Moe

1. For the 60K maintenace, looks like all I will get is engine oil/filter change, Spark plug change, and lots of inspections for $499.95. Do not want to go without their stamp as I have Audi Assured till end of the year. What is your recommendation?
2. At 60K, I should be replacing the transmission fluid/filter. Dealer charges $500 and based on horror stories before, I am concerned that they will not even replace the filter. Want to do this myself, but concerned about breaking the exhust bolts loose. There was a posting that mentioned no need to remove exhaust bolts. What is the verdict?

Karpedmman

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53868/toys.3.jpg"></center><p>I just had my trans. service done for about $225 and they did need to remove a piece of the exhaust system.

Excellr-A8

I just removed my transmission oil pan two weeks ago on my early '98 A8. I had no problem with the three bolts that are located under the catalytic converter once I found the right tool. The one bolt would have been nearly impossible to get without the tool that I made.

I bought a Craftsman 5-Piece Offset Screwdriver/Wrench Set that is part number 47478. This wrench has a magnetic bit holder and is reversible. I then purchased a Craftsman 4 piece Torx Bit Set that was part number 25514. You will only need the T25 Torx bit. The bit measures .985 inches long and must be ground off the back end so that it is between .75 to .77 long to allow enough room to fit it into the bolt and still have enough clearance above the catalytic converter. I also purchased a Craftsman T25 Torx Screwdriver that has the part number 41476.

The special wrench will be able to break the hardest bolt loose and then you will need the screwdriver to finish removing the bolt otherwise the wrench will get stuck against the catalytic converter as you loosen it. The good thing about the Torx bolts is that you can loosen them with the screwdriver at an extreme angle without damaging the bolt head.

This is not a difficult job with the tools that I have described. I can take pictures of the tool and send them to Paul W. if he would like to add it to his Audi pages. I found the hardest part of the job was getting the fluid back into the transmission. I purchased a hand pump from Advanced Auto but it wasn't easy to use. Overall the job is not that difficult and I found that my filter was very dirty looking so it was definitely worth doing. I have 102,000 and wish I had done it sooner. I have had the same torque converter lock-up problem that other's have mentioned on this forum.

skiracer

The T-25 would likely work, but you may strip out some of the heads along the way. Better to use the T-27 even though they can be difficult to find. The T-25 torx screwdriver is the right one to back them out with once loosened since you will be at a fairly significant angle to the heads, and the smaller drive allows for more angular error. Otherwise the instructions are impeccible. I have done two of these in the last 6 monts and it is not difficult with the tools described. See the Audipages procedure for further clarification. If you have an early VIN 1997, the filter part number is different than the later ones- be sure to get the correct one! Feel free to email me with any questions.

Moe

will definatly try the transmission oil/filter change myself if I do not have to mess with the exhaust system.
Dealer was able to match my vin number with the transmission number and I will have to order the part. They have not sold any filter in the last year!!, and this is a bigest Audi dealership in the bay area.
I tried to order the part from Wendy several month ago, and her parts were stuck at customs. Have any of you bought transmission parts from her recently?

masonh

Another easy way we use in our shop is put the torx bit in a flared end straight wrench of the appropriate size.I think 7mm or 8mm I can't remember now.It works well just takes a little extra time.

D3AeighT

I've asked her to send me the parts for a transmission oil/filter change over 2 months ago and have not heard from her.

masonh

I can sell you the kit for $30.Can get great deals on many other Audi parts as well in small quantities.Mail me for more info.

holein1

I have an order in since 5_10 for the Tranny kit. I heard from her within a day that they were on backorder but haven't heard since. If possible, I would like to buy a kit and other parts as well.