Hello!
Fairly new to posting here
Just had my car checked over and there appears to be a leak from somewhere around the transmission area
I believe it may be a hydraulic fluid leak but I don't know (I'm not really a mechanic)
Can anyone provide any info on where to pickup the correct fluid for an SMT car?
and also are there any recommended specialists who can find the leak and fix it for my car
Based around North West London, and willing to travel a decent distance if it means getting the right person to check and fix its problems in one go!
I've seen a few old threads and some of them on other forums / facebook. But I don't know if the fluid recommendations are up to date.
I am looking for a source for the right SMT fluid, and also a recommendation for someone to carry out the work to get the car right for a near future roadtrip.
Thank you
Midlands and East Coast MR2;
https://www.facebook.com/p/Midlands-East-coast-MR2-roadsters-61564612102452/?locale=en_GB (https://www.facebook.com/p/Midlands-East-coast-MR2-roadsters-61564612102452/?locale=en_GB)
Toyota SMT fluid, (if you can get it) is stupid-expensive. DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid is what is used by the experienced. I had to fix one with the help of the dedicated SMT people on facebook, after it came back 'dead' from a garage on the south coast that had in theory fixed it.
There's a guy called Carl Gommersal in Yorkshire, who can supply used parts for them -f'book group.
Quote from: rajid on March 30, 2026, 16:01Just had my car checked over and there appears to be a leak from somewhere around the transmission area
I believe it may be a hydraulic fluid leak but I don't know (I'm not really a mechanic)
The gearbox is like any other gearbox and uses normal transmission fluid. The SMT bits are additive to the gearbox and has its own fluid, but use what
@Gaz mr-s has suggested. Genuine Toyota SMT fluid is about £100+ per tin and isn't anything particularly special. Leaks are mostly likely from the GSA (Gear Shift Actuator) from the O-ring seals.
@cyclehead on this forum is your top guy for SMT queries.
@rajid This is what the forum still does best.
Serious question, proper informative replies.
When it comes to repairs we start at the cheap end and work up. Could just be an o ring.
We can also help you spend £'000s on modifications. ;D
Edit.
Good to see another SMT on here.
MR2 - Ben are out of stock!
Thanks guys
I've dropped a note to the cyclehead fella.
Hopefully he can help with some things.
In the meantime, if anyone knows of a garage that's closer to London than about 3hrs away, that could be very handy!
Just to be clear
I am not mechanically minded enough nor clue up or technical myself to carry out any work at home etc.
I just want to find the right person or people who can do this for me, and pay them for their time (and hopefully great knowledge and experience!)
Cheers
By the way, does anyone have the part number, barcode, or a link to the genuine Toyota fluid?
I am not confident on the brake fluid option, and can't be seen recommending it to any garage incase I then encounter issues relating to using that. For now id rather find the correct fluid if possible and try to keep it topped up (appears to be a soaking transmission area under the vehicle, but have never seen a patch or puddle where it's parked!)
Would like to try and top it up for now at the least, incase there is none/ not alot of fluid remaining in the reservoir.
@rajid As said Mr2 Ben are out of stock but there is a photo of the can, I can't label but maybe you can!
How about your local Toyota spares Dept. Or someone like Toyota on line.
https://www.mr2-ben.co.uk/products/711
Quote from: rajid on March 31, 2026, 17:33By the way, does anyone have the part number, barcode, or a link to the genuine Toyota fluid?
SMT Transmission Fluid:
Toyota part no. 08886-02206
Some reading:
SMT maintenance (https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=72945.0)
Quote from: rajid on March 31, 2026, 17:30In the meantime, if anyone knows of a garage that's closer to London than about 3hrs away, that could be very handy!
Most garages I know, including Toyota, won't touch the SMT. Dunno why. So I found a garage local to me that was willing to do maintenance providing I provided an "idiot sheet" for them to follow.
Some videos by cyclehead on YouTube:
Paul Hibbs (https://www.youtube.com/@paulshibbs)
This whole smt thread has reignited an itch I need to scratch.
I have only experienced an smt for a very short time, as a passenger, when I met up with
@Petrus. (Happy days)
But even in that short time I was hooked.
The smoothness of the shift etc etc lambo Ferrari tech in a cheap as chips little ole toyota.
Ooh the downshifts ;D
Quote from: Ardent on March 31, 2026, 21:02The smoothness of the shift etc etc lambo Ferrari tech in a cheap as chips little ole toyota
Oh the downshift, the downshift!
