Gearbox oil change, which oil?

[BillMatt]

I'm about to drive my 1999 1.9TDI with 222500 miles to Sweden! Dispite my best efforts I have become emotionally attached to this rough but incredibly reliable car. There is reason to this decision I won't go into. But basicllay I don't want to let her go, I have a need of a car in Sweden for the next year. Figure why not!?

Anyway as the bushings in all the suspension are clearly original from 1999 and looking through the log book which was kept up to 150k miles I can see nothing on gearbox oil change.

Questions...

1. If I do which oil and how much?
2. The car will see at least one Swedish winter -20℃ is common. Does this affect the viscocity choice?

I have looked through the posts and can't see anything relating to gearbox oil change. Forgive this newb if there is and please point it out to me.

[cliffcoggin]

Bill.

I can't answer your question, though in your position I would change the oil and filter.

I daresay you know the precautions for low temperature use of the car, so I'll just remind you about changing the antifreeze to a higher concentration, and to consider snow tyres.

[spartacus 68]

Speak to Audi direct. It will be GL4 or fully synthetic GL5. Takes about 2.3 litres, probably 75w-90. Always release the fill plug before releasing the drain plug.

On the subject of bushings, any knocks or clunks, deal with them here. Usual suspects are upper arms, drop links and ARB bushings. Fit Meyle HD or Lemforder.

Budget for a full set of winter tyres. Can recommend Kumho WinterCraft tyres.

As recommended, change your antifreeze. Timing belt is due every 60k miles or 5 years. Include water pump, tensioner pulley and genuine thermostat. No fun braving a winter with a dodgy thermostat.

Headlight conversion kit too.

 

[BillMatt]

Thanks for the info. Timing belt done couple of months ago. Entire rear axel out and refurbished. Front is getting same treatment next week. 

Found the crack case pipe smashed. Venting to atmosphere. Turns out what I thought was a small leak was in fact crank case vent juice. No more (almost) oil on ground now. 

I'll be running studded tyres as my kids live in rural Sweden. Experience tells me all season tyres will leave me wanting in mid winter ice. Fine in snow. It's the sheet ice before the gritters get round they struggle with.

I'll change the gearbox oil. I have to assume it's never been done. Just wary of changing to much and unsettling what is settled. I change the engine oil and filter every 5k.

It only really gets driven on long trips. I think a few months of city driving would be the end of something. The clutch doesn't bite until the very last bit of pedal. I'm not going to do the clutch. It's been the same for 40k. 1500 miles and some rural Sweden on and off for a year is not going to move the dial. 🤞🏻

[cliffcoggin]

33 minutes ago, BillMatt said:

clutch doesn't bite until the very last bit of pedal. I'm not going to do the clutch. It's been the same for 40k. 1500 miles and some rural Sweden on and off for a year is not going to move the dial.

Sorry to be blunt Bill, but that is downright foolish. However it is your car, and your money that will be wasted when the gearbox is wrecked.

[spartacus 68]

1 hour ago, BillMatt said:

 I'll be running studded tyres as my kids live in rural Sweden. Experience tells me all season tyres will leave me wanting in mid winter ice. Fine in snow. It's the sheet ice before the gritters get round they struggle with.

I'll change the gearbox oil. I have to assume it's never been done. Just wary of changing to much and unsettling what is settled. I change the engine oil and filter every 5k.

Forget all-season tyres, even full winter tyres are no match for ice. Throw a few bags of sand in the boot - pity it's not a quattro. Studded tyres are illegal in the UK anyway.

I would still change the gearbox oil. By all means check the drained oil, but after 200k miles, go on the assumption it's original. Nice working space by the way.

Also worth brushing up on your knowledge of low-emission zones in Sweden. Like anywhere in Europe - their transport infrastructure will be excellent, so leave the car if you need to head to some of the big cities.