Rear Differential Fluid refresh - do we have a DIY sticky?

[danmm7]

I am 99% sure that i read in the past a posting around how to do a sport differential fluid replacement.
For some reason, i cannot find it now.

I would like to refresh the differential fluid on my 2011 S4 w/Sport Diff, since i am getting close to 75k miles.

If you have access to the DIY link, please share with the rest of us.


Thanks!

[danmm7]

Found it!!

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...t-Differential

[LurkAllDay]

lol

[S4'ed]

That DIY is just for the regular hypoid gear oil section of the Sport (and regular) differential. Somebody needs to create a DIY for the ATF fluid change of the Sport diff.....

[BlownOne]

Pay close attention and be sure you drain and fill the gear oil side of the diff, not the atf side.

That DIY is just for the regular hypoid gear oil section of the Sport (and regular) differential. Somebody needs to create a DIY for the ATF fluid change of the Sport diff.....

Jhm said they nor any dealer recommends or sees a need to change that fluid since it's not active most of the time. If you wanted to change it, just drain and refill with the same amount of fluid.

[S4'ed]

yeah...and they say the auto trans fluid is "lifetime" too........lifetime till it breaks !!

[danmm7]

What type of ATF do i use for the differential? I am pretty sure it's different than the DSG fluid.

[BlownOne]

yeah...and they say the auto trans fluid is "lifetime" too........lifetime till it breaks !!

True hahaha

[BlownOne]

What type of ATF do i use for the differential? I am pretty sure it's different than the DSG fluid.

The actual diff (ring and pinion) uses 75w90 gear oil. The EDL side uses Atf (not dsg fluid) and EDL is only equipped on cars that have the sport diff.

[danmm7]

The actual diff (ring and pinion) uses 75w90 gear oil. The EDL side uses Atf (not dsg fluid) and EDL is only equipped on cars that have the sport diff.

I have the gear oil for the actual diff. Motul 75w-90.

Since I have sport diff, i am trying to find out what kind of ATF i need for the EDL. There is more than one type of ATF out there. Some are "universal", some are vehicle specific, Mercon V, Dextron VI, etc. Since this is going in the EDL, i can't just put any ATF.

[S4'ed]

Below is from the Factory Service Manual:

There is a risk of damaging the rear final drive.
¤ Only use ATF available as a replacement part. Refer to the Parts Catalog.
¤ Using other fluids can cause malfunctions or final drive failure.
¤ Note the allocation. Refer to the Parts Catalog
¤ The ATF filler tool must be clean and the ATF must not be mixed with any other oils.
• Use the Charging Device For Haldex Coupling 2 (VAS6291A) to fill.

The "Charging Device VAS6291A" is just a plastic tube and hose to connect a bottle to the fill hole.....apparently also used to fill Haldex couplings too. (the Torque Vectoring Diff in the S4 is made by Magna Automotive...not Haldex)

After the new ATF fluid is in, then the bleeding procedure is as follows:
• Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester and turn on the ignition.
• Select the function 22 - AWD Electronics in the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester under Guided Functions in the directory 22- ATF Filling.
¤ Follow all the instructions given by the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester exactly.
The system is filled and bled using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
¤ Repeat the filling process if the system detects there is still air inside the system after performing the 22 - ATF Filling function.
• Remove the ATF check plug - arrow - again.

Test Condition
¤ The ATF level is correct when the rear final drive is filled up to the lower edge of the filler hole - arrow -.
¤ If necessary fill the ATF. (add more fluid)
¤ In the DTC memory there is no entry and no "sporadic malfunction" use the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
• Install the new ATF check plug - arrow - and tighten. Tightening specification - item 12 - => [ (Item 12) ATF Check Plug

[JohnEnglish]

Remember when someone posted about doing this and filled up the EDL with gear oil, complained about "loud noises" coming from the rear diff after they drove it for a few days, and then deleted the thread after realizing their mistake and attempting a warranty claim?

[14S4GWM]

Remember when someone posted about doing this and filled up the EDL with gear oil, complained about "loud noises" coming from the rear diff after they drove it for a few days, and then deleted the thread after realizing their mistake and attempting a warranty claim?

Yup, Jay was his name Bullen was his last I believe.

[BlownOne]

I have the gear oil for the actual diff. Motul 75w-90.

Since I have sport diff, i am trying to find out what kind of ATF i need for the EDL. There is more than one type of ATF out there. Some are "universal", some are vehicle specific, Mercon V, Dextron VI, etc. Since this is going in the EDL, i can't just put any ATF.

Yea I would suggest using oem fluid for the EDL as I'm not sure what spec atf they use and you don't want to find out the hard way lol

[BlownOne]

Remember when someone posted about doing this and filled up the EDL with gear oil, complained about "loud noises" coming from the rear diff after they drove it for a few days, and then deleted the thread after realizing their mistake and attempting a warranty claim?

Yes I remeber and that's why I said to be sure which side he's draining and filling haha