Quote from: rajid on March 31, 2026, 17:33By the way, does anyone have the part number, barcode, or a link to the genuine Toyota fluid?
I am not confident on the brake fluid option,
Really peed-off at that response.
Do your homework I googled "what fluid should be used in a Toyota SMT mr2"
2 seconds later I'm seeing 'brake fluid'
FFS...........
Quote from: rajid on March 31, 2026, 17:33By the way, does anyone have the part number, barcode, or a link to the genuine Toyota fluid?
I am not confident on the brake fluid option, and can't be seen recommending it to any garage incase I then encounter issues relating to using that. For now id rather find the correct fluid if possible and try to keep it topped up (appears to be a soaking transmission area under the vehicle, but have never seen a patch or puddle where it's parked!)
Would like to try and top it up for now at the least, incase there is none/ not alot of fluid remaining in the reservoir.
08886-02206
Rajid, I can't get my inbox to allow private reply, so I'll reply to your questions here:.
If you're seeing drips under the transmission you can easily determine if they're from the SMT system, or from the gearbox. The gearbox uses gear oil which is thick, slippery and has no taste. Brake fluid (SMT fluid) is thin and tastes distinctly bitter. I'll paste a video below.
I live in South Georgia, US. If you've been driving your car hard or easy, the SMT system does not care. Either way it just shift gears, no faster or slower, no stress. Driving hard (or easy) doesn't matter to the SMT system. If yours is shifting inconsistently then something is wrong. The system is very consistent and does not have any operational or design flaws. The only time it may act odd is immediately after starting the car for the first time in the morning. If you haven't allowed sufficient time for the system to pressurize, it will flash the green light and refuse to shift. That's the only "quirk" in the system.
How to find GSA leaks:
https://youtu.be/miinrmJShLM?si=-qXUrz9pImgiEmbA
Quote from: Ardent on March 31, 2026, 21:02...
But even in that short time I was hooked.
The smoothness of the shift etc etc lambo Ferrari tech in a cheap as chips little ole toyota.
Ooh the downshifts ;D
I've driven a Lamborghini and a Maserati, both with the Magneti Marelli (Italian designed) version of the SMT system. The Toyota system (designed by LuK in England) is MUCH smoother and well executed.
Quote from: cyclehead on April 1, 2026, 04:38The Toyota system (designed by LuK in England) is MUCH smoother and well executed.
Wow! I'm going to ditto Jason when he said:
Quote from: Ardent on March 31, 2026, 21:02in a cheap as chips little ole toyota
Quote from: cyclehead on April 1, 2026, 04:38The Toyota system (designed by LuK in England)
But they don't have service parts for it, correct? Like sensors or o-rings?
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 1, 2026, 22:06But they don't have service parts for it, correct? Like sensors or o-rings?
You can get any size O ring in any polymer.
I doubt the sensors are only used in that system.
I know from my rocket engine building days, you can always find these kinds of parts from generalist suppliers.
Paul & I believe one other American sells seal kits for the GSA & HPU.
Quote from: Carolyn on April 1, 2026, 22:55I doubt the sensors are only used in that system.
Paul doesn't seem to think so because he reconditions them.
Ok thanks for all the suggestions but my one problem is, I'm not confident to tackle the task myself. I'm located north west London, and I don't know anyone around here that wants to do the job of finding the leak and replacing the fluid for me. The car is still operating fine so I'd like to get ahead of the leak and fix it before it's run dry!!!
Anyone around here want to do the job?
I suspect you will have to go further afield to get this done.
@mr2garageswindon (Castle Eaton Vehicle Services) would be able to assist.
Ive managed to get hold of a bottle of brand new genuine Toyota SMT fluid now!
QuoteIve managed to get hold of a bottle of brand new genuine Toyota SMT fluid now!
There's those " tools" again, patience and persistence, likely helped along this time with the application of many £££'s.
Were we often say, oil is cheap, engines are not.
I'm sure the same applies here.
If I had an SMT, I know I'd want the correct fluid.
QuoteWere we often say, oil is cheap, engines are not.
I'm sure the same applies here.
If I had an SMT, I know I'd want the correct fluid.
I do not disagree. But a not too dissimilar dilemma concerned the Power Steering Fluid.
Again a rare / expensive product if found product. A Ravenol product was my choice for that system.
Threads like this *iss me off hugely.
Someone who knows nothing comes on asking for specific advice.
Someone who's 'been there' (me) gives advice gleaned from the generally-regarded world expert on the SMT system, that allowed me to fix one.
