Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

Hi i got a 2001 A6 2.7t i talked to some audi dealers and they say that the Transmission fluid is good for life, and that you dont change it, and some others say you should get it changed around 140k. ?????? should you get it done or not? please help

Re: Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

Its good to flush the tranny, but the filter doesn't need to be changed. I think that is where people get confused. you can flush the tranny without changing the filter. However that being said, the filter is not unchangeable, but is supposed to be good for the life of the car. hopefully that answers your question.

And by the way, if you get your tranny fluid flushed, its a good idea to take a look at the old fluid. its a good tell as to the condition of the tranny.

Re: Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

I recently changed my tranny fluid - '98 A6 w/tip and 90,000 kms! Alot has been written about this topic on other sites. Some say yes change and others say no - obviuosly. It is not cheap if done properly and thoroughly. Dealers want north of $600.00 while if you can find a good indie - like I did - $300.00 parts and labour!

As I said I changed mine - the mechanic showed my old tranny fluid and it was near perfect - clear clean and it felt good too. The filter looked perfect as well.

The mechanic I used does alot of Audis and he can't say yes or no to a change of fluid. It is supposed to last forever. The previous Audi he serviced for the tranny the fluid came out dark brown and smelled burnt. The Audi was as many kms. as mine and a newer model. Good preventative maintanence though. I would not hesitate to do it again.

BTW - the mechanic did have difficulty removing the pan as the bolts were very very crusty. It was a challenge he said.

Re: Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

Not changing the filter is where the trouble starts! The new fluid will clean and loosen deposits in the tranny, and clog the old filter ( already half full of gunk). This leads to oil starvation ( hot tranny, hard shifts, slipping, etc.).

Audi's 'Lifetime Fluid' only refers to the life of the warranty. Most people keep their tranny's longer than the warranty. ZF (the manufacturer) recommends changing fluid and filter every 60,000Km's. The Esso LT71101 fluid is semi symthetic.

Re: Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

Hi there,

Can you recommend your mech to me. I want to get my trany fluid and filter changed as well.

Thanks,

Will.

Re: Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

Hello Reifle.
Would you please post the mechanic info that you used for the tranny oil/filter change.
Thnaks

Re: Do you need to change Transmission Service on A6's
 

I change fluid and drop the pan to replace filter every 80K to 100K KMs to ensure max life of the transmission.

As many have stated, the "Audi Lifetime Fluid" understatedly applies to the lifetime of the factory warranty.

BTW, there are TSB's for ZF 5HP19 and other Tiptronic Transmissions found in many Audi, BMW and other cars that talk about re-torquing the trans pan bolts to prevent leaks. Repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the pan / gasket / housing along with vibration can cause the bolts to loosen over time, then the trans start seeping and slowly dripping trans fluid. If left unattended, the trans can run dangerously low on fluid. I found this issue to be true on both my 5HP19's as almost half the bolts were loose and both showed signs of seepage and subtle dripping. I inspect for trans fluid seepage and all gearboxes for failing seals causing fluid seepage a few times a year.