Supercharger oil change

[B5BAR]

Just curious if anybody on here has completed an oil change on their supercharger as of yet? I have to admit, I don't own an S4, I have an A6 3.0t, however the population of 3.0T owners is a bit higher in this area :) .

I am pulling the Supercharger to install an APR Pulley, and to do an intake clean. While the charger is off, I figured it would make sense to service the Supercharger while it is off. I have read some threads that Mercedes owners would warm their SC in front of a space heater, or even place it in their oven (lowest temp possible) to warm the oil slightly. I don't see why either is needed, however, was curious if anyone has done this, and if there were any tips and tricks?

Should be straight forward, but just curious if anyone has run into any gotchas!

Thanks!

B5BAR
A6 3.0T Avant.

[txrngr]

I know from a previous car e55 amg the super charger oil was hard to get and not even recommended until over 100k miles. I would be careful and put the exact amount back in. I doubt there is any service info on the fluid specifications. but if you want to do it, then go for it.

[chaos2984]

I know from a previous car e55 amg the super charger oil was hard to get and not even recommended until over 100k miles. I would be careful and put the exact amount back in. I doubt there is any service info on the fluid specifications. but if you want to do it, then go for it.

yes you are correct the oil is going to be hard to find. I have a buddy that rebuilt one on his c230 benz and had to call eaton for the oil spec and took him awhile to track do something that was similar. call eaton and ask them

[B5BAR]

I know from a previous car e55 amg the super charger oil was hard to get and not even recommended until over 100k miles. I would be careful and put the exact amount back in. I doubt there is any service info on the fluid specifications. but if you want to do it, then go for it.

Great point on measuring volume. That was a good practice when changing oil on the old GM 3800 supercharged engines ( I never owned one but had serviced them).

Car has 106.000 on the clock and I already have the oil. (#G070000A1) . I tend to keep my cars for 10 years 200,000+ miles, so I try to be good with maintaining fluids on my machines.

[infinkc]

its a closed system, not sure how you will get to the fluid.

[will13k7]

oil change == supercharger change?

[B5BAR]

its a closed system, not sure how you will get to the fluid.

Mine has a black allen plug on the front of the charger, where the gears and spring isolator are located. On other OEM Eaton TVS series chargers, this is where you would pull oil out to replace it.

Since this appears to be such a foreign topic over here, I have taken earlier advice and contacted Eaton. I Just want to cover my bases while the thing is out of the car. If it doesn't need to be changed, less work for me! The oil was free from someone who no longer has a 3.0T car.

[Chandler]

Mine has a black allen plug on the front of the charger, where the gears and spring isolator are located. On other OEM Eaton TVS series chargers, this is where you would pull oil out to replace it.

Since this appears to be such a foreign topic over here, I have taken earlier advice and contacted Eaton. I Just want to cover my bases while the thing is out of the car. If it doesn't need to be changed, less work for me! The oil was free from someone who no longer has a 3.0T car.

Be sure to spread the wealth of knowledge and let us know what they say. I am long away from needing to change my oil in it/ replace it but I would like to know regardless.

[DGVR6]

yes you are correct the oil is going to be hard to find. I have a buddy that rebuilt one on his c230 benz and had to call eaton for the oil spec and took him awhile to track do something that was similar. call eaton and ask them

OEM Application: Audi A6/S4
Rotor: TVS
Type Size: R1320
Oil Fill (ml): 155
Oil Fill (fl oz): 5.2

There is an allen type screw in front of the charger.
Im sure VAG has OE Specific oil.
Considered lifetime, I call BS.
100k, or less if high load as in racing/towing.

[chaos2984]

OEM Application: Audi A6/S4
Rotor: TVS
Type Size: R1320
Oil Fill (ml): 155
Oil Fill (fl oz): 5.2

There is an allen type screw in front of the charger.
Im sure VAG has OE Specific oil.
Considered lifetime, I call BS.
100k, or less if high load as in racing/towing.

Well i doubt vag has anything to do with the fluid in the S/C since Eaton builds it. I would go by whatever eaton says on replacement. Also I would call them to verify the fluid that goes in there before you use something somebody else gave u, unless he called eaton also.

