jyt747

I have a manual '97 1.8t quattro and I was wondering what would be the best synthetic tranny fluid to use. Sorry for sounding like a newb, but does the tranny fluid use the same fluid as the differential fluid since the fill for the tranny is the same as the center diff.? Also, what size is the special Audi tool for the tranny drain plug? Can this be purchased at a local hardware store or must it be special ordered? Thanks in advance for any help!

moribundman

Those are the two tools you need:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/50038/tranny_bits.jpg">

I think you can get those at www.samstagsales.com, but someone else might sell less expensive versions by some other maker.

I'm not yet sure about what tranny fluids to use. The tranny and the torsen share fluids - you change them at the same time. The rear differential gets something else. Apart from OEM fluid, which is about $20 for a liter, you may want to look what Redline and Neo offer.

Tranny fluid: SAE 75W90
Rear differential oil: GL5 SAE 90

PS: Remove the filler plug BEFORE you drain the fluid.

elric

<center><img src="http://www.fnord.org/~elric/redline.jpg"></center><p>
Only use GL-4 rated fluid. NOT GL-5. GL-5 is bad for the syncros. A GL4/5 is also not acceptable. Just GL-4 rating. I used Redline MT90, which is a 75W90 GL-4.

GL-5 is what you want for the rear diff. I used Redline 75w90 (GL-5) for the rear.

The 17mm hex should be available at most autoparts stores. I got mine in a 3-pack (14,16,17mm) at Autozone for like $6 or $8.
I got the 16mm triple square from my dealer (VW tool # 3357) for about $20, which is what it would have cost me online. They had to order it, but it only took like 3 days. Any VW or Audi dealer should be able to get it for you.

Moribundman is right ... make sure you can get out the fill plug before you drain anything ... don't drain all your fluid and then not be able to refill .<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1626493.phtml">My post when I changed my tranny fluid</a></li></ul>

Mr.D-'97 A4q 12v

use a 75w90 GL5 oil. Redline sells synthetic GL5 fluid also. I used Mobil 1 75w90 synthetic Gear Oil for the rear diff which is available at your local auto parts store but will most likely use the Redline when I change it next.

My car required a triple square for the tranny drain plug (don't recall the size) and a 17mm hex for the fill plug. The rear diff took a smaller hex for both the fill and the drain plug. I have heard some cars are different than others so check yours before buying any tools. The triple square socket I ordered from Zelenda tools but shop around.

Mr.D-'97 A4q 12v

MTL is a 75w80 fluid although I hear that is OK to use also. The MT-90 is 75w90.

elric

My brain was mixing MTL and MT90.
Edited my post to correct it.

Mr.D-'97 A4q 12v

I'm the type that doesn't like to deviate from Audi's specs unless I have some real good evidence to do so.

jyt747

Thanks for all your help! Got a little confused since the q's have 2 diffs.