There are several signs that the lubricant in the gearbox needs to be changed. But not all of them allow us to diagnose the need to change the oil in an automatic transmission. According to international standards, the lubricant is changed every 50-60 thousand kilometers along with the filter. And after such a mileage, car owners turn to a service station, where they are offered to undergo a procedure to replace the lubricant.
In this case, the services offered are conditionally divided into complete and partial replacement. A complete change means completely removing used oil, flushing the engine and filling in new oil. A simpler process is partial fluid replacement. It does not require flushing, the old oil is mixed with the new, but at the same time the operation of the automatic transmission becomes noticeably smoother. In some cases, it is preferred, since after a complete replacement there may be problems with the correct operation of the automatic transmission.
The problem may occur as a result of exposure to transmission flush products. If a car has traveled more than 100 thousand kilometers on one oil, then deposits will certainly form inside it, which, when cleaned, can clog the oil channels. As a result, the box may overheat and fail. Therefore, if there is a need for a maximum change, then it is better to make several partial replacements every 300 kilometers. This will not be as effective as a complete oil change in a Renault Duster 4x4 transmission, allowing you to remove only up to 75% of the old oil. In manual transmissions, unlike automatic transmissions, a complete oil change is recommended.
The manufacturer provides a guarantee for the entire life of the automatic transmission when replaced according to the regulations - every 50-60 thousand kilometers. In practice, in most cases this allows you to increase the resource by 150-200%. To carry out work, it is better to contact a specialized service station that has the necessary equipment.
To change the lubricant in a mechanical transmission, you will need a lift or inspection hole and a simple set of tools:
- Syringe for filling
- Processing container
- Tetrahedron
- Oil 3 liters.
To change the oil in a Renault Duster 4x4 gearbox, you need to follow a few simple steps:
After carrying out the work, it is necessary to check the box after 70-100 kilometers. If there are leaks, the problem must be corrected.
The drain plug gasket has article number 77 03 062 062. The cost of the part is quite low, so when replacing the lubricant, it is better to immediately replace it with a new one. 
Why is there a need for change?
Renault Duster 4x4 transmission oil, like any other, is a complex product consisting of a large number of additives to achieve frost resistance, good lubrication characteristics, etc. But under the influence of heavy loads, overheating and wear of parts occurs. This leads to the separation of the lubricant into fractions and sedimentation.
Therefore, for any work, such as changing the oil seal or drive, it is better to make a complete replacement. To do this, you need 3 liters with a viscosity of 75W-80. The Renault Duster transmission uses different types of products for lubrication. For the gearbox and transfer case, you must use 80W-90.
is not the first mass crossover, but its predecessor, the compact SUV Renault Koleos, went unnoticed. Largely due to the oversaturation of the European market with off-road vehicles. To rectify the situation, the French decided to start producing a cheaper, but no less reliable car. And they succeeded - Renault Duster, assembled at a Romanian plant, turned out to be more in demand. Its production started in 2010, and a year later the model was launched at the Moscow Avtoframos plant. The popularity of the domestically assembled crossover is largely due not only to its relatively low cost, but also to the ability to carry out minor repairs and maintenance of the car with your own hands. In particular, such an operation, like the Renault Duster rear axle gearbox, does not require specialized tools and high professionalism of the performers.
Procedure for changing oil in the gearbox and transfer case of Renault Duster.
Replacement frequency
According to the data given in the manual, the transmission fluid in the rear axle gearbox and transfer case does not need to be replaced throughout the entire life of the vehicle. However, even a non-specialist understands that this is nothing more than a marketing ploy. Indeed, even in European countries, where the quality of highways is incomparable to our roads, this operation is performed quite often for a variety of reasons. In domestic conditions, it is recommended to change the oil in the Renault Duster gearbox and transfer case every 75 thousand kilometers, especially with an aggressive driving style and difficult operating conditions of the vehicle.
Which oil to choose
The manufacturer fills the transfer case and rear gearbox of Renault Duster at the factory with mineral 80W90, which meets the API GL-5 specification (pour point - minus 27 degrees). Since such a temperature range is clearly not enough for a significant part of our country, it should be replaced with semi-synthetic transmission fluid Syn Fe 75W90 from the same manufacturer, which can operate normally at temperatures down to minus 50 degrees. The filling volume of the rear gearbox, according to the manual, is 0.55 liters; 0.4 liters are poured into the transfer case. Thus, regardless of what acceptable oil is poured into the Renault Duster transfer case and gearbox, it is enough to purchase a liter jar of fluid (if you do not simultaneously change the lubricant in the gearbox).
Checking the oil level
Unfortunately, underfilling of transmission fluid is possible even in factory conditions. This situation has become more and more common lately, so regularly checking the oil level in the rear gearbox and transfer case should become a habit for every owner of this crossover. Determining how much oil is in the gearbox and transfer case of a Renault Duster is not difficult; this operation will take you no more than 10 - 15 minutes if you provide convenient access at the bottom of the car. It is enough to unscrew the filler hole of each unit and make sure that the liquid reaches its lower edge. If not, add until it starts to flow out.
