2007 Vw Rabbit 5spd gearbox

[rustlerdude]

From the factory the Rabbits get full synthetic oil for this manual trans. It takes 1.9 liters of fluid. VW says this is a lifetime fill oil (say the same thing with their auto transmissions) but I have a hard time swallowing that. Any recommendations for fluid change? I'm sure if there is a magnet, it's somewhere in the trans. Would changing it every 40k miles be OK?

yes i'm a tech but this area is always in question around the dealer.

 

[jinx]

My dad has the same year Rabbit with a little over 50,000k on it and I redline it quite a bit and it's still going strong, I was told the same thing from the service department but I didn't trust the guy so I asked a tech and said it would be good to change at 80 to 100,000k or just wait till you need a new clutch and get it done then but it depends on how you drive and how much load you put on it.

 

[rustlerdude]

I know these transmissions have issues with 3rd gear and the diff. A lot of times they shed teeth, grind 3rd, or blow the diff apart and a hole through the case. I'm not sure what is causing these failures, but I would rather try and do something about it if its lubrication related or not.

 

[mechtech2]

Redline or Amsoil would be great. Get the ones that are the right viscosity for you.
Changing it every 40,000 is a good idea, especially compared to a 'lifetime' .
But the factory is right - a lifetime lube always lasts until the component breaks - thus it's life is over.

 

[rustlerdude]

Thanks. VW doesn't specify the weight of the oil. Maybe I'll have to have it sent out and see what it contains.

 

[gtx510]

maybe this thread will help?
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1069859