Whats the verdict on replacing transmission oil and filter??

[gustavosahagun7]

I just read quite a lot a threads on many blogs and there is no real consensus on replacing oil for transmission. Some say it would actually damage the transmission itself, other say cars (Audis) run better. My vehicle just got the 110,000 miles mark. The only issue with it, is the it runs a little hard from 3rd to 4th gear when cold. Other than that car runs very smooth.
So far I have replaced timing chains (guides too), water pump, PCV valve and diverter valve (new "D" revision).

I just got off the phone with Audi San Diego and the rep/service guy told me that it is not listed as a service on the schedule but they will do it for about 250-300 bucks.

Any suggestions?


Thanks

The car in question is 2009 A4 Quattro

[adamazing]

Do it every 50k miles (give or take at your discretion). Don't listen to Audi, they're feeding you their marketing bullshit.

One caveat that's always recommended is never to flush your transmission. Only drain and refill the oil, along with the filter.

[gustavosahagun7]

Do it every 50k miles (give or take at your discretion). Don't listen to Audi, they're feeding you their marketing bullshit.

One caveat that's always recommended is never to flush your transmission. Only drain and refill the oil, along with the filter.

Thanks for the reply, it may be a dumb question but, what is the difference between flushing and draining since you're removing and adding new oil??

[happy2B5]

Gravity drained vs power flushed. Flushing may dislodge bits that are broke free and helping in a sense. Fresh clean fluid is a good thing and seeing whats in pan at pickup will tell you where you stand.

[gustavosahagun7]

Gravity drained vs power flushed. Flushing may dislodge bits that are broke free and helping in a sense. Fresh clean fluid is a good thing and seeing whats in pan at pickup will tell you where you stand.

Thanks! I just want to be careful with the words I use with these guys (Audi service guys) since most of the time they act like pricks.

[happy2B5]

Do you have a good independent shop you can use?

[gustavosahagun7]

Do you have a good independent shop you can use?

Yes and no, I mean I have replaced some components/parts with independent shops and so far I have no issues whatsoever but I feel that the tranny itself i's a very delicate part and honestly I have no idea if it is that serious. But why do you ask? Have you had any problems with Audi Service?

[happy2B5]

No, just that a good independent shop well versed in audi's is better than dealing with pricks (as you said) from the dealer service ceneter. I just don't like giving my hard earned money to places like that.

The process is not overly complicated and involves vagcom, monitoring temps, and filling appropriately at proper temps. Would be sure to replace with oe fluids (zf) and using an oe pan gasket/filter.

[gustavosahagun7]

No, just that a good independent shop well versed in audi's is better than dealing with pricks (as you said) from the dealer service ceneter. I just don't like giving my hard earned money to places like that.

The process is not overly complicated and involves vagcom, monitoring temps, and filling appropriately at proper temps. Would be sure to replace with oe fluids (zf) and using an oe pan gasket/filter.

That's right, I just looked at ECS tuning for oil and gasket, and that alone is about 300 bucks (from ZF), and I'll need to add labor too, so I am very in between. I know a place where they basically only work on transmissions but I have never tried them. Do you any idea about how much the cost should it be?

[happy2B5]

My last trans service was around $450 with zf fluids, mahle filter/gasket and labor. And, I would only go to a vag independent shop that knows and has experience with the correct procedure for doing the trans service.

The dealer was going to charge $600-700. That price of $250-300 they quoted you seems too good to be true?

[gustavosahagun7]

My last trans service was around $450 with zf fluids, mahle filter/gasket and labor.

The dealer was going to charge $600-700. That price of $250-300 they quoted you seems to good to be true?

Yeah that's what I thought, I'll call again just be sure, I don't want to show up there and have me sign for $800 bill. I became aware of this because a friend of mine owns a 13' Jetta and the dealer offered a engine and transmission oil change, for the tranny was about $300

[happy2B5]

You're in San Diego? Give Pure motorsports a call and see what they can do for you. They have a solid rep and vag is their business and expertise.

[gustavosahagun7]

You're in San Diego? Give Pure motorsports a call and see what they can do for you. They have a solid rep and vag is their business and expertise.

