Re: Automatic Trans

[Dave Head <dhead@sundial.sundial.net>]

At 10:12 AM 1/18/97 -0500, you wrote:

>I would seriously change the fluid in the Audi auto, even though they say
>"lifetime"....ask how many people had to rebuild the Audi auto trannies -
>there *are* quite a few that I have talked to who have done so (mostly v8's)
>Plus, they are *very* expensive, not like the *relatively* cheap $ 900.00
>fully rebuilt R700 heavy-duty GM versions...
>
>I just had the dealer put in Redline MT-90 in my S4, at 50kmi, and after 3
>years - to me that's a *long* time! They almost refused to do it (I actually
>had to insist), because they are really the best service shop I have ever
>dealt with - Bernardsville Audi (NJ) But I explained that I had it done to
>the CQ, and that it helped shifting - which it has done a bit better for both
>cars....

Just finished talking to several mechanics wrt the tranny in my Grand
Caravan - had to replace the solenoid pack to the tune of $250.00
parts/labor. They said most problems they see are the result of contaminated
fluid (including my recent failure) with no color change to show a problem.
Service the tranny every 12K miles and you'll never have to rebuild it - OR
put in a synthetic ATF (big bucks @ $5.00 a qt) and never touch it fer 60K.

When I replaced the 3 speed in my 79 5KS it cost me $400.00 - $275.00 fer
the rebuilt tranny (standard old vee dub tranny), $125.00 fer the converter
(as I remember). Three hours later the job was done - by myself w/no help,
simple hand tools and a bottle jack. Of course this was after 3 used tranny
replacements and a transaxle swap. I got verrry good at yanking them suckers
out! Just about got ready to put in studs and wingnuts on the transaxle
mounting bolts. It is possible (albeit difficult) to replace the trans W/O
pulling the transaxle - but you have to know exactly what you're doing and
have a little luck on yer side in seating that looong pump drive rod...

Of interest was a recommendation heard for extreme cold climates - replace
tranny/gear lube with 10W/40 or 20W/50 motor oil (especially synthetic).
Don't forget to add the special limited slip lube where required fer proper
clutch operation...











********************************AUDI FAN***********************************
                                       EMCM(SW) Dave Head  
87 5KCStq 185K miles and counting... 1.8 bar boost - Whee!
                                              Maitland, Florida
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