Said expert joins the thread & repeats 'brake fluid'.
Newbie doesn't acknowledge the advice in any way,
then disregards it, even when the expert affirms it.
Then another 'regular' says 'well done' for finding the 'right fluid'.
I hope you take comfort in having your wallet raped.
Quote from: Joesson on April 18, 2026, 09:19I do not disagree. But a not too dissimilar dilemma concerned the Power Steering Fluid.
Again a rare / expensive product if found product. A Ravenol product was my choice for that system.
No issues there, as that is the correct fluid.
Have found this thread an enjoyable and informative read.
Especially now had chance to slow down and read things slower.
From this thread, post #10 Fawtytoo with the link to his own thread on SMT maintenence, leads to post #4 from cyclehead.
I had not read that earlier in the week, but in research I did without knowing it at the time, find the monkey wrench site and was presented with this image.
smtsealsswollen2.jpg
Having re-read things and the strong views of others above that have and are using brake fluid, I wondered if the image above was mis-titled and was showing what happens if you use transmission fluid.
Which circles back to the cyclehead post which questioned them the same.
All interesting stuff.
Everyday is a school day.
There are a couple of cheap smt's on the market as I type. Both with smt issues.
Is that the biggest concern that someone might have topped up the res with the wrong fluid and buggered the seals?
As other than a weak battery that can also cause issues, the system seems pretty robust and reliable.
Pig in a poke or bargain?
There are several seals & loads of o rings involved.
Leaking seals can damage electrical parts.
And Techstream isn't a doddle either.
I looked at techstream once. Closed it and stepped away.
Quote from: Ardent on April 18, 2026, 17:11Having re-read things and the strong views of others above that have and are using brake fluid, I wondered if the image above was mis-titled and was showing what happens if you use transmission fluid.
One thing I have read (someone here can correct or agree) is that if you change the o-rings on the GSA for "modern" (help here needed) types, then they can withstand brake fluid. However, brake fluid isn't necessarily the culprit, as our cars are quite old and lead very different lives. But the official SMT fluid is 92% brake fluid and proven so.
Quote from: Ardent on April 18, 2026, 17:20As other than a weak battery that can also cause issues, the system seems pretty robust and reliable.
Not sure where you got that from. The system is hydraulic and the battery being weak isn't an issue. At least that's my experience. But yeah, very robust, just little understood.
Incidentally, had a chat with someone on eBay while my car was briefly listed for sale, and he also has an SMT (not in the club though) but with only 44,000 miles compared to my 74,000 miles. I asked him if his SMT was "quirky" in any way and he said yes. I believe the FL had an improved SMT system and performs even better than on the PFL. However, the quirkiness on the PFL can easily be overcome by driving in a certain manner.
EDIT: To add, the quirkiness on the PFL does not necessarily mean faulty.
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 18, 2026, 17:59One thing I have read (someone here can correct or agree) is that if you change the o-rings on the GSA for "modern" (help here needed) types, then they can withstand brake fluid.
The material needed is EPDM.
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 18, 2026, 18:04Incidentally, had a chat with someone on eBay while my car was briefly listed for sale, and he also has an SMT (not in the club though) but with only 44,000 miles compared to my 74,000 miles. I asked him if his SMT was "quirky" in any way and he said yes. I believe the FL had an improved SMT system and performs even better than on the PFL. However, the quirkiness on the PFL can easily be overcome by driving in a certain manner.
EDIT: To add, the quirkiness on the PFL does not necessarily mean faulty.
To date I've not seen an fl smt. I did wonder if they were pfl only. Apparently not.
Could you elaborate on the "certain manner"?
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on April 18, 2026, 11:04Threads like this *iss me off hugely.
Someone who knows nothing comes on asking for specific advice.
Someone who's 'been there' (me) gives advice gleaned from the generally-regarded world expert on the SMT system, that allowed me to fix one.
Said expert joins the thread & repeats 'brake fluid'.
Newbie doesn't acknowledge the advice in any way,
then disregards it, even when the expert affirms it.
Then another 'regular' says 'well done' for finding the 'right fluid'.
I hope you take comfort in having your wallet raped.
So when I go to the garage and tell them the internet forum genius says brake fluid should be used... then if I'm later faced with a related issue in the future it's going to be my problem, not yours.
The fluid cost me under £60 posted and was supposedly the last bottle of the stuff I could find from all the suppliers I tried. Hardly breaking the bank, probably a £40-50 difference between this crap and the brake fluid.