Regulations for changing the oil in the transfer case and gearbox of Renault Duster
If, when you next check the lubricant level, you find that its color is too dark, this may be the basis for replacing the transmission fluid, regardless of how many kilometers you have driven since the previous change. Sequence of actions for a Renault Duster car:
The procedure for Renault Duster is slightly different:
Since this operation is performed quite rarely in the absence of transmission fluid leaks, it is likely that you will have to perform it at intervals of two to three years.
During the operation of an all-wheel drive vehicle, there comes a time when the car enthusiast asks the question: “What’s wrong with the fluids in the transfer case and rear gearbox.” This issue did not pass over the duster drivers either.
According to the statement of the automaker and the maintenance rules, oil changes in the Renault Duster transfer case and rear gearbox are not performed throughout the entire operation of the vehicle. These rules apply mainly to Europe with its excellent roads. In domestic realities, car owners replace the transmission in the transfer case and gearbox on average every 30,000 km. But it all depends on the operating conditions. Some, in particularly difficult conditions, change them at 20,000-25,000 km.
Replacement Regulations
So, when should you change the oil in the transfer case and rear axle of Renault?
- When you reach a certain mileage on one replacement. Each car enthusiast will determine his own mileage limit.
- If traces of leaks are found on the bridge or transfer case. In this case, the fluid level may drop to a critical level and will have to be topped up or changed completely.
Oil selection
According to the Renault automaker, 4x4 Renault Duster oil - ELF TranselfFE 80W-90 - should be poured into the transmission. To the gearbox - 0.75 l, to the transfer case - 0.25 l. Those. One 1 liter package should be enough. But if you make the replacement yourself, it is advisable to stock up on a large amount because... overflows are possible. You can, of course, fill in oil with similar characteristics. In this case, only a full shift is performed.
Changing the oil in the Renault Duster gearbox
When replacing fluid in a Renault Duster gearbox, a car enthusiast can go in two ways:
- Contact a specialized oil change service. There they will carry out all the work to replace the fluid in both the rear axle and the transfer case. The total service replacement time will be about 30 minutes. The price of the issue will be from 500 rubles to infinity.
- Carry out the replacement yourself. This method is not for everyone to tinker with the insides of the car. And if the car enthusiast has the skills and capabilities.
In the first case, everything is clear and understandable. All that is required is money and time. In the second case, you will need a set of tools and not crooked hands.
Required tools when carrying out work on your own:
- A syringe or other device for filling;
- Container for processing;
- Hex key for plug;
All operations can be performed without lifting the car. But it is advisable to use an overpass.
The process of changing the oil in the gearbox yourself consists of the following operations.
Drain the oil
The first step is to remove the gearbox protection (if there is one). The gearbox has filler and drain holes. Carefully unscrew the filler plug with a hexagon and check the oil level with a dipstick.
Attention: Be careful not to damage the plug gasket. Otherwise you will have to look for a new one.
If the transmission fluid is within normal limits and there were no plans for a complete change, tighten the plug. This concludes the process.
For a complete change, you need to unscrew the drain plug and place a container for used oil. When the liquid has completely drained, you can clean the gearbox with a vacuum pump. The pump will collect the remaining waste oil.
Flushing
The washing operation is optional, but recommended. It is necessary to flush the gearbox when changing the oil brand. A special wash is sold at a car dealership. The process of draining the rinse is identical to the drain described above.
Filling oil
After completing the previous operations, close the drain hole. Using a large syringe with a curved tip, pour the required amount of liquid through the filler hole. You can use various devices to perform this operation. The most popular and affordable is a plastic bottle with a 1-1.5 meter hose.
Transmission fluid is poured to the edge of the drain hole. Next, tighten the plug and wipe off any leaks that have arisen.
This completes the process of changing the oil in the gearbox.
Changing the oil in the transfer case
Changing the oil in the Renault Duster transfer case itself is simple and does not require special skills.
Replacement steps:
- Partially unscrew the protection (back part);
- Remove the front right wheel for full access to the technological holes of the transfer case (you don’t have to remove it, but then access will be difficult);
- Unscrew the filler and drain plugs;
- Drain the transmission through the drain hole.
- Screw in the drain plug. It is advisable to change the plug gasket;
- Fill the transmission through the filler (control) hole;
- Screw in the filler plug. It is advisable to change the plug gasket;
- Screw on the protection;
- Put the wheel in place.
And the manual transmission on a Renault Duster car should not be changed throughout the entire life of the car.
Changing the oil in a Renault Duster manual transmission (tool)
Required:
- Syringe for filling.
- Container for used oil.
- Square for removing plugs.
- Oil.
Replacement process
- The car must be driven into a pit and the engine protection must be removed.
- Unscrew the plug on the hole intended for checking the oil level in the box.
Unscrew the plug for checking the oil level in the manual transmission
- Unscrew the drain plug.
Drain plug marked red arrow
- Wait until the oil has completely drained from the unit.
