Is a transmission fluid change necessary?

jeannieblue

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

I have changed the transmission oil on my engine. It isn't a big job, not really any more work than an engine oil change.

Yes, get it done. It can be the difference between the gearbox (and torque converter if yours is a traditional auto) lasting 100,000 miles and 250,000 miles.

Don't use anybody but a dealer or a VW/Audi specialist. A backstreet outfit may use the wrong transmission oil, some manufacturers use special additives in the oil that are designed for the transmission - backstreet outfits will not know this.

The labour should be about 1 hour, 2 hours tops. Fluid on mine (Mercedes) was about £60 in total, add another tenner for the filter and any gaskets.

If you're really interested, you should ask them to analyse the old fluid and see what metals it contains - that can be a valuable indicator as to any future issues you may encounter. Some transmissions contain a pan magnet which can help with this.

You don't need to spend tons out on a specialist - a good garage will ensure the correct oil is put in. And 2 hours is far far too long to do this job. 1 hour tops.

anewman

jeannieblue wrote: »

You don't need to spend tons out on a specialist - a good garage will ensure the correct oil is put in. And 2 hours is far far too long to do this job. 1 hour tops.

Would take me more than 2 hours but then again I'm not a qualified mechanic or anything

goldspanners

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

I have changed the transmission oil on my engine.

transmission oil in your engine? you should have put it in your transmission.

jeannieblue

anewman wrote: »

Would take me more than 2 hours but then again I'm not a qualified mechanic or anything

It really doesn't take that long, if it is incorporated, say in a full service, then you are looking at 2-3 hours for the whole job, maximum.

Some Mercedes are a pain if the gearbox is sealed - as in the so called 'for life' oils, which really should be changed and not left 'for life' - you do need a special dipstick - but they are obtainable if you know how to get them - they don't like selling them to other garages, as you can imagine.

jeannieblue

And BMW's can be a pain too............. but nothing is impossible when you know how!

tomstickland

Change it. Old oil is a crime and the transmission will suffer from it.

Conor_3

jeannieblue wrote: »

Basically, all you've said above is agreeing with everyone else and that the trans oil should be done. Its a shame that you have to give your views in such a cutting way all the time.

What is your problem?

More like what's yours? Don't you have a spine or something? Do words hurt you, you poor spineless politically correct sap?

It's simple. I'm sick to death of people posting asking about things that, if they actually took more than a second to think about it, common sense would tell them what the answer was.

It's called SCHOOL OF THE BLOODY OBVIOUS. Are people so incapable fo working things out for themselves anymore?

anewman

Conor wrote: »

It's called SCHOOL OF THE BLOODY OBVIOUS. Are people so incapable fo working things out for themselves anymore?

So this means people have to be treated to the School of Conor? :rolleyes:

jeannieblue

Conor wrote: »

More like what's yours? Don't you have a spine or something? Do words hurt you, you poor spineless politically correct sap?

It's simple. I'm sick to death of people posting asking about things that, if they actually took more than a second to think about it, common sense would tell them what the answer was.

It's called SCHOOL OF THE BLOODY OBVIOUS. Are people so incapable fo working things out for themselves anymore?

You are a condescending ignorant arrogant twerp. If these so called mindless questions annoy you, why on earth do you come on these forums?

Your attitude stinks young man. Go and get yourself some manners and do all of us a favour.


Fortunately, the only person looking stupid here, is you.

thescouselander

Conor wrote: »

Of course it needs changing. It's subject to stress and contamination just the same as an engine is.

Would you never do an oil change on the engine?

By all means don't change it but in a few months/years don't whinge when there's no drive if it's an auto or you find that you can't select 1st or reverse gear if it's a manual.

Not quite true! Engine oil is subject to blow-by gasses that get past the piston rings during combustion, this introduces a lot of nasty contamination to the engine oil. The same thing doesn't happen with the transmission oil so it lasts a lot longer.

Notwithstanding that, its an easy diy job to change the transmission oil so if the maintenance schedule calls for it you might as well do it yourself if you can. If not, most other garages should be able to manage it and may cost less than Audi.