MR2-Ben or whatever it's called wasn't very helpful (probably through no fault of their own) they stated Toyota have discontinued the fluid now and can't help any further.
Anyway so far the advice on what to do hasn't been helpful to my requests of (I cannot do the work myself so no matter how many videos I watch, they're not going to top up my fluid or fix my leak for me) not sure which part of that you didn't understand.
You can keep repeating yourself but it's not going to educate me on working on the car, as I have no interest to do so.
I just want the car fixed by a specialist / professional or confident that knows what they are doing.
If there isn't one within a reasonable distance, I'll take it to any half competent local garage, get them to change / top up the fluid, and sell the car, telling the buyer there's a leak.
It's not my only car
It is a great car
But I am not attached to it, and it will end up replaced very quickly with something else equally as fun!
I bought the car knowing it was leaking
The guy I got it from was open and honest about it, he said despite the car having a leak, it wasn't major and that he had topped it up each year for its owner at the time.
The car doesn't actually have any issues and I use it regularly. It's a nice immaculate condition car, and it's only real downside is a leak from the SMT!
I just want to make sure the fluid is topped up and the car stays in working order while I own and use it.
Sounds like the UK has zero specialists / garages that are experts on the SMT. If I'd known that beforehand I would have just picked up a manual in the first place.
We aren't all mechanics or mechanically minded (and nor do we all want to be!)
Quote from: rajid on April 18, 2026, 22:19So when I go to the garage and tell them the internet forum genius says brake fluid should be used... then if I'm later faced with a related issue in the future it's going to be my problem, not yours.
If I don't know the answer to something on here, or do not have an interest, I leave the thread alone.
But I knew this. I couldn't give you a tutorial on how to fix it, - I've done one because I had to after a garage on the South coast screwed me rotten. It took quite a period of time & a huge amount of help from Paul Hibbs, but I succeeded.
He told me it needed Dot3 or 4 brake fluid. Toyota stuff completely unnecessary. So I accepted that, because the man knows.
So I told you, to help, & to save you money, because that's what places like this are meant for.
Then Paul Hibbs told you too. And Googling would have told you, as I previously mentioned.
The leaking fluid attacks components on one of the pumps. Depending on where yours is leaking it could be a failure waiting to happen. And there is more than one component that is unobtainable new.
Quote from: rajid on April 18, 2026, 22:19Sounds like the UK has zero specialists / garages that are experts on the SMT. If I'd known that beforehand I would have just picked up a manual in the first place.
In which case, you could have come here before purchasing to get a heads-up on SMT's. And plenty of us here would have helped you decide.
Have you tried contacting Casle Eaton Vehicle Services as I suggested?
People on here are eager to assist. I know it's a longish way away, but you have a very rare little car that is worth the effort.
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 19, 2026, 08:31In which case, you could have come here before purchasing to get a heads-up on SMT's. And plenty of us here would have helped you decide.
Harsh!
I had to look under several "bushels" before I found MR2 ROC some years into my ownership.
Quote from: Joesson on April 19, 2026, 10:09Harsh!
I had to look under several "bushels" before I found MR2 ROC some years into my ownership.
It wasn't meant to be harsh. Perhaps I worded it badly. I was just saying that it's better to research something before purchase. It's not like I don't understand that some owners don't want to fix their own cars and rather leave it a garage.
Quote from: Carolyn on April 19, 2026, 09:42you have a very rare little car that is worth the effort.
Absolutely! Don't give up on finding a garage that'll help. It's definitely worth it.
Quote from: Ardent on April 18, 2026, 21:32Could you elaborate on the "certain manner"?
I think the best description would be to not drive too gently especially when going back to the gas after the gears have changed. It doesn't seem to like that and the clutch can do some "odd" things although they are quite rare occurrences. It's more noticeable when changing up rather than down.
Now I have to define "odd". It can feel like it's dumped the clutch or riding it too much.
Again, it's rare. About as rare as seeing another MR2 Roadster.
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 20, 2026, 17:18I think the best description would be to not drive too gently especially when going back to the gas after the gears have changed. It doesn't seem to like that and the clutch can do some "odd" things although they are quite rare occurrences. It's more noticeable when changing up rather than down.
Now I have to define "odd". It can feel like it's dumped the clutch or riding it too much.
Again, it's rare. About as rare as seeing another MR2 Roadster.
