Its not a head bolt.

[@robsmithracing]

@@SocketsAndSideburnshave you got a video on changing a wheel bearing?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

@@robsmithracing Rear one I assume? One will be coming.

[@robsmithracing]

@@SocketsAndSideburns rear or front mate

[@jasonjudd8656]

Great and easy ti follow . Have you ever done a Renault Grand scenic auto box? Are they just as easy to do . Would you have any ideas or any videos I can follow ?

[@tomg5187]

Thank you mate seriously!

[@farerse]

another brilliant job!

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Thanks, appreciate the support.

[@blessinghlongwa2245]

Thanks brother, very informative

[@alistairmscott]

My 2005 1.2 16v has developed a REALLY loud constant noise that drowns out the engine at anything over 30mph. It is definitely road speed related, rather than gear or engine speed related, as you can dip the clutch and take it out of gear and idle the engine at 60mph and the noise is still there. All gears change smoothly, clutch is 20k miles old and overall the car has has much more spent on it than it's worth before I bought it this year. No bearing noises that I can hear and the wheels seem solid on the hub, no loss.l of steering feel or vibrations anywhere. Just a god awful noise at speed. I'm starting to think differential/driveshaft issue but could it just be that the gbox is low needs changing? Original oil as far as I know? Did 100 miles today with no loss of power and no indication that the engine was working harder than it should, but Christ it was noisy!

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

An interesting one. To be honest if it is the gearbox and the noise is as bad as you describe then I doubt changing the oil would help as its probably way to far gone. If you want to try that I'd use a cheap oil. Usually on the Clio's noise such as you describe is the rear wheel bearings but if you cant hear anything from them jacked up spinning them then I doubt its that. Here is what I would check to start, tyres, all four, any uneven wear, lumps ect. CV joints, make sure boots are not split of displaced then spin each front wheel at both steering lock positions. Also I'd check torque on hubnuts, if they come loose they cause this. Let us know how it goes.

[@alistairmscott]

@@SocketsAndSideburns I'll keep you posted. Don't really drive it much, it was literally a cheap throw away run around for 500 quid, but I've got some spare time in about 10 days. I'll go over it as you suggest and let you know what I turn up... Thanks for the reply, I've done a few odds and ends to it thanks to your videos, you've been really helpful.

[@alistairmscott]

@@SocketsAndSideburns turns out it was both off side hub bearings. Couldn't hear them spinning the wheels jacked up but with a stethoscope you could hear the grinding. Noise probably exacerbated by very old tyres that are a bit perished and cracking but I'll limp those along for as long as I can as the tread is still good. 2 new bearings fitted and I can hear the engine and radio again!

[@carnstuff889]

Thanks this was super helpful!

[@Nunohobbies]

Great video! I need to change the oil in my clio gearbox in the near future. It helped a lot to know where to fill and how much oil to put.

[@tomg5187]

Thank you so much pal!

[@craigmorganemancipateyours123]

Hey S&S! Any ideas on how to remove a stubborn, gearbox fill plug? Ive doused it in silicone grease but seems stuck in there and not much purchase for undoing! Cheers and happy tinkering.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I'm amazed ones managed to seize in. The person before you must have really had some serious finger strength. As they are plastic I'm afraid you might have to destroy it to get it off. You can get replacements easy enough. What I'd try is if you can tap a tight fitting torx or hex bit into that hole in the centre. Might grip enough to break it loose. If that fails punch and hammer job I'm afraid.

[@2fly4WiFi]

HI Sideburns & Sockets what a great video you have made! Fantastic resource. Could you please give me your professional insights into a 2014 Clio whose 2nd gear sounds 'scratchy & dry'... 1st into 2nd and 3rd down to 2nd. Does this sound serious/dangerous or does she simply need a gearbox oil change? I'd greatly value your advice. Thank you!

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

If the noise is very noticeable then an oil change is unlikely to fix the problem. The second and fourth gear on this Clio have a distinct whirring noise compared to the other gears which the oil change made no difference on.

[@connormccredie6984]

Great video, you have been so helpful. Thank you very much 👍 👍

[@tomdud1259]

Good morning I would like to ask if you could recommend a replacement oil for NFJ from the video. Supposedly, the replacement was NFP, but it is no longer available. The vehicle is a Renault Twingo 2 from 2009. The gearbox is JB1525. The engine is marked D4F772, the technical type of the vehicle is CN0A. There are companies that recommend Fuchs Sintofluid 75W80 oil. However, some people on the Internet claim that Total Gear 8 75W80 can be used. I will be grateful for any answer Best regards

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Hello, yes I see that that oil has been discontinued and I will put a note in the description about it and leave a link to the new recommended oil. Tranself NFJ has now been replaced by Tranself NFX 75w it is approved for J type gearboxes. As I say in the video you could use an API GL-4 oil at the same grade also.

