Hi, posted this on an Audi site but sadly no replies..can you help?
'Despite claims that Audi Auto-Transmission fluids are lifelong, I fell a service is in order. Has anyone ever had a service on their transmission before. I am sure (and hope) a little oil/filter change will make a world of difference to a very clunky Audi transmission.... (A3 1.8t 2000, 50K)'
I am just slightly nervous that the transmission oil/filter should not be touched, only the Oil should be topped up as Audi insist that the ATF fluid and filter are lifelong..
Thanks
I am aware the Audi mutli and s-tronic transmissions need to have their oil changed every 40k but not the older version transmission, but why, given the evidence that Oil is a major reason behind transmission failure.. (am I missing something)
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 14/12/2007 at 18:29
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These VAG 'boxes are not the best in the world, to be honest. They were a joint effort with Renault.
Yes, you can drain and refill. Buy the OE fluid from VW/Audi. You'll need about a gallon. There should be a drain bung underneath. IIRC the diff oil is conventional oil and seperated from the transmission unit itself so needs changing seperately.
There is no filter as such, there is a pick up strainer inside the sump. If you want to change it you will have to remove the sump. You'll need a new gasket when you refit it. I don't think there is a change interval on these - they are a sort of 'last resort' to stop swarf circulating.
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Does the S3 not have a haldex unit? with a 40K specified interval for the fluid?
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Does the S3 not have a haldex unit? with a 40K specified interval for the fluid?
Haldex are oil at 20k and oil+filter at 40k.
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Thanks - The tranny on the A3 is not smooth at all, and does not seem to fit with the smooth running of the engine. Lets hope an Oil change will do the job...
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To be honest, if the fluid level is currently correct then I don't think a change will make any difference at all on these. They were not that good when new. No harm in trying though....
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Thanks Aprilla...
How do I check the fluid level on the tranny, moreover, how do I top it up?
Thanks
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I am surprised at Audi for there lack of imagination in relation to a this bad Gearbox after coming up with such a good car as the A3.
So, I was wondering. Can a newer, say, tiptronic Gearbox be retrofitted, or, can my Gearbox be upgraded or strenghtned in some way to improve it
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Any thoughts on the last question anyone...?
Ta
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I don't know, but any such attempts to upgrade such a complex and central component surely wouldn't be worthwhile.
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The oil is ATF. I have asked around about changing the lifelong Oil, but some say 'no way' while others say (as above) 'it would do no harm'.
At this point changing the Oil seems like the only option. Like I say it shows no codes on VAGCOM, and it still works, but It just feels so clunky, and as if something will fall off at any moment....For example, you can actually feel the car lurch when you put it in reverse and clunk into place in the lower gears...Nightmare.
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swapping for a tiptronic? Far cheaper and easier to swap the car imo.
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Hi There once more..
any thoughts on changing the ATF oil on this tranny....
Would it do it any harm,
thanks,
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Why not just try it use the genuine oil not cheap stuff & check/clean the strainer.
Drain oil into a clean tray then you can see if there is any worn bits ie: clutch pack material swimming about, i wouldn't expecxt there is at 50k.
Some fresh oil will be better than 8yr old atf might make for better changing all you can do is try..
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Thanks for that...
again I am just worried it will make things worse...
I suppose it makes sense to change it now as opposed to when things start to go really wrong..
s entire q
Edited by Pugugly on 13/04/2008 at 10:07
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I don't think fresh oil will make any difference to the "clunkiness" of the transmission......
If you are set on doing it, use OEM fluid. You know it's right then.
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Because the Oil level can only be measured at a certain temp. (which is measured by linking to VagCom) chances are I will have to ask the main dealer to do it....
I am not 100% sure about doing this, but 8 years in the tranny can't be good?
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I've had two diesel automatic Citroens and both suffered from clutch squawk after extended running(I was cab driving)I solved the problem both times with some oil additive that I got from an automatic gearbox specialist.It not only stopped the squawk but made the gearghanges much smoother and more responsive, on the last Xantia for 120,000 miles.I was told that this was what the manufacturers add to ATF when they are sealed for life units. The name is in my car, which is in for repair ,but I've got it from two different places so it must be fairly common. The information on the packaging says that it contains whatever is missing now that they don't use Whale oil to make ATF.I'd thoroughly recommend it.
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if you could get the name that would be great. Mine too suffers from clutch squak as you call it...or a noticeable whining in my case when sitting at the traffic lights...
Cheers for that..
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Clutch squak is not an intermnitent whining sound it is a chirping sound indicating worn clutch pads in the gearbox when the gearbox changes up,but the stuff definately improves gearbox smoothness.when I get my car back I can tell you what it's called
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Either way I would appreciate that...This may save going for an Oil change.
Cheers
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The car is now back from repair and the name of the additive you want is Lube Gard (that is the way it's spelled)I imagine its of American origin.My experience of auto boxes is limited to what I picked up from specialists whilst owning the aforementioned vehicles and doing a few ATF and filter changes but I would certainly change the oil and use the additive.Also look out for a strategicaly placed magnet in the box(to catch any swarf) easily discarded by accident. There may not be one,but there was in the Citroens.Hope it helps.
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Thanks...that's great. I take it you had no averse effects from Oil changes to those sealed units?
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They wern't sealed units but I don't think you could do any harm changing your ATF and using the additive in yours.Let me know the results.
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Just googled Lube gard .Have a look.
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Will do some homework and see what i can come up with in relation to Audi..
Cheers again..
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