Yes, thanks man, first thing tomorrow. I just sent them an email.

[happy2B5]

Good luck

[S4'ed]

Change fluid & filter every 30,000 miles.

[Lambda13]

Change fluid & filter every 30,000 miles.

That's a bit excessive. I've seen closer to every 50-75k or more. I think ZF suggests 75 for the 8 speed. I'd have to check Corbin's post on that.

[S4'ed]

That's a bit excessive. I've seen closer to every 50-75k or more. I think ZF suggests 75 for the 8 speed. I'd have to check Corbin's post on that.

The only thing that is excessive is the cost to replace the transmission...spending $150 for fluid and filter, every 30K miles is cheap!.......and ZF transmissions are not exactly known for their durability.....

[Lambda13]

The only thing that is excessive is the cost to replace the transmission...spending $150 for fluid and filter, every 30K miles is cheap!.......and ZF transmissions are not exactly known for their durability.....

I've heard they are pretty robust. Where have you seen issues of them failing?

100% agree with that. But unfortunately the fluid, filter and gasket are far more than $150... The vaico fluid and a filter are$275 shipped and for the OEM fluid its nearly $430...

[Liquid Smoke]

i've seen a lot of conflicting opinions and not sure what to do. some dealers say it's not recommended and is lifetime, i've seen reputable independent shops that say don't do it, and others that say you can.

and not flushing, im only talking about draining and refill, replace filter. i'm at 110k now but wondering if i should go ahead with it. car has no issues but i dont mind some good preventive maintenance if it means i'll get alot more out of the trans. but wondering if i'm too late and should just not risk it?

[gustavosahagun7]

I just received an email from Pure Motorsport and the price for this particular is 612.00, it must be the sun tax of CA😂

[Zach L]

All VW/Audi manual transmissions are officially 'lifetime' fluid and never need to be changed, but that's crap. Change fluid every 40k-60k miles.

One recommendation: Make sure to use OEM fluid. I have used all kinds of fluid including Amsoil, Redline MT-90, and top of the line racing fluids from Motul. While these fluids are superior at high-temp operation, they lack the much broader operating temperature range of the OEM fluid. Even under 50 degrees Fahrenheit they can be notchy. Stay with OEM fluid.

I'm about to change the fluid in my 6MT and will post a new DIY/pics if the there's not one with currently working photos. Trans fluid change is an easy job. Do it yourself.

[happy2B5]

Is his car a 6mt? Tip is a little different and more involved, no?

[A4 Centaur]

Yes, and 303 charged me almost $1100 for the labor and fluids a few years ago.

They are a great shop but their labor charges are way too high. The BG fluid that went in was and still is superb. I'll do it again myself with the Groits Garage power bleeder.

Plan on it in a few Ks since I'm at 62k with the last being done after track day at 25k.

Preventative maintenance is never a bad thing.

[hyperunion]

The only thing that is excessive is the cost to replace the transmission...spending $150 for fluid and filter, every 30K miles is cheap!.......and ZF transmissions are not exactly known for their durability.....

They are definitely not reliable lol... then why put them in twin turbo v8 rs7 and s8 plus model's???? New b9 a4s will have them as well.... you can't beat the zf8hp55 torque capabilities... 480lbs...

[Peter.dupuis]

When I called AoA and asked about the "lifetime" transmission, the rep kinda laughed and said nothing is lifetime and told me that the dealership will determine when and if the fluid/filter needs changing. For the sealed transmission he said at 75k service the dealer will determine if it's needs replacing or not.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[jfo]

When I called AoA and asked about the "lifetime" transmission, the rep kinda laughed and said nothing is lifetime and told me that the dealership will determine when and if the fluid/filter needs changing. For the sealed transmission he said at 75k service the dealer will determine if it's needs replacing or not.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

An amazing "non-answer" to a simple question. They have been using the ZF tiptronic for years, the manufacturer-ZF, recommends changing the fluid, and the dealer will not act without approval from AoA.

[Lambda13]

I emailed ZF and they said do not flush. Drain and swap filter at about 100k. Sounds like I have my answer.

6AT here.