Gearbox oil change

[barzya8]

Hi Guys,

1997 4.2 QS - 5 speed box

A couple of questions for you regarding changing the oil in my gearbox.
I have two oil leaks from my gearbox,

1.The sump gasket seal
2.The connection from the plug at the front of the gearbox.

This has been confirmed by VM Transmissions of Hayes.
I have scheduled to have these leaks repaired next Monday 21st Nov by VM Transmissions of Hayes.

My 1st question is can someone give me any detail on code/type of ATF fluid that needs to go in as the replacement fluid.

The 2nd question is has anyone had any experience of this Company they would be prepared to share.
This Company is listed as a ZF gearbox specalist.

Many thanks,
David (barzya8)

[Adrian E]

The sump gasket comes with the oil filter for the gearbox, so I presume they're changing the filter as well? Think the parts are about 40 quid, from memory.

Not sure what you mean by the second - is it leaking around an electrical connector because it's not seated or working properly?

As for oil, tell them to either get it from Audi (lots of litre bottles) or use the ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 if they buy that in big drums. It'll take about 8 litres with the filter off as well, without emptying the torque converter.

That's on the basis of it being a 5HP24A ZF box in yours as well - not 100% sure on earlier cars, but the info above applies to a later S8.

[barzya8]

Thanks Adrian,
Yes they are changing the filter as well.
As for the 2nd part, yes it does look like an electrical socket, which appears to be leaking as well, although I believe it is still working okay as I have no fault codes coming up on Vagcom.

I will check the box code when its up on the ramp against the code you have given me. Its not an S8 though.

Have you any knowledge of this Companies work, as we all know what can happen once you start messing about with the gearbox fluid.
The box works well and is very smooth but does have quite a big leak.
The box fluid was changed about 5 years ago by the previous owner, and its only covered circa 6000 miles since then

David

[Adrian E]

Hiya

I don't know the company concerned, but given the cost implications of boxes dying if not done correctly I'd be surprised if a recognised ZF specialist could survive for long if they are duff - could always call ZF in the UK to check? I found them very helpful when I was asking for info before.

I don't believe the box design varies between all wheel drive models particularly, especially once they get on to 5 speed. Certainly wouldn't expect the oil type to change, although could always ask Audi what they recommend - they'll only quote their part number but a quick google should reveal if it's the same thing - I found ZF USAs web site handy for technical info missing from European sites.

If your leaky electrical connection is up on the side of the box, it's probably the range select switch which will put you in limp mode if it's knackered. They ought to give the area a damn good clean before replacing as it doesn't like being full of gunk! Had to have mine changed recently and it's not a cheap part......

If the box is performing well and has had a previous oil change then what you're having done should not cause any issues at all. If anything, your old oil should come out looking like new! If you're loosing a fair bit I would guess they'll only get 4-5 litres out but will need to put 8 back in - total capacity is, I believe, about 9 litres but the torque converter doesn't drain unless removed from the car.

Hope all goes well

Adrian

[sarg]

just make sure they flush out the old stuff properly - I flushed mine manually, took nearly 20 litres of the new stuff to get all the old crud out