Just replaced 020 gearbox fluid

**Golf Houso** · 19-07-2008, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by MattyT

Um, yeah probably was 6 months ago! lol

From memory about $80.

Ahh no worries

, $80 is pretty good I must say and considering that I spent 1/2 the day looking for fully sythentic LSD spec 75W-90 tranny oil. Thats a good price considering the spec of the oil, pretty much $30-$40 looks about right.

Yeah its a shame about no one ever checking the tranny fluid. My dad was like "are you sure theres meant to be 2.0L of fluid in this transmission?" After the paltry 600-700ml trickled out.
It was pretty painful to know that you have been driving a car with so little tranny oil for so long, and I'd imagine you felt the same. Amazing how well the car drove with such little fluid though, tough little bastard!

**MattyT** · 19-07-2008, 10:29 PM

Testament to vw engineering!

Mine isnt in yet, and I have no idea what my current fluid level is. Should be interesting!!

**Golf Houso** · 19-07-2008, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by MattyT

Testament to vw engineering!

Mine isnt in yet, and I have no idea what my current fluid level is. Should be interesting!!

Haha ... unfortunately I think it will be low... alot lower than you would like more likely

Just gonna take it for a drive now on completely cold tranny to see if the2nd gear crunch is gone brb.

**Golf Houso** · 20-07-2008, 12:57 AM

Just came back from one of my usual late night runs and I must say there is quite a difference. Its still the same transmission, with some of the same fundamental problems but that oil change has certainly gone some way to smooth over some of the bumps.

The car shifts smoother on both up and down shifts, it shifts into gear quicker, takes less time to come off the gear change, there is even less transmission crawl when in a lower gear at higher rpm and the car is alot smoother coming off the clutch after it has been depressed in an already engaged gear.

You still have to be careful though, the transmission is still a dainty thing and must be treated carefully when cold. Its now many many many times better when cold than it originally was but you have to, as with everything give it a chance to warm up before you belt it. But at least its a lot better now when you belt it. So the basic conclusion is that this isn't the magic bullet for your dodgy VW tranny, but rather a treatment to maximise what potential is already there and to maintain its conditon.

**brad** · 20-07-2008, 03:10 PM

Mine only had 1L in it when I did my change. Which makes you wonder where it went.......

In my case there were no obvious external leaks except fpr a few drops from the bellhousing to engine joint. I think it was leaking past the long pin that actuates the clutch. I believe the symptom is that the clutch slips in 4th & 5th gear, above 3500rpm with a carload of people, going up a hill.

I assume there must be an o-ring in there somewhere but have no idea what it costs to fix it.

**MattyT** · 20-07-2008, 10:27 PM

Probably way too much.

Well sadly my sunday was more packed then I bargained for and I havent been able to get under the car and do my oil. It'll have to wait for tuesday (my day off). Bugger