manual transmission fluid and differential fluid

[thewiz]

I was planning to replace the manual transmission fluid and the rear differential fluid for my B7 A4 2.0T. From reading various forum posts, I gathered the following info:

G052911A2 - Transmission Oil - about 3.5 liters http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/pro...-052911A2.html
G052145S2 - Rear Differential Oil - about 1.5 liters http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/pro...-052145S2.html

Are these accurate? When I asked the guy at GAP, he said that the transmission fluid was instead G055532A2. I have an email into him to ask if the spec changed and if that's still GL-4, since my understanding is that the MT requires GL-4, whereas the rear diff uses GL-5.

When I look up G055532A2, it looks like it's for newer A4s and A5s than mine. http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/pro...-055532A2.html

Is there also a separate front diff reservoir from the transmission? There are some threads on some forums that say yes, whereas other say that the front diff and center diff are included in the manual transmission.

Thanks for your help.

[Bucho126]

I have used Royal Purple 75w-90 on both transmission and rear dif, works like a charm :). The transmission is the front dif

[jamezz23]

I just did one myself and used motul gear 300 for the transmission and rear differential, people on here recommend it to me. And yes the transmission shares the oil with the front differential.

[PNW Avant]

Jim Ellis appears to use transmission codes to show what fluid is supposed to be compatible. Anyone know our 6 spd transmission code?

[Charles.waite]

Jim Ellis appears to use transmission codes to show what fluid is supposed to be compatible. Anyone know our 6 spd transmission code?

Depends. It should be on a sticker in one of the doorframes or maybe in the wheel well (cant remember). Its a 3-letter code, like GJW or something similar. Having said that, ever Audi manual tranny since the B5 has used the exact same typ of fluid. GL4. The rear Diff uses GL5.

[thewiz]

Jim Ellis appears to use transmission codes to show what fluid is supposed to be compatible. Anyone know our 6 spd transmission code?

I thought mine is GVE, but I'd have to check the sticker to be sure. I believe the rear diff is HUQ and the engine is BPG.

I didn't mention it in my initial post, but I did notice that the fluid that the GAP guy mentioned doesn't have a GVE code listed. However, G052911A2 seems to be okay for both the older cars and the newer cars that are listed for G055532A2 (e.g. KCA/KMR).

[thewiz]

The transmission is the front dif

That's what I thought too, but it seemed like there were some people with either older A4s and/or A6s that had a separate front diff reservoir that didn't have a drain plug -- you had to suck the oil out of the fill plug.

It also appeared that the center diff for automatic transmission cars is in many cases separate from the transmission and has its own fluid capacity that's less than a liter, but that's not the case for manual.

[mec]

gve for bpg's, check behind the engine on the transmission

[thewiz]

I didn't mention it in my initial post, but I did notice that the fluid that the GAP guy mentioned doesn't have a GVE code listed. However, G052911A2 seems to be okay for both the older cars and the newer cars that are listed for G055532A2 (e.g. KCA/KMR).

Apparently in ETKA, it now lists G055532A2 for GVE. I wonder if the Jim Ellis guys just haven't updated things. I'm assuming it's GL-4 also, but I'll update the thread when I get it, in case anyone wants to know.

You'd think it'd be easier for a consumer to figure out these things, but Audi definitely tries to push the "lifetime" thing for these fluids.

I'll go through another round of this soon for my other Audi -- different Quattro system, but I'm assuming the rear diff spec will be the same.

[Charles.waite]

Wait we're talking about manual transmissions right?

In every manual A4 since the B5 the "front" and center diffs share fluid with the Transmission. The rear diff gets its own fluid.

Honestly, the OEM part number isn't a huge deal. The trannys all take the same type of fluid: GL-4. As long as its GL-4 compatible you'll be fine.

[yettavr6]

For anyone that lives where the temps get below freezing, don't use anything other than Fuchs Titan Sintofluid or OEM G 052 911 A2. Anything else will make your trans impossible to shift when its cold out.

