Hi all!

I'm getting ready to attempt my first MTF change at 76K (and first one that I've ever done myself). I've got a Helm service manual on the way - but I've got some time off from work, and would like to get the MTF changed before the manual gets here.

I have a 2008 Honda Fit Sport - Manual (USA)

Does anyone know the correct torque specs for the fill and drain bolts on the manual transmission? Please reference your information (source).

I'm using Honda MTF (2 bottles) and bought two new washers. I've got both a funnel with a long flexible tube, and a hand-pump that will fit on the MTF bottle. Whichever one works better. I've read to ensure that the fill bolt will come loose before getting started. I'll have the car up on 4 jack stands, and will be doing a oil change and tire rotation at the same time.

Any other first-timer advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

-Rob

 

From Honda's Fit Service Manual:

Drain Bolt: 39Nm
Fill Bolt: 44Nm

Most importantly, make sure the car is level on your jack stands for the fill level to be accurate.

For pouring, I used a funnel with flex tubing (and an acrylic extension). The wife held the funnel and poured while I watched the fill hole. The acrylic tubing extension wasn't exactly necessary but it did make it nicer on the wife since she didn't have to be leaning over the car while pouring.

 

Reminder, the torque that Honda spec's are with the fitment of NEW crush washers.

IMO new washers are not needed every time. (Although, it's always good to have a spare set of new crush washers on hand. My rule of thumb is, if there is a drip under the washer at the beginning of the service, it gets replaced.)

FWIW I've replaced the MTF on our '07 twice and the original crush washers are leak-free.

 

FWIW I re-used my washers as well last time I replaced my gear oil and torqued it to Honda's spec... still leak free after around 6 months now.

 

Thanks nekret and Carbuff2!!!

I went for it today. I bought two washers from Honda when buying the MTF - and one was the wrong size (drain) - so I ended up re-using the old one. I've re-used oil drain bolt washers before and never had a problem/leak either - but I just like to do things the "right" way.

I had my wife hold the top of the funnel and pour the MTF as well. I ended up with MTF everywhere - from both the drain and fill, but I guess that's part of trying it for the first time. I left the plastic under-car shielding attached during the drain, which I think was a mistake. I had to unfasten it to get the torque wrench onto the fill bolt properly.

My torque wrench has a 1/2 inch fitting, so I had to buy a 1/2 to 3/8 inch adapter to properly torque the drain bolt. (Is the drain bolt a 3/8 inch square on Canadian models or on the Jazz?)

The fluid that I drained was almost as clear as the new fluid going in, and I notice basically no difference in the shifting (it has always been butter-smooth). I'm really surprised - because my wife and I both drive the Fit like it's a little rally car sometimes.

The US version of the owner's manual has the few torque specs it does contain listed in ft-lbs, so I'm used to using ft-lbs on my wrench. So - I used:

29 ft-lbs for the Drain
33 ft-lbs for the Fill

It was a challenge getting a 1/2 inch torque wrench onto the fill bolt. I'll have to break-down and invest in a smaller torque wrench.

Again - thanks for the torque specs! My next adventure will be replacing the brake fluid!

- Rob