[cspcrx]

Great point on measuring volume. That was a good practice when changing oil on the old GM 3800 supercharged engines ( I never owned one but had serviced them).

Car has 106.000 on the clock and I already have the oil. (#G070000A1) . I tend to keep my cars for 10 years 200,000+ miles, so I try to be good with maintaining fluids on my machines.

I am glad to see there is someone else on here like me. I have kept my last three vehicles for 10yrs or 200k miles and plan to do the same with my S4 and my 09 Tacoma.

[bpang1]

I am glad to see there is someone else on here like me. I have kept my last three vehicles for 10yrs or 200k miles and plan to do the same with my S4 and my 09 Tacoma.

My last car (2004 WRX) I had for about 8 years. I don't like to change cars too often either. Mostly because I hate paying all the taxes and fees.

[B5BAR]

Well i doubt vag has anything to do with the fluid in the S/C since Eaton builds it. I would go by whatever eaton says on replacement. Also I would call them to verify the fluid that goes in there before you use something somebody else gave u, unless he called eaton also.

It's a sealed bottle of Audi dealer sourced oil for our superchargers. I did send the part number of it to Eaton to confirm it is okay to use.

I hope to know by next week when my Pulley and belt arrive :) .

I am glad to see there is someone else on here like me. I have kept my last three vehicles for 10yrs or 200k miles and plan to do the same with my S4 and my 09 Tacoma.

14 years for my last car. I figured this time I would buy a car that was 3 years old, broken in, with proven reliability. It is also nice (this round) to have proven mods on the market already (as opposed to being an early tester), and join an established community to bounce questions off of. So far Audizine is great!

[DGVR6]

IMHO, stage 2 guys should consider changing their compressor oil more frequent.

Spinner the blower harder than intended is going to get it very hot.

But yea those are the specs as far as I know. Like chaos said, it would be wise to call Eaton and confirm.

[mk420thae]

Audi doesnt offer the oil for some reason

[S4'ed]

I read a FAQ on the Eaton site that said they don't recommend changing the supercharger gear-oil.

[B5BAR]

I read a FAQ on the Eaton site that said they don't recommend changing the supercharger gear-oil.

Eaton also doesn't recommend changing gear oil on my Silverado's G80 Locking differential, however, the key thing is they don't "recommend against it". There is a huge fundamental difference between the wording of those two statements.

Regardless, I am still awaiting a reply from Eaton. Knowing how these large companies operate, I don't expect an answer until next week. I am sure whatever response they draft has to be blessed by their legal team before they can send it.

[LYKUNO]

This place could probably offer more info ...

http://www.thehighspeedlab.com/Eaton_Price_List.html

[S4'ed]

From Eaton wedsite :

Q: How often do I need to change the oil in my supercharger?
A: The sealed oil reservoir in a supercharger is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Changing the oil is not recommended unless you suspect contamination, leakage, or other issues like bearing failure. Also, if your vehicle has an abnormally heavy duty cycle, such as racing or towing, you could consider changing the oil at regular intervals such as 20k, 30k, 50k, or 100k miles depending on usage.

Q: I’ve decided I need to change the oil in my supercharger. How do I do this?
A: If you do want to change the oil there is one fill/drain plug on the front face of the front cover. It will probably be an Allen type plug. You will have to suction out the oil using a syringe or other method before replacing with new oil. Fill levels are dependent on application. For aftermarket units, please consult the aftermarket partner company that produced that specific kit. For OEM units, please see the list below or email infosupercharger@eaton.com. New oil can be obtained from any GM or Ford service parts facility, or from one of the Eaton aftermarket supercharger partner companies or remanufacturers. Please make sure you do NOT use any other type of oil, including synthetic motor oils. These will cause failure.

OEM Application Rotor Type Size Oil Fill (ml) Oil Fill (fl oz)
Audi A6/S4 TVS R1320 155 5.2


Q: What about the bearings in the back of the housing? Do I need to grease these?
A: The needle bearings in the housing of an Eaton supercharger are designed to last the life of the vehicle. If you have your unit repaired by an authorized Eaton supercharger remanufacturers, they will be able to replace or grease these needle bearings for you.


