Whatts the DIFF ???

[Eric Maxon]

Hello Eric,

Thursday, October 04, 2001, 11:19:23 AM, you wrote:

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EP> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 11:19:23 -0400

EP> I just purchased a 1996 Audi A4 Quattro with 110,000 miles on the clock. My dilemma is that I have always changed the front and rear differential fluids on my other Quattro's (1987' 5000 CS &
EP> 1990' 200) at about 100k. When I called the dealer to inquire about the proper fluid, they informed me that this was a "life time" fluid and should never be changed. They even said that I could
EP> damage the Gear box and diff by changing the fluid............. I am looking for the opinion of the list on this one. To change or not to change ????
EP> And what is the DIFF between the  machines that makes one use a "life time" fluid and the others that need to have it changed ???

Nothing lasts forever.

Do you relish buying a new A4 (Or at least a new transmission/diff for
this one?)

At least verify that you have no leakage... if you see any evidence of
leakage, at least check the level... if it's down even slightly, fix
the leak and get the 110k mi stuff the hell out of there (Especially
if you can't buy the exact stuff Audi filled it with.)

I've had great results with Redline MTL or MT-90 depending on climate
(MT-90 if you've got hot summers or race) in the gearbox/center diff,
and any good full synthetic GL-5 equivalent lube in the rear diff.
If you've got a slushbox, you don't need/want MTL in the front final drive--
 use the same full synthetic GL-5 equivalent F and R.  (MTL has a
 trade secred additive that makes your bronze synchros 'sticky' to
 improve shifting-- clearly pointless if only for a final drive.)

My 2c.

Eric.

-- 
Best regards,
 Eric                            mailto:emaxon at mediaone.net