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Autopapyrus · Lada Niva Travel (1st generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/lada/niva-travel/manual-transmission-oil-change-gen-1-2022/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Lada Niva Travel (1st generation): Manual Transmission Oil Change

The Niva Travel has a five-speed manual transmission that is separate from the transfer case, and the oil in each is changed separately. This guide covers only the manual transmission. Drain the oil while it is warm, and fill to the lower edge of the fill hole.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 40-60 minutes Steps: 12

Parts

2
№Part
01 75W-90 gear oil, API GL-4about 1.6-1.8 L (1.7-1.9 qt), semi-synthetic or synthetic
02 Drain/fill plug sealing rings or washersif the design uses them

Tools

6
  • inspection pit or lift
  • wrench or hex key for the transmission plugs
  • syringe or pump for filling oil
  • drain pan of at least 3 L (3.2 qt)
  • rags
  • torque wrench

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Drive for 5-10 minutes to warm up the transmission oil, then park the vehicle on a level surface, over a pit, or on a lift. Shift into neutral and set the parking brake. If the vehicle is on a lift, it must be perfectly level.
  2. Remove the skid plate (engine/transmission underbody shield) if it blocks access. Locate the fill plug on the side of the transmission case and the drain plug on the bottom. Do not confuse them with the plugs on the transfer case and the axle differentials.
  3. Clean the area around the plugs to remove dirt.
  4. Loosen the fill plug first. This confirms that you can open it and keeps you from being left with an empty transmission.
  5. Place the drain pan underneath and remove the drain plug. Let the oil drain completely, which takes 10-15 minutes.
  6. Inspect the plug. If it is magnetic, wipe off the metal particles. A fine film is normal. Large shavings or chunks indicate wear of the synchronizers or gears.
  7. Clean the plug, replace the sealing ring or washer if there is one, and install the drain plug. The tightening torque is approximately 25-35 N·m (18-26 lb-ft). Do not overtighten, because the threads are in an aluminum case. Check the exact value against the manufacturer's specification.
  8. Using a syringe or pump, pump fresh 75W-90 GL-4 oil in through the fill hole. Keep filling until oil begins to run out of the hole. That is the correct level. The vehicle must be level while you do this.
  9. Wait 2-3 minutes for the oil to settle and, if necessary, top up to the edge of the hole.
  10. Install the fill plug with the same torque of 25-35 N·m (18-26 lb-ft) and wipe any oil residue off the transmission.
  11. Drive for 5-10 minutes, shifting through all the gears. Then check the plugs for leaks and, if necessary, check the level again with the transmission cold.
  12. Reinstall the skid plate. Take the used oil to a collection point for recycling.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Do not fill with GL-5 gear oil or engine oil
  • GL-4 is recommended for synchromesh transmissions, and the aggressive additives in GL-5 can impair synchronizer operation
  • Do not overfill above the edge of the fill hole
  • The excess will escape through the breather and contaminate the transmission
  • Check the oil capacity and specification against the vehicle owner's manual, and the change interval against the service booklet
How it works · 3D How a Manual Transmission Works How the part you're working on actually works — in plain English, on a 3D model. Open in 3D →