[@yeahgoood]

Great vids. Keep em coming.

[@jprmonteiro17]

Afternoon, First of all allow me to congratulate you for your channel, I have been watching your videos and they are very professional and helpful! Any chance you provide the following information please: -sump plug thread size, is it a m16? -gear box plug thread size -do you know the original make/reference for the brake fluid please? I have same model same year myself (left hand side driver though) :) Looking forward for more videos on Clio and for your reply.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Thankyou. The sump plug size is M16 yes. The gearbox drain plug is the same as the engine sump drain plug. I do not know what the original fluid for the braking system was but any DOT 4 fluid will be fine.

[@Largo5441]

Wooahh 120k Miles . İ changer 100k km . İ have a 03 1.5 dCi greetings from Türkiye

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Yeah 120k miles, if the clutch had gone I would have done it much sooner so I blame the clutch.

[@stevesalt2921]

Great job. I have a 2009 TCE 100 mk3 Clio with 112 thousand miles. It has developed a bit of a whir noise. Would you recommend changing the gearbox oil? My garage said it doesn't need doing, but I'm not convinced. Appreciate any advice.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

It would very much depend on under what conditions the noise is present. On this Clio it was only when 2nd and 4th gear are engaged, without fail. Since nothing else other than the internals in the box change what they are doing when engaged in a different gear I knew it must be the box. If you can get a good direction pointing towards the box all I will say is it certainly cant do any harm. As for opinions on changing lifetime fluids just remember there are just opinions. I couldn't find any info on a schedule for changing the box oil (for clio 2 or 3s) so it is likely to be a "lifetime" fluid. Personally I don't buy into lifetime fluids or long-life service schedules at all.

[@stevesalt2921]

@@SocketsAndSideburns Yes, I was skeptical when I was told you never have to change gearbox oil; it must deteriorate after a decade or more. I want to keep car going for years to come. The transmission doesn't whir more in specific gears. I think I'll try and do it myself. Looks simple, if a little awkward. Thanks for advice -- much appreciated.

[@kayumkhalifa2752]

around 3.4L oil used for gearbox

[@fatihb5868]

i have 2011 renault symbol/thalia 1.5 DCI Authentic. how much litre gearbox oil i must use?

[@82marius.]

A question... At Megane 4 2016. 1.5 110Cp automatic box Edc, does it change the same? In the service book it is not specified that it should be changed. Dry double clutch. Thanks

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

It will not be the same.

[@Fanatiekeling747]

Amazing video! How thick is the hose you can shove in? Also my clutch was replaced already.Should i expect the oil to have already been changed or was that not needed for replacement of the clutch?

[@alistairmscott]

I have a virtually identical car. The service history on mine includes a receipt for a clutch kit, which is just the plates and bearing, no mention of any oil on the receipt, so I'm assuming on mine at least there was no need to replce/refill any oil.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

The hose is quite big, normal hosepipe should fit in fine. If the clutch was done the gearbox oil will have been drained as you need to remove the passenger side driveshaft which requires the oil to be drained. They could have reused the old oil but I'd be amazed if they had.

[@alistairmscott]

@@SocketsAndSideburns there is video on KZbin of a clutch removal on a Mk2 Clio where the shaft is disconnected from the hub end, balljoints, etc disconnected and the suspension swung out of the way, just giving enough room to split the box from the engine and access the clutch. He has confirmed this resulted in no loss of oil. That's exactly how changed the clutch on an old Fiesta, it seems to be possible with Mk2 Clios as well.

[@bethbrookes9654]

Hi I need any help I can get. It’s a 2007 Renault Clio. My gear box oil was leaking and we think it was the drive shaft seals. We replaced those filled the gear box oil back up and I go to start the car and it’s not starting not even from a jump start. What could be wrong?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

You have checked the battery first? Dash lights up when key turned? I don't think any wiring needs disconnecting for driveshaft seals on these so it probably won't be a forgotten earth or anything. Nobody slipped into a wiring harness with a prybar or screwdriver or anything?

[@thokozanimtshali2886]

Hi., my clio's rubber next to where you've opened for oil realesed, is damaged and I want to know if the damage won't affect the gears? Or the car performance if not replaced?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I think you mean the boot that protects the gear linkage. It is there for a reason, to stop dirt and water getting in. However I would think you will struggle to source a replacement.

[@stephentate1999]

Hi Is this filling hole in the same place for a 07 year renault kangoo van gearbox i believe clio and kangoo share same gearbox

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

It depends, what engine is fitted to the Kangoo?

