Gearbox oil spec?

[Teutonic Tuner]

I'm looking to change the gearbox oil in my B7 RS4, it's only done c40k but I did this in my M3 at similar mileage and it made noticeable difference to gear changes.

I've searched for oil types on the forums and the general consensus is to use 75W-90 GL4+ something like MOTUL Gear 300 etc http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=94540

On checking the Opie Oil website it recommends a 75W-80 oil e.g. Fuchs TITAN SINTOFLUID which is GL5.

I've found the Audi part number (G052911A2) which seems to be a general oil used for all VAG gearboxes so would prefer to use a top quality oil to better look after the internals.

Has anyone found definite Audi specs for this oil to make sure I use the correct SAE? Or does anyone have any recommendations for the best oil and the quantity to use?

[oilman]

Hi

There are a lot of options for VAG gearboxes, 75w, 75w-80 and 75w-90, also GL4, GL5 and GL4/5 are all viable options, it just depends on the oil. Something like the CastrolSyntrac longlife is a GL5 75w-90, but is aimed at diff use, so isn't suitable, even though it is on paper. Others are a bit basic for most VAGs and with an RS, you want to be considering the top end choices as they will offer the best protection in a performance car.

Generally an MTF is a good option, as long as it's a good quality one. As they are a little thinner than 75w-90 they can make gear shifts easier and that could help with the cold shifts that you mentioned in the pm. The Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF and Fuchs Sintofluid are ideal.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-670-75w-80-75w-85-mtfs.aspx

With the 75w-90s, Redline MT90, Motul Gear 300 and Gulf Competition are the popular ones as they all work very well with VAG gearboxes. If the car is getting driven hard (thrashed on road, taken on track) a 75w-90 is the better option.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-673-75w-90- ... fluid.aspx

Cheers

Tim

[Teutonic Tuner]

Thanks for posting Tim. So you're saying that a 75w-80 is fine for fast road use but a 75w-90 is best for track use?

I don't track my RS so I take it Fuchs TITAN SINTOFLUID SAE 75W-80 would be the oil for me? I've used this on my M3 and was very impressed so I'm keen to use again. Would this also be fine for use in the rear diff as I might as well do this at the same time?

[TonyHayers]

Can you take some pics/do a DIY post for this - I'd like to do mine as getting into 1st is a pita when cold (and that's in the "summer") no idea what it's going to be like when it's freezing weather. For the first 10 miles or so I have to go to 3rd then to 1st to get it to select nicely. Otherwise, it needs a good shove :/

[ArthurPE]

I have a bottle of oem, it is good stuff, fully synthetic, definitely not cheap stuff
it doesn't list the spec though

the RS4 tranny is an unusual application, tranny, front diff and front to rear diff in one unit, the f-r is a TorSen to boot
so it needs an oil good for a tranny AND diffs

[oilman]

The best option really is a GL4/5 or GL5 oil that's suitable for gearboxes. The GL5 additives make it suitable for dealing with diffs, so the oil doesn't breakdown too quickly. That's why the Fuchs Sintofluid is ideal for the gearbox. It's a little thin for the rear diff though, that needs a GL5 75w-90.

Cheers

Tim

[Teutonic Tuner]

For anyone interested, I PMd the Oilman to confirm what oil is suitable for the gearbox and rear diff as it's much easier/cheaper to buy a 5L tub and do both at the same time (gearbox is ~3.5L & rear diff ~1L).

Tim recommended either Motul Gear 300 75w-90 which is £83.20 (inc delivery and club discount) for 5L or Gulf Competition 75w-90 at £52.22, both are Ester based fully synthetic oils so I'll gone for the Gulf...coz I like the underdog (or is it the price!).

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-60162-gulf- ... 5w-90.aspx

I'll take some pics to help anyone else that wants to do the same.

[TonyHayers]

Cheers TT.

[ArthurPE]

a while ago I contacted Audi for the SAE or API spec, this is what they sent

tranny 3.2 liter
75W90 GL4+
suitable for synchromesh trannys and hypoid gears
fill to -2 mm +/-1 mm
torque plug ~30 lb ft

diff 0.9 liter
75W90 GL5
suitable for hypoid gears
fill to lip/overflow
~33 lb ft

both must be fully synthetic

from elsa
tranny
Capacity 3.2 litres
Specification Gear oil G 052 911 A SAE 75 W 90 (synthetic oil)

they do not give a spec for the diff
Capacity 0.9 litres
Specification Gear oil G 052 145 A1 (container size 0.5 litre)Gear oil G 052 145 S2 (container size 1.0 litre)

[Teutonic Tuner]

Good stuff Arthur, that's the type of 'proof' I was looking for, much appreciated. You get lots of info repeated on the net with no proof of the source so just wanted to make sure that 75w-90 was the correct grade. Looks like Gulf Competition is the stuff to go for as it's fully synthetic, ester based, API GL-4 and GL-5 rated but is reasonably priced.