[yettavr6]

P.S. Despite what some people say, GL5 is fine for the trans. Fuchs Titan Sintofluid is GL5 and is VW certified for G 052 911 A1/A2 and according to some, is actually the exact same fluid that VW sells. LubroMoly also will tell you that their GL5 fully synthetic MT oil is perfectly safe for VW trans. I had it in my car for 4 years and never had a problem (except it was too thick for New England winters)

[PNW Avant]

P.S. Despite what some people say, GL5 is fine for the trans. Fuchs Titan Sintofluid is GL5 and is VW certified for G 052 911 A1/A2 and according to some, is actually the exact same fluid that VW sells. LubroMoly also will tell you that their GL5 fully synthetic MT oil is perfectly safe for VW trans. I had it in my car for 4 years and never had a problem (except it was too thick for New England winters)

G 052 911 A1/A2 is a Castrol brand oil.

[aluthman]

For anyone that lives where the temps get below freezing, don't use anything other than Fuchs Titan Sintofluid or OEM G 052 911 A2. Anything else will make your trans impossible to shift when its cold out.

No issues in mine with Redline 75w-90 GL-4 and I'm in CT.

[thewiz]

G 052 911 A1/A2 is a Castrol brand oil.

Yes, I'm pretty sure OEM G 052 911 A2 is Castrol. I'm not sure if G055532A2 is. Unfortunately, the bottles of G055532A2 I received have no markings on the bottle besides "Gear Oil" in four languages and some marketing language in four languages. It doesn't say what standard it meets and doesn't give any more identifying information about vehicles or anything else. Given that every fluid bottle looks identical, you'd think it'd be helpful to have some more info on the bottle. It's a little bit too white labeled.

I assume my car came with G 052 911 A2 from the factory, and I didn't have any issues with shifting in cold environments, at least no more than I'd ordinarily have on a typical cold start. We usually take a different car up to the mountains now, so I may not have to deal with this issue in the future.

[PNW Avant]

Did you hear anything back from the guys at GAP?

[mcpcartier]

I did this...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Oil-Change-Wow
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8297836

Motul 300 75W90 (GL4) - gearbox (front diff) - 3.5 liters
LubroMoly 75W90 (GL5) - rear diff - 1.5 liters

post by chrislane31 saying he's been running the motul for almost 120K miles with no problems so figured I'd give it a shot.

I have noticed shifting is stiff in the AM when below 45 degrees or so. But overall very happy with the results. Been running this combo for about 10,000 miles and very satisfied

[thewiz]

Did you hear anything back from the guys at GAP?

Just what I noted above in the 5/29 post -- that ETKA now lists G055532A2 as the manual transmission fluid for GVE. He sent me a copy of that page.

Did the fluid change recently, and shifting feels slightly smoother (could be psychological), but we also haven't had any cooler days for me to determine how notchy it is on a cold day on a cold start.

[Axis]

I was going to flush both soon and wanted to use Red Line products:

75W90 MT90 GL4 Tranny/Front differential
75W90 GL5 Rear differential

Any Imputs?

[aluthman]

I was going to flush both soon and wanted to use Red Line products:

75W90 MT90 GL4 Tranny/Front differential
75W90 GL5 Rear differential

Any Imputs?

This is exactly what I used for both tranny and rear diff. It made a noticeable difference in smoothness, and the oil I drained out didn't even look that dirty.

[Broke Status]

I personally went with Royal Purple Front and rear and it's an amazing product for summer months but not happy with it in the winters in Canada, once it hits around -10 it's like molasses in there for first 5 minutes then goes fine. I have sense changes to Titan Syntofluid in the front and left the Royal Purple in the rear and it's just as smooth shifting if not better and soon to hit winter weather and find out if it's better for that weather.

[BenMTL]

So just to be clear....2006 Audi A4, 6 speed quattro;

I need 3.5 liters of this stuff (front/center); https://www.europaparts.com/motul-ge...l-1-liter.html

and

1.5 liters of this stuff (rear); http://www.liqui-moly.com/liquimoly/...cument&land=gb

Correct?

[oVeRdOsE]

Got it locally.

See Gregster, bmw vw specialist on MR. I'm going to pick up gear oil this saturday.