That sounds similar to mine
You just have to treat it with a little softness between up shifts (learn how much to back off the throttle to get the shift smooth) and also remember to shift down to 1st before the revs drop too low!!!
I feel like it is a flawed system, but it is not in any way crap! Infact I really love the way it drives and just wish it was a small amount more refined.
An auto mode would be good, and shifting down to 1st gear before coming to a standstill would also be great (as sometimes it seems a little clunky if the car has to do it itself, when stopped)
I find that if you shift down (especially from higher gears) whilst still on the throttle (or very lightly on the throttle and braking as you normally would, at the same time) it's much better than doing it while just braking. The blip on downshift is greater and the overall shift ends up being much smoother.
For an enthusiastic / spirited drive, it's very satisfying driving this way.
Hope that makes sense!!!
Quote from: rajid on April 20, 2026, 18:30That sounds similar to mine
You just have to treat it with a little softness between up shifts
That's not similar to what I said. In fact, the opposite.
I might have read that a little too quick 😂
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 18, 2026, 17:59Not sure where you got that from. The system is hydraulic and the battery being weak isn't an issue.
I thought I had read that in here somewhere. If not then the joys of the inter web.
In the same way a weak alternator lights up the dash like a Christmas tree. The inference was a weak battery does not provide quite enough umph to pressurise the system or something like that.
Quote from: Ardent on April 20, 2026, 22:23I thought I had read that in here somewhere. If not then the joys of the inter web.
In the same way a weak alternator lights up the dash like a Christmas tree. The inference was a weak battery does not provide quite enough umph to pressurise the system or something like that.
Ah! You're probably referring to the hydraulic pump unit. It starts when you open the drivers door. Yeah, if the battery is low, it never pressurises. I understand you now.
Quote from: fawtytoo on April 20, 2026, 23:15Ah! You're probably referring to the hydraulic pump unit. It starts when you open the drivers door. Yeah, if the battery is low, it never pressurises. I understand you now.
That's quite interesting as I'm not sure if I am right here
but mine sounds like it starts pressurising when it's turned to ignition position 2, runs for about 10-15 seconds and then I start the car and engage gear.
I have started the car quickly before and tried to engage gear, and realised that it doesn't want to. Have learnt the habit of relaxing and letting it do its thing before starting up the car very shortly after!
Quote from: rajid on April 21, 2026, 01:37That's quite interesting as I'm not sure if I am right here
but mine sounds like it starts pressurising when it's turned to ignition position 2, runs for about 10-15 seconds and then I start the car and engage gear.
I have started the car quickly before and tried to engage gear, and realised that it doesn't want to. Have learnt the habit of relaxing and letting it do its thing before starting up the car very shortly after!
As fawtytoo said, you should hear something come to to life when the drivers door is opened.
For the "is the Toyota SMT fluid really brake fluid ?" debate, this is from the attached safety paperwork from an OEM TOYOTA SMT fluid container.
Brake fluid it is.
Mr Relish
@Monkey Relish As the SMT was developed for the Australian market, you know what you're talking about.
Quote from: Ardent on April 21, 2026, 07:01As fawtytoo said, you should hear something come to to life when the drivers door is opened.
Quote from: rajid on April 21, 2026, 01:37That's quite interesting as I'm not sure if I am right here
but mine sounds like it starts pressurising when it's turned to ignition position 2, runs for about 10-15 seconds and then I start the car and engage gear.
I have started the car quickly before and tried to engage gear, and realised that it doesn't want to. Have learnt the habit of relaxing and letting it do its thing before starting up the car very shortly after!
You will likely have seen that it is said that the SMT system was developed by Luk England.
From this link you will see that Luk England is located in NW London!
https://www.gdl-uk.com/brands/luk/
Quote from: Ardent on April 21, 2026, 07:01As fawtytoo said, you should hear something come to to life when the drivers door is opened.
I think I've figured out that maybe mine doesn't always do it when the door opens, as the door switch/sensor may be playing up.
The reason I suspect this, is sometimes after unlocking the car, if the key is not placed in the ignition and switched on to at least position 1 shortly after unlocking, the car attempts to lock itself (even with the door wide open) !
Quote from: rajid on July 29, 2026, 15:09I think I've figured out that maybe mine doesn't always do it when the door opens, as the door switch/sensor may be playing up.
The reason I suspect this, is sometimes after unlocking the car, if the key is not placed in the ignition and switched on to at least position 1 shortly after unlocking, the car attempts to lock itself (even with the door wide open) !
Which would also affect the interior light. Should be a simple fix then.