[@richardb5298]

I bought the key. But what is the copper ring diameter to buy

[@rantzzzrantzzz2568]

Great videos. Would this process be the same for a Renault modus 1.2 petrol 54 plate please?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

It isn't the same box so you should check oil type and quantity but the procedure should be similar.

[@danielezaghi2722]

🔝

[@bolajilavoro-lr6gp]

Hello ,thank you for this video, but my question is is this automatic or manual gear box?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Manual

[@vanadium1595]

In what condition is your heater matrix/radiator? If its leking do you plan to change it and make a video? I have a leaking matrix and dont know how to disasemble the dash board etc...

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I'm afraid it's in good condition. It may be a video I get to in the future but I have a few others to get through first.

[@646348729vbfgdjeis]

Hi. I have a Clio Mk2 1.2 16v Automatic. It has 104,000 miles and I suspect it needs a gearbox oil change. Is the procedure the same as this video? Thank you.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I'm afraid changing the auto box fluid is much more involved than this. The good news is that the fluid is meant to be a lifetime fluid. Why do you suspect it needs changing?

[@balintbogdan3781]

My clio 2003 1.4 16v AUTOMATIC...... DOES THIS WORK PROCESS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AS WELL? thanks

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

No it will not work.

[@zygmuntburza1755]

Hello, I'm going to change the oil in the gearbox of a Clio 2002 1.2 16V D4F engine. Will this oil be good? Elf Tranself NFX 75W and how many liters should I buy? Thanks for the tip

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

That is the correct oil now yes. I have a link for it in the description of the video. You will need 5 litres.

[@zygmuntburza1755]

@@SocketsAndSideburns can it be other than Elf? for example MANNOL Unigear 75W-80 GL-4/GL-5

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Since the only spec listed on the Tranself products for this box is GL-4 then yes I think if you get an oil to meet that spec you will be fine.

[@davidbennett906]

Did you find any improvement in the transmission noise you mentioned, after using fresh oil?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Unfortunately not, the noise in 2nd and 4th gear remains. However the box is 1000s of miles further along now and still going strong. I'm not sure how much longer the original clutch can possibly last now though.

[@davidbennett906]

Thanks for the reply. Good to know the clutch is still holding up after that considerable mileage. As a recent Clio owner I've been wondering how long my own clutch is likely to last (it's currently done 63'000 miles). It seems fine at the moment, with the only minor worry being a slight judder in first when starting off from cold, which disappears after about 5 miles when the engine has warmed up. I've discovered (after googling) this seems to be a common issue with a lot of manufacturers and not just Renault, and I'm inclined to believe it's down to condensation being present on the clutch mating surfaces. Wondering if you've experienced this or have any thoughts about it. Thanks again for a great channel btw.

[@_MD80]

Is the plug and crush washer the same size as the one used on the engine oil sump?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Yes it is.

[@_MD80]

@@SocketsAndSideburns thank you 👍🏻

[@_MD80]

What diameter of tubing did you use to fit into the gearbox to fill it?

[@sidesaddle001]

Did changing the gearbox oil help? Really need to know this

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

It will certainly help the gearbox live longer. It did not reduce the noise in second and fourth gear however, but the noise isn't loud at all anyway. If you have a very pronounced grind changing the oil is unlikely to help.

[@djcriss9778]

hey nice video! do you know the copper crush washer measures? I need to buy one to replace that :/

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Thankyou. I believe 16mm ID 22mm OD.

[@guraykaraca450]

Selam, Çok teşekkürler arkadaşım

[@JohnnyMx-y8g]

Hi, and what about Dacia Logan MCV2 , 1.2(D4F) 54 kW? Is it same like in this case? Thnx

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

If it has the JB1 gearbox fitted then it should be.

[@JohnnyMx-y8g]

ok thanks , im gonna have a look at it @@SocketsAndSideburns

[@richardslaiter3030]

Hi, do you know if the Renault Kangoo has the same system or gear box?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I made a video showing where you can find the gearbox stamp. The one in this video is a JB1.

[@richardslaiter3030]

@@SocketsAndSideburns Thankyou.

[@casperSQ]

Hello, sorry if my question is not related to this video, iv got a Renault Clio 3 2010 1.2, i would like to change the fuel filter but i can find it, so now I'm wondering if is inside the fuel tank or if is even possible to change it. Thanks in advance

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

That is fine. Petrol models of the Clio 3 do not have a serviceable fuel filter. On early Clio 2 models (pre June 2001) there was a fuel filter fitted to the front of the fuel tank. On later model Clio 2 and also 3s the filter is in the tank as part of the fuel feed unit and is not a service item.

