2004 Audi Allroad ATF question

[seadouble]

I'm going to drop the pan and change filter and ATF on my '04 Audi Allroad (new to me) with 89k miles. It's the ZF 5 speed auto. I've read through a ton of info, both here, and on Audi sites Re: what ATF to use, and I'm getting paralysis by (over)analysis...

Currently I'm leaning toward either Pentosin ATF1 or Redline D4. My primary goal is to prolong the life of the tranny and TC (known TC issues on this model trans) and prevent the need for a rebuild down the line. Any improvement in performance would also be appreciated, but the trans shifts well as-is. I can get both Pentosin and redline for about $11/quart so cost is the same. Do either of these fluids contain seal conditioners?

I'm nervous to go cheap with the valvoline. Is that silly of me?

What say ye, oil experts?

 

[Trix]

Pentosin ATF1.

 

[seadouble]

Thanks for your reply. Is it that you think Pentosin is a better fluid, or simply because it's essentially OEM?

 

[The Critic]

This is the correct fluid to use:

http://www.thectsc.com/products/zf-lifeguard5-case-of-6-x-1l-container-14-57.html

I hope you have VAG-COM or equivalent to perform a proper fluid level check.

 

[dlundblad]

Would Maxlife work in this situation?

 

[seanf]

the maxlife says recommended for LT71141 along with a bunch of other specs. I like Ravenol fluid and it comes in a neat bottle you just put a hose on the end and squeeze it in the fill hole, I bought a whole kit from Blauparts for a reasonable price. If you don't want to do Ravenol go with the Pentosin.

 

[seadouble]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
This is the correct fluid to use:

http://www.thectsc.com/products/zf-lifeguard5-case-of-6-x-1l-container-14-57.html

I hope you have VAG-COM or equivalent to perform a proper fluid level check.


Thanks. Yes i'm aware that the factory fill is zf lifeguard 5, which is made by pentosin to the same esso spec. It's been my understanding that the pentosin atf1 is the same fluid as zf lifeguard 5, but sold under the pentosin brand. If I could buy 5l jugs of zf for the price i could get pentosin, then i would do that instead.

And yes, I have a means of measuring the trans fluid temp. Thanks for the tips.

 

[seadouble]

I have read about several guys running maxlife in the ZF 5 speeds without problems. But if i ended up messing up the tranny by trying to go super cheap, I would be sick.

I have looked at the Ravenol and heard good things, but was a bit leery of the fact that it seems blauparts is the only place to get it. initially I was going to just buy that kit from blauparts, but then I started reading too much and probablh overthinking it.

 

[seanf]

Originally Posted By: seadouble
I have read about several guys running maxlife in the ZF 5 speeds without problems. But if i ended up messing up the tranny by trying to go super cheap, I would be sick.

I have looked at the Ravenol and heard good things, but was a bit leery of the fact that it seems blauparts is the only place to get it. initially I was going to just buy that kit from blauparts, but then I started reading too much and probablh overthinking it.


A friend of mine locally sourced it for me, my first kit I got from Blauparts and a friend of mine with wholesale accounts at Worldpac/Altrom and the like can get Ravenol thru one of them which is how I got it the second time. I've had 3 different cars with 3 of these trans and serviced everyone, I've also used the Vaico fluid from ecs tuning.

 

[GSCJR]

Yes, MaxLife is "suitable for use" in your application.

 

[threeputtpar]

I have the same trans in my 03 A6 and have been using Maxlife for over 50k miles now with no issues. Actually, it along with Lubegard Red cleared up the 2-3 upshift shudder that I had while still using Pentosin ATF1. Pentosin is stupid expensive for what it is, so I say skip.

I also highly recommend getting the Autozone Duralast trans filter kit as it comes with a rubber pan gasket. I first tried the Blau kit and the lousy paper gasket leaked in less than 10k miles. The only useful thing in the Blau kit is the transfer pump. Plus the AZ filter kit is $21.

An 04 may be past the VIN cutoff of the updated torque converter seal, so you may be in luck. I don't know the exact VIN where they changed, but I think the information is on one of the forums.

 

[nicholas]

I used maxlife in a 2009 a4 quattro avant - for a while - great results - I did 5 drain and fills to get about 90% total capacity of maxlife - much better in the winter as well compared to OEM.

 

[Vikas]

why do you need Allroad in San Diego?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
why do you need Allroad in San Diego?

How is your question relevant to this thread?

 

[Vikas]

Well, it means one less Allroad in our area for somebody more deserving! Come on, you knew why I asked this question. This is the vehicle only purchased by folks who are glutton for punishment and I was wondering why somebody living in San Diego would end up acquiring it.

 

[threeputtpar]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
why do you need Allroad in San Diego?


For smuggling people across the border that wouldn't fit in the trunk of the A6?

 

[seadouble]

Thanks guys for all of the input. Although I still don't know which fluid I will buy, haha.

Regarding having one in San Diego... Why not? A vehicle that can be a fun-to-drive sport wagon one minute and an SUV the next is useful anywhere. We have mountains within 30 minutes, skiing within 2 hours, wide open desert within 1 hour. Lots of opportunity to take advantage of what the allroad offers. Plus I am somehow drawn to things that are high-maintenance. Just ask my wife, haha.

 

[Vikas]

There! That is what I wanted to hear!! Our Resident Critic has no sense of humor but you certainly do. To purchase Allroad, one needs that in spades.

Regardless of its reliability or lack of it, Allroad has cult following and enthusiast support. So you should get lot better answers elsewhere. Heck, there was somebody who has two Allroads in his household so that he can drive one when the other is broken. I suppose he alternates between them and also walks a lot too

 

[threeputtpar]

Just go with the Maxlife and motor on. I'm trying to get an allroad as a possible replacement for the A6, as I cannot fit a stroller in the trunk. Also, I think the air adjustable suspension is really cool.

What color exterior/interior do you have? The one I'm eyeing is the Highland Green/Fern Green, more commonly known as Kermit. It's in sad shape, so hoping to get it for a song and bring it back to life DIY style.

 

[seadouble]

I know where there is a museum specimen kermit in pittsburgh with only 59k miles for $5500. I considered buying it. if you're interested email me: corey at bigwatersedge dot com

I passed on it because of the shipping cost to CA, but logistics for you may be cheaper/easier. But it's by no means a fixer upper. You can find a fixer for peanuts. But as you know it adds up fast with these cars.

Mine is Atlas grey metallic (my favorite), with black and grey interior. I love the highland green exterior too, but the green interior is a bit much for me. It does look cool, but I know I would get tired of it.