The Old Transmission Fluid Debate
07-16-2014, 01:59 PM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
The Old Transmission Fluid Debate
So, I was about 100% ready to get the fluid changed in my new (to me) 2000 A6 with 125k miles.
I called a local German Indy shop that has great references and talked to the owner/mechanic.
He suggested that if it had never been done to not start now.
As an engineer, I know this makes no sense because there is no way old fluid is better then new fluid.
But he was fairly firm in his recommendation.
I have a recommendation for a second shop in the area, so I may see what they have to say.
I called a local German Indy shop that has great references and talked to the owner/mechanic.
He suggested that if it had never been done to not start now.
As an engineer, I know this makes no sense because there is no way old fluid is better then new fluid.
But he was fairly firm in his recommendation.
I have a recommendation for a second shop in the area, so I may see what they have to say.
07-16-2014, 03:32 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
So, I was about 100% ready to get the fluid changed in my new (to me) 2000 A6 with 125k miles.
I called a local German Indy shop that has great references and talked to the owner/mechanic.
He suggested that if it had never been done to not start now.
As an engineer, I know this makes no sense because there is no way old fluid is better then new fluid.
But he was fairly firm in his recommendation.
I have a recommendation for a second shop in the area, so I may see what they have to say.
I called a local German Indy shop that has great references and talked to the owner/mechanic.
He suggested that if it had never been done to not start now.
As an engineer, I know this makes no sense because there is no way old fluid is better then new fluid.
But he was fairly firm in his recommendation.
I have a recommendation for a second shop in the area, so I may see what they have to say.
There's a thread further down about a clogged valve body if you care to search for it.
Last edited by SloopJohnB@mac.com; 07-16-2014 at 03:34 PM.
07-16-2014, 03:58 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Second shop agrees with the first.
If it has not been driven hard, (Remember this is a 2.8 owned by a 70 year old) they said changing the fluid late does not seem to do much to add longevity.
If I were doing it myself, I might drain, clean, etc.
But guessing I am just as good leaving it as is for now.
If it has not been driven hard, (Remember this is a 2.8 owned by a 70 year old) they said changing the fluid late does not seem to do much to add longevity.
If I were doing it myself, I might drain, clean, etc.
But guessing I am just as good leaving it as is for now.
07-16-2014, 05:44 PM
#5
AudiWorld Super User
Correctamundo!
I stand corrected…ZF link below: I add, ZF the trans maker says do it 30-50k miles depending on severity of usage.
I stand corrected…ZF link below: I add, ZF the trans maker says do it 30-50k miles depending on severity of usage.
Last edited by SloopJohnB@mac.com; 07-17-2014 at 04:26 AM.
07-16-2014, 06:45 PM
#6
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The Indy shop, owned by a master Audi tech, said change it every 50k.
07-16-2014, 07:41 PM
#7
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
One reference said 50K to 75K if used in severe conditions and lifetime if not.
Other said 50K to 75K in normal and more often is severe.
Nothing from ZF suggests not changing the fluid if it has gone over that.
I sent ZF technical service the question.
It will be interesting to see if/how they answer.
EDIT:
Just found out, ZF services North America is only 20 minuets away.
Last edited by N_Jay; 07-16-2014 at 07:47 PM.
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07-17-2014, 04:25 AM
#8
AudiWorld Super User
Actually what I found from ZF is 50K to 75K miles or 8 years.
One reference said 50K to 75K if used in severe conditions and lifetime if not.
Other said 50K to 75K in normal and more often is severe.
Nothing from ZF suggests not changing the fluid if it has gone over that.
I sent ZF technical service the question.
It will be interesting to see if/how they answer.
EDIT:
Just found out, ZF services North America is only 20 minuets away.
One reference said 50K to 75K if used in severe conditions and lifetime if not.
Other said 50K to 75K in normal and more often is severe.
Nothing from ZF suggests not changing the fluid if it has gone over that.
I sent ZF technical service the question.
It will be interesting to see if/how they answer.
EDIT:
Just found out, ZF services North America is only 20 minuets away.
07-17-2014, 04:53 AM
#9
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yep, found that one along with a bunch of others that imply (but never directly say) that the fluid never "needs" changing as long as you don't do any severe driving.
I just received word from "on-high".
The great priests of ZF have answered my lowly question.
And so it is written, and so it shall be done!
I just received word from "on-high".
The great priests of ZF have answered my lowly question.
Hello Neil,
There isn't any risk if you drain and fill the fluid. Sometimes flushing a high mileage vehicle can cause problems because you may disrupt settled debris. I recommend changing the fluid and filter. The viscosity of the fluid breaks down over time and the ability to maintain the features of the additives can deminish. You may notice some changes in the shift quality at first if you have a 6 speed. The module may take some time adapting to the new fluid.
Kind regards,
Joe Laubinger
ZF Services, LLC.
1-800-321-0784
There isn't any risk if you drain and fill the fluid. Sometimes flushing a high mileage vehicle can cause problems because you may disrupt settled debris. I recommend changing the fluid and filter. The viscosity of the fluid breaks down over time and the ability to maintain the features of the additives can deminish. You may notice some changes in the shift quality at first if you have a 6 speed. The module may take some time adapting to the new fluid.
Kind regards,
Joe Laubinger
ZF Services, LLC.
1-800-321-0784
Last edited by N_Jay; 07-17-2014 at 04:55 AM.
07-17-2014, 04:57 AM
#10
AudiWorld Super User
Yep, found that one along with a bunch of others that imply (but never directly say) that the fluid never "needs" changing as long as you don't do any severe driving.
I just5 received word from "on-high".
The great priests of ZF have answered my lowly question.
And so it is written, and so it shall be done!
I just5 received word from "on-high".
The great priests of ZF have answered my lowly question.
And so it is written, and so it shall be done!
I would only do that if the pan was crappy with debris…apparently the filter doesn't for those.
And PS…virtually all driving is 'severe service' these days.