[@casperSQ]

@@SocketsAndSideburns Ah ok wow, strange, so if the filter is clogged there is no way to fix that unless using some kinda of petrol sistem cleaner. Thanks for answering, continue with the videos, those are really helpful!!

[@dycars8443]

Hi, I have a 2009 Renault Clio I tried to drain the transmission oil but 1st I tried to unscrew the filler plug it won't open its really tight. It's a white plastic the one I have luckily I tried that one 1st before I drain the oil of the gearbox. Maybe you have advice how can I open it I tried to spray dw40 still won't open. I watch how people open it it easy in their cars. Thanks

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Sometimes trying to tighten it first can help, it doesn't even need to move. Just a little force to tighten then loosen again and again. WD40 could make this situation worse as its a rubberish seal and wd40 might make it swell and bond tighter. Also sounds stupid but make sure you are loosening, when on your back and looking above your head its easy to get threads backwards, happens to everyone. Failing all this I'm afraid you'll have to get aggressive. Grips will make a real mess of these, a punch very gently on the flats might work but you'd need to have done a lot of loosening with punching to gauge it right. Then grips after that. Might be an idea to buy a spare ready.

[@dycars8443]

@@SocketsAndSideburns thanks for your reply I will try again and I will buy a spare parts ready.

[@farerse]

This video helped me out filling the gearbox with new fluid! At 9:49 do you know on top of your head if that ground right next to the fill plug, goes directly to the battery ??

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I just checked, yes the one next to the fill plug is straight from the battery. The one above is the engine fuse box ground.

[@farerse]

@@SocketsAndSideburns thank you very much! As I expected, I did some major dissasembly on a friends car and forgot some minor details.. :)

[@MesfinTadesse-jq7el]

My friend how are you am good help me please 2010 Renault car gearbox damaged can I get with you please?

[@lukeomeara5196]

Hi, did this stop the whining noise afterwards?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

The noise did not really improve no. The same gearbox is still working in the car however.

[@daveyorkvh]

I have a 1.2 8v 2002. Will this method still work? Tia

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Yes it should be the same.

[@aevoguitars2576]

Good video

[@richardb5298]

What oil did u use

[@richarde9107]

Has anyone ever attempted this on a 172 / 182 cliosport?

[@alexandru8301]

hello..thanks first of all for posting this video..I wanted to ask you ... I changed the differential boot on my 1998 Renault Clio ... it is 1.2 petrol ... when I removed the boot and little oil came out ... I wanted to ask you ... is it possible that 3.4 liters of oil go and that it does both the function for the transmission and for the differential? and one more thing, can you please tell me where is the differential oil filler cap? a thousand thanks

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Is it a Clio 2 and a manual gearbox? If it is then I assume you have changed the inboard right hand driveshaft boot (looking at the front of the vehicle). When you pull this you will lose a little gearbox oil. This is the lubrication for the whole box, there is no separate oil. I would definitely top it up, just remove the filler plug (shown in video) and refill until it starts to come out.

[@alexandru8301]

@@SocketsAndSideburns got it..find it just right now.... thanks for answering me..have a great day

[@josemanuelugaldemanzo]

Does this solved the whining noise?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

The car went out on a run the other week ready for filming the next videos and yes happily the noise has gone.

[@kimmmn360]

Wich oil did you use for this?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Elf TRANSELF NFJ 75W-80

[@klepsidratech5557]

@@SocketsAndSideburns Haynes service manual also recommends that oil. But I couldn't find that oil anywhere locally, all the shops here in the Balkans tell me they don't have it in stock, it isn't produced anymore, and that I should get Elf TRANSELF NFX 75W which is supposed to supersede the NFJ. oilgroupbg.com/pdf/elf/elf-tranself-nfx-75w.pdf What's your opinion on that, is a 75W good replacement for 75w80, or I should keep searching for the NFJ?

[@aevoguitars2576]

This is a manual gearbox right?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Yes it is.

[@aaronjohnstone2800]

WTF with the name of the channel, his accent and him naming his car 😅

[@andrewedis9907]

I have one of these fun little cars 1.2005 1.2 16v but the engine warning flashes on when you're going up a steep hill on a cold engine. I'm thinking it's a fluid of some kind could it be gearbox oil?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I think a flashing engine light is to indicate and engine issue that is damaging to the catalytic converter. I would suggest seeing what stored codes are in the ECU. It won't be anything to do with the gearbox oil.

[@andrewedis9907]

@@SocketsAndSideburns It turned out to be low on brake fluid and that's what was causing the warning light. I topped it up and I can't see any leaks but if the issue returns I'll take it to a garage. I appreciate the help Sir.