Pontiac DIY:
Next, get your two 4 oz (ounce) bottles of GM Vehicle Care Supercharger Oil, which is part number 1 # 12345982 at any GM dealership or at online retailers. You'll also need a sprayer top and some sort of bottle to hold the old supercharger oil. The old oil will really stink so be prepared for that.

[DGVR6]

From Eaton wedsite :

Q: How often do I need to change the oil in my supercharger?
A: The sealed oil reservoir in a supercharger is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Changing the oil is not recommended unless you suspect contamination, leakage, or other issues like bearing failure. Also, if your vehicle has an abnormally heavy duty cycle, such as racing or towing, you could consider changing the oil at regular intervals such as 20k, 30k, 50k, or 100k miles depending on usage.

Sounds to me a smaller pulley justifies that.

I remember when VW stated the 09G Transmission fluid was sealed and lifetime.
Boy were people upset when the valvebody started to stick.

[B5BAR]

Well I took the plunge and changed the oil last night. Since my charger was off, we simply poured out what we could, and replaced with the same volume of oil. The only real gotcha was the fact of the plug being in English units, as opposed to Metric. I had to raid the neighboring shop for a correct allen key, from which the plug easily came off. There is a small rubber O-Ring that I also replaced, otherwise it was a simple fluid swap.

For comparison, 100k miles, versus fresh oil.

[IanCH]

I will probably do this soon.

[Chandler]

I will probably do this soon.

I will probably wait, I have only 16K miles on my car and it is due for an oil change which I plan to do here very soon - I have everything for the 15K service but time :P.

I will likely do it at 25K/ next oil change or maybe the 35K mark, probably 35K.

[shadycrew31]

I'd be interested in seeing an oil report on what you poured out. Oil color usually means absolutely nothing, 500 miles it can get that dark.

[amz]

I'd be interested in seeing an oil report on what you poured out.

+1

[skiracerblah]

Well I took the plunge and changed the oil last night. Since my charger was off, we simply poured out what we could, and replaced with the same volume of oil. The only real gotcha was the fact of the plug being in English units, as opposed to Metric. I had to raid the neighboring shop for a correct allen key, from which the plug easily came off. There is a small rubber O-Ring that I also replaced, otherwise it was a simple fluid swap.

For comparison, 100k miles, versus fresh oil.

That's all the oil? Looks like a little more than a shot glass or two...

[SDV325]

I'd be interested in seeing an oil report on what you poured out. Oil color usually means absolutely nothing, 500 miles it can get that dark.

+1

[B5BAR]

I'd be interested in seeing an oil report on what you poured out. Oil color usually means absolutely nothing, 500 miles it can get that dark.

Good point, though that is 100,000 miles of use, and it looked like a dark metallic silver paint. I did save some, I may test it, but am not really that bothered by it.

That's all the oil? Looks like a little more than a shot glass or two...

I was only able to pour out about 4 ounces of oil, and that is what I replaced. There is a little over 5 ounces in the bottle

[AudiDTMA4]

I'd be interested in seeing an oil report on what you poured out. Oil color usually means absolutely nothing, 500 miles it can get that dark.

^That

Oil color is pointless.

[IanCH]

I will probably wait, I have only 16K miles on my car and it is due for an oil change which I plan to do here very soon - I have everything for the 15K service but time :P.

I will likely do it at 25K/ next oil change or maybe the 35K mark, probably 35K.

hahaha, Im at 95k man, I wouldn't worry about it with such a low mileage car still under warranty.

[gringoloco2000]

^That

Oil color is pointless.

+1

Send the old oil to Blackstone.

[Chandler]

Ooo. I'm curious about a Blackstone report after 30k 50k and 100k...

[B5BAR]

+1

Send the old oil to Blackstone.

^That

Oil color is pointless.

I am not interested in paying to test oil, simply to quell civil unrest on an online forum. If People are that interested, take a dropper and send in a sample of your own supercharger, that way you will know how well your supercharger's gears are holding up. Knowing the condition of my 2010 A6 factory charger oil after 100,000 miles really is only valid information for my supercharger, as I doubt we all drive the same, and in the same climates.

