automatic auto gearbox. Check oil in final drive

[Sir Brixalot]

Heard a clicking sound going uphill. Initially thought it was a CV joint but the local garage took the plug out next to the rear OS CV joint and said the fluid was low and topped it up. What is it and should my topping up of the atf have kept it lubricatedf

[R0B]

The ATF fluid and the oil in the plug (final drive) you describe are not connected.Unless a seal has failed.So to answer your question,the ATF will not lubricate your final drive.

[Oldiebut goodie]

The question is - what was it topped up with?

[Sir Brixalot]

how often do I need to top up final drive, I've always monitored the coolant , atf and engine oil, didn't know about the final drive.? Tbh I don't know what was put in, looked like engine oil. I'll check. What should have been used. There mechanic seemed to know his stuff, diagnosed problem within a couple of minutes. Just checked the receipt. Transmission oil ,80w90.
There was very little oil left. Garage billed me about twenty quid, could have been a whole lot moe expensive !!
I've changed the thread title in case there are others with autos who don't know about the final drive.

[Budgie7]

Thanks for the heads up, I think I had better check mine.
To be honest didn't even know about the final drive being separate from the gearbox.

[Oldiebut goodie]

At least it was done correctly! You never know after hearing tales of woe about what some garages do.

[Sir Brixalot]

Old school mechanic. Had 3 Renault 4 and as very old 2cv he was doing up