Just replaced 020 gearbox fluid

[Pullstarter]

Touch wood I can't see any leaks in mine and it was last changed 20k kms ago and then checked about 2k kms ago with no sign of a top up needed. Maybe I have a non-leaking tranny, is this possible?

[MattyT]

Guys if you want cheap gearbox fluid just go with the OEM spec which is Castrol Syntrax 75w-90, it's about $30.

[rayray086]

A very comprehensive guide here: http://www.brokevw.com/020oil.html

I just did mine today. Thanks to Pedro for the 17mm hex bit. Ended up getting Redline's MT-90 - bought three 1qt bottles for $29 each at Bursons. Their 1 gallon bottle (~3.7L) of MT-90 was $112. Much cheaper than what I was quoted at Autobarn. Oh, and Bursons also stocked an extensive range of Fuchs motor oil too. Might give it a go one day!

Back to the gearbox. Surprisingly, I still had 2.0L of gearbox oil left when I drained it. Gearbox oil wasn't very dark either. Makes me think it has been refilled not too long ago, but I completely do not have any memory/record of having it done... Anyway, filled through the speedo hole as opposed to the side filling bit as it was much easier (Torx bolt was easy to get off). 1qt = ~947mL so I ended up only using an extra ~100mL with the third bottle, and have lots left!

I still get second gear crunch once in a while (unfortunately I don't baby my gearbox much), but shift feel is better. First gear is easier to get into, and shifting is overall much easier. Overall, I don't think I really needed to change it at all, but I suppose I feel good having done it.

Next up, coolant (or brown sludge) flush!

[Jmac]

Im afraid 2nd gear is the one that cops the stick mate and bythe sounds you are up for a Sychroniser and baulk ring replacement soon. That would be a good time to check your diff pins