S3 gearbox fluid change

[richrx]

So just a basic how to on changing gearbox oil, i'll add the diff at a later time. Theres nothing specialist required,one fill/ level plug and one drain plug.

So i had the following to hand;
1. jack and axel stands.
2.14mm open ended spanner.
3. Adjustable spanner( i didnt have a large enough socket forbthe drain plug which is about 25mm).
4. Oil catch.
5. Oil hand pump.
6.gear oil 2litres.
7. Locking adjustable wrench



First using the locking adjustable wrench(i didnt get a photo of this) crack the square fill plug shown in the top centre of the photo near the starter motor.






Locking adjustable wrench...invaluablebwhen working with seized square nuts...



Once you cracked the fill plug use an open end 14mm spanner to remove it.


Drain the gearbox by removing the drain plug shown at the bottom of this picture, i think its about 25mm but mine was removed easily with an adjustable wrench.

Refit sump plug and using the hand pump fill the gearbox untill fluid spills from the fill plug.

Then refit fill plug.

A lack of photos for the last part, but i found the opening of the fill nut by far the hardest job.


Hope that helps someone out.. I'll add on the differential when i get that done soon.


Rich

[MelloYello]

That little oil hand pump looks like a handy bit of kit. More info?

[richrx]

Its very handy, shift 1litre of oil in 10 seconds
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322508145245

Rich

[codge]

Important that the car is level at ride height before finishing the job......allow any extra oil to drain out of the filler before putting the plug back in. (Risk of overfilling causing seal failure otherwise). Ditto the rear axle when you write up on that oil change.

[richrx]

My first write up so more pictures required next time and plenty of pointers welcome where ive missed the obvious...

Rich

[ian65]

good post Rich ... one of those jobs that's easier the higher you can get the car off the ground.... it's a right awkward job though with the vehicle on the ground.... it'd be a lot easier with that pump though.

[gt_james]

worth mentioning that the oil in the shifter housing is separate

[richrx]

I'll need to go have a look for the shifter oil housing now... Is that an easy job?

Rich

[codge]

worth mentioning that the oil in the shifter housing is separate

Eh? Please explain. Nothing in the service schedule / manuals that I've ever seen.

[Hobbawobba]

On my phone right now. But you remove the gearstick and suck out the oil. A children's feeding syringe thing is helpful with some tube attached. So you can suck the oil at the bottom of the shifter housing up. Replace with normal gear oil. Up to around where the shifter ball sits I believe. I'll try find some pictures tomorrow