Many on here feel changing the oil is pointless as they feel it's lifetime. I respect that opinion. I am not here to change anyone's mind.

In the end, I appreciate the discussion that spawned from my asking for help, and hope everyone in the S4 forum enjoys their lighter / faster 3.0T equipped cars (remember I drive a 3.0T A6 Avant).

Cheers,

B5BAR

[AudiDTMA4]

I am not interested in paying to test oil, simply to quell civil unrest on an online forum. B5BAR

We're simply cautioning you not to make a decision on oil condition based on color.....that goes for any oil.

It's not civil unrest, it's engineering and chemistry.

[IanCH]

I am not interested in paying to test oil, simply to quell civil unrest on an online forum. If People are that interested, take a dropper and send in a sample of your own supercharger, that way you will know how well your supercharger's gears are holding up. Knowing the condition of my 2010 A6 factory charger oil after 100,000 miles really is only valid information for my supercharger, as I doubt we all drive the same, and in the same climates.

Many on here feel changing the oil is pointless as they feel it's lifetime. I respect that opinion. I am not here to change anyone's mind.

In the end, I appreciate the discussion that spawned from my asking for help, and hope everyone in the S4 forum enjoys their lighter / faster 3.0T equipped cars (remember I drive a 3.0T A6 Avant).

Cheers,

B5BAR

Oh man, its such a hardship that we ask you (the person with the used oil) to pay $25 to get that oil tested!!!!! http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

[11move]

Oh man, its such a hardship that we ask you (the person with the used oil) to pay $25 to get that oil tested!!!!! http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

Buck up and send him the money, plenty of ways... Paypal, EMT, WesternUnion and so on.

It is what it is he did it as a piece of mind for himself and not anyone else. So for that OP I thank you as I learned something new myself.

[amz]

I am not interested in paying to test oil, simply to quell civil unrest on an online forum. If People are that interested, take a dropper and send in a sample of your own supercharger, that way you will know how well your supercharger's gears are holding up. Knowing the condition of my 2010 A6 factory charger oil after 100,000 miles really is only valid information for my supercharger, as I doubt we all drive the same, and in the same climates.

Many on here feel changing the oil is pointless as they feel it's lifetime. I respect that opinion. I am not here to change anyone's mind.

In the end, I appreciate the discussion that spawned from my asking for help, and hope everyone in the S4 forum enjoys their lighter / faster 3.0T equipped cars (remember I drive a 3.0T A6 Avant).

Cheers,

B5BAR

I'll pitch in $5 for you to send it off to blackstone, PM me your Paypal. I'm sure there are 3-4 other lads who will pitch in. This will be extremely valuable information for those of us planning on keeping the cars for another 4-6 years.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

We have the recommended supercharger oil from Audi available below. It's recommended be changed every 100K.

Click HERE to order or for more information


Other possible conditions that could require more frequent changes would be racing or driving that constantly is working the blower and or sustained higher pressure/RPM such as a greatly reduced pulley size.

Jason

[sirsycott]

I am not interested in paying to test oil, simply to quell civil unrest on an online forum. If People are that interested, take a dropper and send in a sample of your own supercharger, that way you will know how well your supercharger's gears are holding up. Knowing the condition of my 2010 A6 factory charger oil after 100,000 miles really is only valid information for my supercharger, as I doubt we all drive the same, and in the same climates.

Many on here feel changing the oil is pointless as they feel it's lifetime. I respect that opinion. I am not here to change anyone's mind.

In the end, I appreciate the discussion that spawned from my asking for help, and hope everyone in the S4 forum enjoys their lighter / faster 3.0T equipped cars (remember I drive a 3.0T A6 Avant).

Cheers,

B5BAR

now this is kinda funny in an ironic way , you change the oil on the supercharger because you don't think it's meant to last for life of the supercharger...

but you won't test it out to see if there was or will be a difference besides color, now color doesn't mean the oil is bad

it's more so that people will read this thread and question "why bother at all?" if there is no proof beyond paranoia

[AudiDTMA4]

I'm willing to have the oil tested for free, I'm in the twin cities and can get it done relatively quickly.