Tip Oil change - bit of a rant...

[Arrkon]

So, just re-done my tip oil tonight after paying a local "specialist" few weeks ago to do the filter, gasket (was weeping) and tip oil change.

To start, luke warm box I dropped about 3 1/2 litres out, but was able to get nearly 7 in following the correct audi fill process. Not to mention they filled my centre torsen with ATF thinking it was part of the box (believe they are linked on a manual, same gear oil), which they apparently flushed and filled, but I've done again anyway for peace of mind)...

Box smooth as butter now, nearly all the jerkiness in gear-change, and coming to a stop into 1st has gone.

Would appear the specialist under-filled the box too, hopefully no damage.

Seems the old adage of "want something doing right, do it yourself" is most certainly true...

 

[Mike B]

Thats interesting.When audi did mine they only charged for 5 ltrs but its been fine for 3yrs now.Also when I had a leaking seal in the centre diff changed last year they insisted that it was a different spec ATF but seems OK too.I agree that its best to DIY if you can and I service and still do basics but both these things were too much .Luckily I know a local mech who knows these and theres always Chris in London

 

[Arrkon]

All tip fluid for these boxes has to meet ESSO LT 71141 spec, and the full bone dry fill is nearly 10L. The centre diff is a different fluid (75w90 gear oil) but is the same as the front and rear diff, Front takes 0.8L, centre 0.8L and the rear 1.6L.

Seems mine is also leaking from the centre diff, so looks like thats ANOTHER job to do...