- 2 (or 1.5) liter of ​liqui moly hochleistungs-getriebeöl, fully syn gear oil GL5 75w-90


- 3.5 Liter of liqui moly hochleistungs-getriebeöl, fully syn gear oil GL4 75w-90

[BenMTL]

Just used the links as a reference and yes, have a local source.

Merci!

[oVeRdOsE]

Just used the links as a reference and yes, have a local source.

Merci!

héhé, want I meant is his price are pretty good.

He is closing at 1pm Saturday, I'm gonna pick up engine oil as well.

Probably do my flush on Sunday.

But your quantity are right. And as per Audizine, Liqui Moly will do a difference. I'll give a shoot, and report.

[BenMTL]

héhé, want I meant is his price are pretty good.

He is closing at 1pm Saturday, I'm gonna pick up engine oil as well.

Probably do my flush on Sunday.

But your quantity are right. And as per Audizine, Liqui Moly will do a difference. I'll give a shoot, and report.

Yes, please do report back Sunday after you do it!!

[vvenom800tt]

Ive used motul 300 previously which i liked a lot in my tranny.

Now im running 1 quart redline mtl and 3 quarts redline mt90.

[oVeRdOsE]

Did the transmission fluids today.

Really easy. Took about 2 hours, slowly. 1 drain plug and 1 fill plug. Same for the rear diff, but plugs are smaller.
Liqui moly bottle came with a straw filler. No need of hose or pump.

Transmission fluid 3.5 L. GL4+
Note : You might want change the drain plug. The thread was in bad shape du to metal filing.



fill from engine bay.


Rear diff took about 1.5 L. GL5.




Any driving improvement ? Nah, not really. Is about the same. The 1st gear might get in a little bit easily.
b7 has ''only'' 92 000 km anyway.

I have ''about'' 500ml of both gl4 and gl5 left.

Was about 18-19$ cad for 1L.

[BenMTL]

Awesome Overdose, merci!!

My car has more (145,000km) so I think I will notice a difference....But what I wanted to ask, you don't think the center/front and rear drain plugs are the same size?? I ask because I bought 2 of these, one for front and one for rear but they won't fit?

[BenMTL]

The one I got seems like it is for the rear....Smaller one (m22x1.5) while this one might be for the front? (m24x1.5)

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...c_Plug/ES6998/

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Looking into this now. I'll know more information soon.

Jason

[oVeRdOsE]

The one I got seems like it is for the rear....Smaller one (m22x1.5) while this one might be for the front? (m24x1.5)

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...c_Plug/ES6998/

I can't tell because I didn't take measurement.

- Transmission fill plug is the same size as the drain plug. (about 1'' diameter) . I use 10 mm allen key.

- Differential fill plg is the same size as the drain plug, but way smaller than the transmission. (around 1/2, 5/8''?) I use a smaller allen key.


I would use flat transmission drain plug, since it's a low point.

[Brillo]

Liqui Moly GL5 will be OK in the rear diff but I would not use it in the transmission for two reasons. GL4 is called for in the tranny and I don't trust the aftermarket suppliers and their claims about backwards compatibility. Secondly, if you look at the specs on the LM (and other after market products) the viscosities are quite high compared to OEM and OEM comparable fluids. This explains why LM, Red Line, Royal Purple, Motul, and the Mobil 1 product (and others) suck in cold weather shifting. I tried a number of them and went back to OEM. The price differential over the long run is just not that consequential. To further the point, if you look at the kinetic viscosity numbers for these different products, especially at 40 and 100 degrees C, they run high. You might think this is better from a wear standpoint but these fluids will run hotter under any given ambient driving conditions. The irony is that running hotter will decrease the kinetic viscosity almost to the level of the OEM fluids? You will notice that small changes in temperature can make a big difference in viscosity! Lastly, the OEM comparable products, like Pentosin MTF-2 which looks, smells and pours just like OEM, can be purchased for less than OEM at the dealer - but only slightly higher than the aftermarket brands.

[oVeRdOsE]

By chance Liqui Moly have GL4, well GL4+.

