Change CVT ATF - do I need new filter and/or gasket?

[Max_Power]

Hi guys

I'm planing to change the ATF from my C5 A6 (2002) 3.0 CVT - The car has only 65K miles but there is a slight judder that I would like to eliminate.
I read about the process in my Bentley manual and online (http://audiforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4552). It seems like a pretty complicated procedure since I'll need to monitor the temperature of the gearbox through s/w, to have a "special tool to change the fluid and to use only very specific audi fluid.
I heard that Napa sells a tool that will do the job and I'm ready to place an order with genuineaudiparts.com for 5 lit of Audi G052 180 A2 ATF (among other things).

Has anyone here have experience with ATF fluid change in CVTs?
Is there a filter that I need to change, and if yes what's the part number?
I noticed that there is a shop online selling a kit with gasket and filter - but they don't sell anything for the CVT (and they are using their own brand fluids).

Thanks
Chris

[handyvorb]

There is no filter or gasket to change, just the fluid. You remove the drain and fill/check plugs (both at bottom next to each other). Fill tranny with the 5 qts using said special tool. Start vehicle, rev briefly to 2800 rpms to rid bubbles, run shifter through P, R, N, D. Then drain excess fluid when tranny temp is 35*C min to 40*C max.

You must follow the manual exactly, these transmissions cost 6 grand (new refurb) + ~9 hrs labor to replace.

Changing your fluid is worth a shot, but often once the CVT starts shuttering it's too late.

There is also a TSB that regards the possibilty of adding an extra clutch disc in the tranny if it's not too late to fix the forward clutch slippage.

[Frey7190]

MAX_Power... I dont recommend you doing this.. I too wanted to save some pennies by doing it myself, until my mechanic and other AZ'ers told me all the horror stories. I see your in L.A. come to my mechanic, tell him James Frey the guy with the grey audi and black jetta sent you. he is a "euro only" shop. used to work in Germany fixing Porsche, Ferrari, and other high end cars but came here to the US and opened up his dream of having his own euro shop. Does great work, for a great price. Here is his info:

Shop: G-Imports
825 Pacific Coast Highway
Hermosa Beach CA 90254
310.798.8701 shop owners name: Gram

He charged me about $120 in labor and the cost of the parts... OR you can supply the parts!