Transaxle Maintenance

By Bob Lybarger

It is recommended to change the fluid yearly enabling you to check the magnetic drain plugs for foreign materials. I prefer Red Line Synthetic Gear Oils of 75W80 or 75W90 weight, although any brand name synthetic gear oil will work.

If your transaxle has not been rebuilt in the past four years, I have made gains in reducing the internal friction thus achieving a power gain at the rear wheels. You might consider discussing with me the possibility of having it rebuilt at this time or in the future. Many racers blame their engines for a lack of power when the true culprit could be in their gear box.

A test, you might try in the garage with the engine out, is as follows:

1. Engage the 3rd or 4th gear

2. With tires and wheels mounted on drums, spin both rear wheels in a forward direction using a moderate amount of force

3. Count the number of revolutions the tires make. This test should be done with an ambient air temperature of at least 55 degrees (the warmer, the better). They should rotate at least three or four revolutions in each gear. Any less is an indication of a possible problem.

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