[UberTeile]

Whatever gear oil you choose, adding some of this stuff can make a noticeable difference is shifting feel.

http://www.lubegard.com/~/C-197/LUBE...uid+Supplement

One of our Audi techs laughed @ me when I told him about it, so I bought a bottle for his `05 S4. He put it in the trans and apologized to me the next day.

[Ringsby4]

Trying to find a reasonable cost tranny oil over in Australia.Motul is over the top at ~$40 a litre and hard to obtain.I saw Fuchs Titan Sinto in a shop yesterday at $27,more reasonable.I found a thread on here discussing that product;
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Which-gear-oil
Charles you had done some research on it.I just had a look at Fuchs w/s and used their oil chooser and now they say "Special product, please use the original OEM part " Now,if it is in fact the oil used by Audi and re-branded OEM as a spare part ,pressure by Audi may have stopped them recommending their product now.What do you think ? I'd like to use it as its on the shelf,ready to go...

[shahk62]

Trying to find a reasonable cost tranny oil over in Australia.Motul is over the top at ~$40 a litre and hard to obtain.I saw Fuchs Titan Sinto in a shop yesterday at $27,more reasonable.I found a thread on here discussing that product;
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Which-gear-oil
Charles you had done some research on it.I just had a look at Fuchs w/s and used their oil chooser and now they say "Special product, please use the original OEM part " Now,if it is in fact the oil used by Audi and re-branded OEM as a spare part ,pressure by Audi may have stopped them recommending their product now.What do you think ? I'd like to use it as its on the shelf,ready to go...

For diff I have close to 2L liqui moly gear oil which I got specially from the local distributor. If you wanted it I'd be happy to send it cheap (I over purchased when doing it)

[Ringsby4]

For diff I have close to 2L liqui moly gear oil which I got specially from the local distributor. If you wanted it I'd be happy to send it cheap (I over purchased when doing it)

Sounds good,Ill pm you

[Charles.waite]

Yea I've actually forgotten most of what I researched on the Fuchs stuff, sorry. Scotty at Advanced Automotion had nothing but good things to say about whatever the exact type they carried for the 02x tranny we have. I can't for the life of me remember which variant of their gear oils it was though and it's been a log time since I revisited the topic. I'll probably be going with OEM or Motul Gear 300 when I change the fluids in my b7 though which is probably going to be in the next year or so. I was a fan of Motul's performance in my b6, shifts were like butter when it was warmed up, but cold shifting was gluey and the synchros in 2nd and 3rd rubbed a bit when it was cold. Not sure if it was just 9 years of abuse driving in the city or the fluid but it was a tad worrisome.

I would go with Fuchs but wasn't able to find a local place that carried it and shipping it was annoyingly expensive. Whereas the Motul was carried by a local parts store and was $7/L so it was a no brainer.

[Ringsby4]

Yea I've actually forgotten most of what I researched on the Fuchs stuff, sorry. Scotty at Advanced Automotion had nothing but good things to say about whatever the exact type they carried for the 02x tranny we have. I can't for the life of me remember which variant of their gear oils it was though and it's been a log time since I revisited the topic. I'll probably be going with OEM or Motul Gear 300 when I change the fluids in my b7 though which is probably going to be in the next year or so. I was a fan of Motul's performance in my b6, shifts were like butter when it was warmed up, but cold shifting was gluey and the synchros in 2nd and 3rd rubbed a bit when it was cold. Not sure if it was just 9 years of abuse driving in the city or the fluid but it was a tad worrisome.

I would go with Fuchs but wasn't able to find a local place that carried it and shipping it was annoyingly expensive. Whereas the Motul was carried by a local parts store and was $7/L so it was a no brainer.

Thanks for your comments,weirdly its the reverse situation here-Fuchs way cheaper and is in my local shop.I just spoke to Motuls new Oz distributor and the price of the 300 is now $49 a litre !!,the best Vodka is cheaper lol But yes,I saw that Scotty was/is an advocate and I'd say it was pressure by VAG on Fuchs not to recommend it for our g/boxes now..