Drain the oil into a container
- New oil must be poured through the hole to check the level. Its level should be at the bottom edge of the hole.
- Tighten the plug.
- It is recommended to replace the sealing rings on the plugs during work.
After filling the oil and driving the car for 50-70 kilometers, you again need to check the oil level in the manual transmission and the presence of leaks. If flaws are found, they should be eliminated.
O-ring part number
O-ring for drain plug
77 03 062 062 — gasket for the oil pan drain plug. Cost at the time of writing = 27 rubles.
Ring and plug in the diagram
When might it be necessary to change the gearbox oil?
If you need to carry out certain work on the machine, for example, replace the drive oil seal, then you will need to drain the oil from the box. Also, if the car is used for a long time in difficult conditions or with high mileage, the transmission fluid will also need to be replaced.
Although the regulations say that the oil is endless, this is how it looks after a mileage of 45,000 km
The car can be equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 5- or 6-speed manual. Consider the process of changing the oil on the manual transmission version.
What kind of oil should I use?
For your information!. Volume – 0.55 and 0.38 liters, respectively.
Level check
If oil leaks appear on the vehicle's gearbox during operation, be sure to check its level. There is a hole on the front of the box housing, which is intended for checking the oil level in the box itself. It is closed with a threaded plug. To check the oil level, you need to drive the car into a pit or raise it, remove the engine protection and unscrew the plug on the gearbox housing. The oil level should be near the bottom edge of the hole. If it is less, then you should top it up. After completing this procedure, if necessary, you need to replace the o-ring on the plug and tighten it.
The replacement should take place according to the regulations every 100 thousand kilometers, because the oil in the Renault Duster gearbox becomes thicker over time and loses its properties, so the friction of the parts increases, they begin to overheat, which leads to faster failure.
To change the oil in the gearbox, you need to lift the car or place it on an inspection pit/overpass. After this, the drain plug is unscrewed. A hex wrench is used for this. The cork is marked in the photo. Before unscrewing, it is necessary to place a waste container with a volume of at least 2 liters under the hole.
Old oil may be darker in color, even black, because over time it can decompose into fractions and change its properties during operation. You also need to immediately stock up on a new O-ring so that you can install it immediately after replacement. Otherwise, a leak may appear in this place.
The gearbox on the Renault Duster is designed in such a way that during the replacement process it is not possible to drain everything completely, without using a vacuum hose. Therefore, you need to take a hose, rest one end against the gearbox, and connect the other end to a vacuum pump (or suck air through your mouth). You need to use a hose of sufficient length, and also have time to turn off the pump in time so that no oil gets into it.
It is also important to remember that cold oil has a high viscosity, and draining it will be problematic. Therefore, it is better for the Renault Duster transfer case to warm up; to do this, you need to drive the car for 10-15 minutes at low speed.
We wash the distributor.
To do this, it is better to use a special washing liquid. It drains in the same way.
Fill in new oil.
This is best done with a long hose and funnel. Oil is poured until its level reaches the edge of the drain hole. After this, you need to immediately screw in the plug and wipe away any traces of leaks.
This method may seem more complicated to some, but it allows you to do without a lift and inspection hole. A large syringe is used for this. It is sold in pharmacies and its usual purpose is to rinse the ears.
Work order:
Why is an oil change required?
Despite the fact that the manufacturer in the regulations does not give recommendations for changing the oil, citing the fact that it cannot be replaced during its entire service life, in our climate it still has to be changed. It is also necessary to check the oil level, because sometimes there is underfilling at the factory. Usually it is small and uncritical, but over time as a result of production it decreases even more.
Selecting oil for the gearbox.
Recommended gear oil with viscosity 75W-90. The additives used allow it not to freeze at -50 degrees and maintain the required viscosity. 
To change, you need no more than 1 liter of oil.
Gearbox protection.
Renault Duster rear gear protection is usually not installed at the factory and is offered as an additional accessory. Installed on vehicles with all-wheel drive. Its body is made of aluminum alloy and is quite compact. But such material is quite fragile. When impacted, chips and cracks may immediately appear on it. Therefore, it is necessary to protect it from possible damage from stones, bumps and other obstacles. 
At the moment, a large number of models are produced from different manufacturers. You can find the most appropriate solution either in a dealer’s showroom or in an online store or market.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the installation method and the thickness of the metal. It must be at least 4 millimeters to provide optimal protection. 
The protection on Renault Duster is installed using the fasteners included in the kit. Some protection is equipped with special rubber inserts that serve as shock absorbers between the protection and the body.
To attach the protection to the rear gearbox of a Renault Duster, you need to assemble a kit, as shown in the figure above. To do this, we insert the bolts into special tubular inserts. Then the entire assembly is screwed into standard mounts on the gearbox.
Installation of this model is quite simple; the selected Renault Duster gearbox protection, if there is a lift or inspection hole, can be installed in 5-10 minutes.
There is an opinion that this method of protection can damage the gearbox housing in the event of a strong impact. But, in practice, protection using a different type of fastening can bend greatly upon impact, which also does not prevent damage.
