2002 Jetta 1.8t 95k stock trans fluid

[mac9128]

Like the title says my buddy has an 02 Jetta and its just about at 95k and I think on the stock manual trans fluid, he was asking me about changing it today cause I was changing the fluid in my accord at 50k with amsoil. Don't know how long he'll have the car but can you guys recommend anything thats good in these VW transmissions? His shifter is pretty stiff and notchy, I don't know if thats how it was new but I would assume not. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[BobFout]

OEM G50, G60 or G70
Redline MT90 or MTL
Amsoil MTG

Notchy shifting (except when the fluid is cold) is not normal.

 

[simple_gifts]

Originally Posted By: BobFout
OEM G50, G60 or G70
Redline MT90 or MTL
Amsoil MTG


There is also a Redline MT-85

 

[hate2work]

This is what I would recommend for his transmission.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtg.aspx

 

[unDummy]

Coin toss among the 75w90 GL4 gear oils.

Redline MT90 is the thickest and since there is already shifting problems, I'd use the Amsoil MTG or Redline MT85. If the vehicle is in the northeast always, I'd consider the other available 75w85 GL4 fluids too(Dodge/GM/Nissan/Kia/Hyundai).

If owner is on a budget, Napa has 85w90 GL4 Stalube and Lubegard Gear Fluid Supplement. Other local options are the 75w90's from Valvoline(white bottle) and Supertech(synthetic blend).

 

[FowVay]

I have personally used a mixture of Redline MT-90 and MTL in my former VW 02J 5-speed manual with decent results. After a few hundred thousand miles I noticed that the fluid would turn black rather quickly and this concerned me. I was not able to determine what was causing the discoloration but the transmission lasted 221,000 miles before the car was totalled. Never any synchronizer issues and was on the original LUK clutch. Shifting characteristics were good.

Fast forward to today and I will be using the OEM VW transmission oil in my 6-speed manual Jetta. The VW part number is G070 726 A2 and sells for about $12,50 per liter.

The older 02J 5-speed in the 1.8T Jetta specified G 50 fluid, part number G 005 000. This is a rather old fluid and has been used in VW transmissions for ages. The 02J can be very picky about viscosity and therefore I strongly recommend AGAINST buying 75W-90 gear oils that are designed for rear axles. They will cause notchy shifting and practically make shifting impossible in cold temperatures.

I know it goes against the DIY psyche but I'd go to the dealer and get 3 liters of G50 and get on a 100,000 mile interval.