Advice on gearbox service / oil change

[S8yot]

Had the day off work yesterday so popped into local auto trans specialists who have the same kit as Chester Autos for exchanging the trans fluid. The car - 2001 S8 has 160k on the clock. Service book shows dealer changed fluid at 100k. I hesitate to put it in writing but box works perfectly. Thing is the specialist said that if the fluid was really "distressed" as he called it, he wouldn't suggest changing it as it could result in problems with the friction plates(?) Also didn't seem to think that the filter change was imperative.

Does this advice make sense or do the forum think he is being over cautious and doesn't really want the job?

[Conan_the_Librarian]

There is a bit of a theme here.

I stand to be corrcted but........

Audi say filled for life. What's life?
Boxes that have had regular ATF changes as part of reoutine maintanance seem to go on for ever.

Boxes that have ATF changed at signs of problems either go on for ever with further ATF changes or self destruct shortly after.

Boxes that have never had a problem with high miles have in the past gone west after fluid changes, with the problem attributed to the fluid change.

With 160k on the box and no issues I would wait until you get any of the classic symptoms and then do an ATF change. If the box goes west after that you've had a reasonable milage off it. If it keeeps on going, then ATF change every 40K or so routinely. My 2p worth. :)

[harpersimon]

I'd buy that for a dollar.. I have 157k on the clock, and the gearbox is silky. Reading stuff on here I am always torn between changing it for changing sake, and cos its recomended, against waiting for some thumping or other screechy symptom.
Ok mine doesn't get a 4litre quattro caning, but is still subject to the same quandry..

[S8yot]

Guys,

Really appreciate your responses.

I'll leave well alone and keep fingers crossed. I like to think that as the vast majority of the mileage the car has clocked has been regular m-way journeys rather than heavy city traffic this may help.

Mike

[Conan_the_Librarian]

It sure will. As does driving in Tiptronic and the valves/torque converter have a lot less work to do. :)

[jmw748]

There is a bit of a theme here.

I stand to be corrcted but........

Audi say filled for life. What's life?
Boxes that have had regular ATF changes as part of reoutine maintanance seem to go on for ever.

Boxes that have ATF changed at signs of problems either go on for ever with further ATF changes or self destruct shortly after.

Boxes that have never had a problem with high miles have in the past gone west after fluid changes, with the problem attributed to the fluid change.

With 160k on the box and no issues I would wait until you get any of the classic symptoms and then do an ATF change. If the box goes west after that you've had a reasonable milage off it. If it keeeps on going, then ATF change every 40K or so routinely. My 2p worth. :)

Mine died after the change without any symptoms of problems - I wish I'd left well alone.....:mad:
Totally agree with Conan about waiting for symptoms before touching the internals. Your auto specialist is not the first I've heard saying to leave well alone.