T5 6 speed manual gearbox.

[Transporter]

I thought I could share my experience with 6sp. Gearbox in my T5 4Motion.
I changed oil in gearbox at 20,000km that allows time for running in and it will remove debris, assuring long service life of the gearbox.
However there were not many oils available for VW 6speed gearbox at the time. I ended up buying genuine oil, which was all right in summer and not that good in winter. Changing from 1st to 2nd gear had to bee done slower to void notchines and generally it didn’t feel as smooth as it was when new.

This time of the year the cold weather brought the issue back again and time to do something about it, quick look through the oils available with required viscosity, SAE 70W in my case, I choose Penrite Manual Gear 70, since the oil I bought first from the dealer to replace original oil came in Castrol bottle with VW label on it and I couldn't see where it was made, didn't do very good job. Despite the VW oil (most likely Castrol brand) was changed not more than 15,000km ago it was like metallic paint, so I'm glad I replace it with Penrite, the gear change is as smooth as it can be regardless the outside temperature.

[4wheels]

Had a quick check of my service manual (2007 128Kw 4Motion), and couldn't see any reference to gearbox oil change requirements.

I'd be suspicious of whether the dealer gave you the correct oil (especially if it is not a routine change item) for that 1st change you did. If it's looking 'metallic' maybe the syncro's (at least) are damaged. I'd be keeping a sample of the drained oil, and preferably the original receipt from the dealer when you bought it, in case of future gearbox damage showing up. I think there are experts around (not sure where to find them) who can analyse the old oil and tell you what the metallic contaminant is.

Good luck,

Brian

[phaeton]

Not advertising but Penrite is good stuff
We use it at work in all the cars no complaints.

[Transporter]

Had a quick check of my service manual (2007 128Kw 4Motion), and couldn't see any reference to gearbox oil change requirements.

I'd be suspicious of whether the dealer gave you the correct oil (especially if it is not a routine change item) for that 1st change you did. If it's looking 'metallic' maybe the syncro's (at least) are damaged. I'd be keeping a sample of the drained oil, and preferably the original receipt from the dealer when you bought it, in case of future gearbox damage showing up. I think there are experts around (not sure where to find them) who can analyse the old oil and tell you what the metallic contaminant is.

Good luck,

Brian

I know that the oil in the gearbox is lifetime fill but I can't find the info what is the meaning of "lifetime oil fill" in years or km by VW standards. German TUV standards say, it is 5 years or 120,000km. I certainly want my van last longer, so I changed the oil in the gearbox.
I will do another oil change after 20,000km to see what the oil likes and maybe will do used oil anlyses.

[shadowmaker]

Had a quick check of my service manual (2007 128Kw 4Motion), and couldn't see any reference to gearbox oil change requirements.

Lifetime oil =

[Transporter]

Lifetime oil =

Yeah you might need that horse one day, if you believe that.

[Shifter]

Just picked up this thread related to gearbox lube oil - from what has previously been said it would appear that "lifetime fill" obviously does not mean lifetime or they would not put a filling and mt'ing point on the gearbox.

Oil analaysis is a very handy way of getting to know what is going on in the engine and or gearbox but you need a bench mark. What I normally do it take a sampl of good oil and them compare against used oil, this will show an awful lot as to the condition of the oil. Then there is interpretation of the results, this is where the clean oil analysis is handy. I use my local Caterpillar dealer for oil analysis, they charge but it's worth it.

[Transporter]

Hi Shifter,

What oil are you using in your ... do you have a T5 with 6sp?
I would be interested, if you could share the new oil analysis data with us? Unfortunately I don't have any for the gearbox but I've done 2 UOA on my T5
Thanks for bringing it up definitely worthwhile to put it up, who knows it could be handy in the future.

edit: just found your 2008 T5 Lance picture; very nice setup.

[Shifter]

Once I get sorted out, get the vehicle back to Hobart I'll start afresh - it's only done about 14,000 km's, so it's probably time to replace all oils etc.

Transporter, thanks for the tips and hints you have posted, they are very helpful. Whilst on the subject of oil, is Enviro Plus 5w 30 adequate for the 08 Transporter 2.5 TDI ? It says it complies with VW 507 but anything can be written on lables??

[Transporter]

Once I get sorted out, get the vehicle back to Hobart I'll start afresh - it's only done about 14,000 km's, so it's probably time to replace all oils etc.

Transporter, thanks for the tips and hints you have posted, they are very helpful. Whilst on the subject of oil, is Enviro Plus 5w 30 adequate for the 08 Transporter 2.5 TDI ? It says it complies with VW 507 but anything can be written on lables??

The Enviro+ 5W30 is only Penrite engine oil that is approved by VW I think up to 2011, than Penrite has to renew the approval again by sending sample to VW for testing. I have to use VW506.01 in my T5 (made before 2006). For what I know from Penrite is that Enviro+ 5W30 is fully imported oil.