"Lifetime" MT fluid? Should I change?

[heathenbrewing]

Originally Posted By: glxpassat
Quote:
Dropped the GL-5 that came OEM in my 5-speed at 12K miles and put in some GL-4 (redline).


You may be doing damage using a GL-4 which has about half the extreme pressure additive of a GL-5 if that's what your car specs.


Thanks for your input!

I actually did some checking through Scion Corporation and sent them a letter explaining my concerns with using the recommended GL5 in my transmission because of the brass syncros and other "gold" metals in there. Although the 5 was OK to use, they said;

"I spoke with our tech dept regarding your situation. They recommend the GL-4 only because in the long run it will be less corrosive to the metal inside the transmission and it will allow for better mechanical output."

My guess is they didnt want to stock 2 different MTLs at all the dealerships and went for a "one-size-fits-all" methodology. Yet another reason I live to DIY!

 

[heathenbrewing]

Moral of that story - the manufacturer does not always recommend the BEST possible fluids. Take your owners manual with a grain of salt.

 

[gtx510]

FWD transaxles don't need the EP additives that GL-5's have since they don't have hyploid gears.
GL-4 is perfect.

 

[JosephH1]

Thanks for the replies everyone! It just did not sit well with me that the tranny fluid did not ever need to be changed. Kinda the same with VW's recommendations of a 10k OCI on my direct injection turbo motor. No way!!!
I am just hitting 30k (90% highway) and might change it before winter to be safe. I will just have to verify proper vis.

 

[ARB1977]

Just changed my wifes 10 year old "lifetime fluid" in her auto just a few weeks ago with a new filter as well...much better shifts.

 

[televascular]

I have a 2003 Passat GLX 4-Motion wagon, and I understand your suspicion of VW. Supposedly, the ATF and differential fluid is lifetime.

I tried to make an appointment over the phone with a dealership for ATF replacement, but the guy (expectedly) told me it was lifetime fluid. I said I'd rather change it out anyway, and he immediately became argumentative and strongly advised me not to do it. Ended up getting into a verbal scuffle and I decided not to utilize that service department. Never got around to changing the ATF or differential (currently at 97,000 miles).

 

[oilboy123]

Yes it's called Customer Service. Give the customer what they want.

I guess he was trying to do what was in his mind right. But in the end was not.

 

[kokopelli]

lol. i don't see what difference it would make to a stealership's service dept; it IS, after all, YOUR money and YOUR car. I'm surprised they'd let the chance of income pass them by...

I had PepBoys tell me one time that coolant flush and fill isn't necessary...well, I know better of course...LOL. I personally don't go to PB, as I prefer to do stuff myself, but I inquired for a friend....

 

[Bror Jace]

So, was the weight of fluid required for VW transaxles ever confirmed?

And when changing the fluid, do you have to use the massive allen wrench? What size is that anyway?

I ask because Mom has a 1999 VW Cabriolet that has about 50,000 miles on it and I'm thinking of changing the fluid for her.

 

[JosephH1]

Since the dealer has been no help except to tell me the tranny fluid is $32.00 a liter (3.3 needed) I have a E-mail into VW of North America to gat the specs on the fluid. If/when I hear back I will let you know.
Yes, $32.00 USD a liter!!!!

 

[aquariuscsm]

Quote:


I actually did some checking through Scion Corporation and sent them a letter explaining my concerns with using the recommended GL5 in my transmission because of the brass syncros and other "gold" metals in there. Although the 5 was OK to use, they said;

"I spoke with our tech dept regarding your situation. They recommend the GL-4 only because in the long run it will be less corrosive to the metal inside the transmission and it will allow for better mechanical output."

My guess is they didnt want to stock 2 different MTLs at all the dealerships and went for a "one-size-fits-all" methodology. Yet another reason I live to DIY!


That makes me wonder if that`s the reason so many Z32 owners are experiencing poor shiftability and short synchro life in their trannies. I asked the Nissan dealer here what they use for MT tranny oil and they said "some GL5 bulk stuff that comes in big barrels. I don`t know what it is exactly. GL4,GL5 it doesn`t matter. You can just put anything in their and it will be ok".