ATF fluid changes
04-24-2003, 04:33 AM
#1
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ATF fluid changes
Why the big fuss with ATF fluid changes? I keep reading on this forum that it is supposedly a "lifetime" fluid, but everyone has their own reccomendations on when to change.
The Audi maintenance supplement for my '97 says on pg.8 under additional service to change the ATF every 4 years or 45,000 miles.
The Audi maintenance supplement for my '97 says on pg.8 under additional service to change the ATF every 4 years or 45,000 miles.
04-24-2003, 05:14 AM
#2
Because of real-world experience of people on the board, and
the high cost of transmission replacement.
I say every 25,000 or 30,000 miles, drop the pan, replace the filter, replace as much fluid as comes out in this process.
Most Audis at high mileage where transmissions fail aren't under warranty. You want to roll the dice with a $10K repair bill vs. a $250 service cost? Go right ahead.
I say every 25,000 or 30,000 miles, drop the pan, replace the filter, replace as much fluid as comes out in this process.
Most Audis at high mileage where transmissions fail aren't under warranty. You want to roll the dice with a $10K repair bill vs. a $250 service cost? Go right ahead.
04-24-2003, 05:23 AM
#3
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At close to 90k I am doing: the WHOLE timing belt debacle, flush and refill tranny, and fix all the
little things that have broken(ie: My headlight washers, poor little guys have never come up for me, not that I really ever will need them) Oh, and when I replace the brake fluid, should I flush the WHOLE system, or could I squeak by with replacing what is in the reservoir? I know what sounds like cheating, but I am not hard on my brakes and I just want to keep the same fluid soo ... Would this method work for any of the fluids, such as the coolant or the power steer fluid, so long as I used the same brand. It kinda seems like topping off, but of course, not really, you know?
04-24-2003, 05:35 AM
#4
Fluids
I'd replace the brake fluid. It's not all that expensive. Just did it in the A6, I think we used <2 containers.
Coolant generally contains corrosion inhibitors that get "used up", I'd replace that, too.
Haven't thought about PS fluid, not a bad idea. And am considering replacing differential fluid, still researching.
Long vehicle life thru high maintenance is my goal.
Coolant generally contains corrosion inhibitors that get "used up", I'd replace that, too.
Haven't thought about PS fluid, not a bad idea. And am considering replacing differential fluid, still researching.
Long vehicle life thru high maintenance is my goal.
04-24-2003, 05:37 AM
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So there was a maintenance supplement?
Was this maintenance supplement for 97 only or for all years?
My dealer didn't believe the transmission service was necessary and I couldn't find any AoA documentation to convince them otherwise.
My dealer didn't believe the transmission service was necessary and I couldn't find any AoA documentation to convince them otherwise.
04-24-2003, 05:37 AM
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Re: ATF fluid changes
Service guy from Audi Exchange in Highland Park, IL just told me it's lifetime and sealed, and they do not provide ATF change unless transmission leaks or broken (we talked about A8 2000). He doesn't know how much cost ATF and filter to be change, but 11K for new transmission he took right from the top of his head (seems they do it more often). He didn't tell me how long "life", better to be longer then 200K for $11K .
04-24-2003, 05:48 AM
#7
Brake Fluid
Hello,
Changing the brake fluid in the reservoir doesn't do any good.
You need to change the brake fluid that is in the caliper. That
is the brake fluid that actually does something. You should use
something to suck out as much fluid from the reservoir as you
can, then fill with fresh, then bleed each caliper. It's not difficult,
just time consuming. Make sure you use a box end wrench on
the bleed nipple, you don't want to use an open end wrench and
round off the bolt.
Regarding coolant, it's pretty easy to remove the lower rad hose,
drain all the old coolant, flush with water, and replace with fresh
coolant.
Power steering is a different story. It seems like all German cars
use the same Bosch system. They all start to leak. The fluid
reservoir contains an inline filter that can clog, so I guess that
changing that fluid is a good idea too, although I don't know
anyone who does that.
Barry
Changing the brake fluid in the reservoir doesn't do any good.
You need to change the brake fluid that is in the caliper. That
is the brake fluid that actually does something. You should use
something to suck out as much fluid from the reservoir as you
can, then fill with fresh, then bleed each caliper. It's not difficult,
just time consuming. Make sure you use a box end wrench on
the bleed nipple, you don't want to use an open end wrench and
round off the bolt.
Regarding coolant, it's pretty easy to remove the lower rad hose,
drain all the old coolant, flush with water, and replace with fresh
coolant.
Power steering is a different story. It seems like all German cars
use the same Bosch system. They all start to leak. The fluid
reservoir contains an inline filter that can clog, so I guess that
changing that fluid is a good idea too, although I don't know
anyone who does that.
Barry
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04-24-2003, 05:54 AM
#8
Bleed the brakes end-to-end! See Audipages timing belt replacement procedure to see how to...
drain the coolant. There is no need to remove any hoses, just a few high point bleed plugs and open the radiator drain stopcock. Good luck!
04-24-2003, 05:57 AM
#9
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Re: So there was a maintenance supplement?
It's not actually an additional supplement. It's the maint. booklet where the dealer stamps for services done. Mine is labled maint. 1997, but I'm sure they must all have the book that the dealer stamps.
04-24-2003, 06:00 AM
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Re: Because of real-world experience of people on the board, and
Jim
I personally get mine changed. I was just stating that over the 8 months that I have checked this board, I have read all these observations regarding ATF changes. I wanted to point out that it states in Audi's maint. booklet that they reccommend every 45k.
I personally get mine changed. I was just stating that over the 8 months that I have checked this board, I have read all these observations regarding ATF changes. I wanted to point out that it states in Audi's maint. booklet that they reccommend every 45k.