Gearbox Oil

[pocolow]

Going to change the gearbox oil on my 1990 Diesel 5 speed box in the next couple of weeks and wondered what brand people had used in theirs? Had a look on ebay and seen this semi synthetic oil from Millers...what do you think???
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Millers-trx-semi- ... 5473068587

[Red Westie]

Use the search as there has been lots writen about gear oil types and suitability in 5sp VW gearbox's.
In short: historically there have been some issues with yellow metal synro components and GL5 75W90 gear oil. It seems that the the increased demands associated with hypoid gears and the shear effect between the meshing teeth forced manufacturers to use particular additives that can effect/degrade these yelow metal components under high temperature operation.
Therefore: by all means use a more modern less viscus 75W90 semi synth gear oil (which are known to improve gear changes on lazy syncro's) but try to find one that includes the older GL4 spec AS WELL..so on the label look for GL4/GL5 which implies it is a later type that is tested and complies with both specs and not just the more modern GL5 spec.
I actually phoned several oil manufacturers and none of them could give a definitive answer but suggested this approach.
Hope this helps

Martin

[pocolow]

Thanks Martin, this Millers semi synthetic 75/90 oil says compatable "API GL4,GL5" and on Wiki Aidan says he was trying out an Millers 75/90 oil, I just wondered if it was the same stuff?

[Aidan]

it was, it was fine, I changed it after a couple of years, as you do, puts Fuchs in as that was what was readily available from GSF, they now sell Carplan which is same spec (and given that carplan are a labeller it's quite possibly Fuchs in the can) but cheaper.
GL4 is what matters as Martin says and for me regular oil changes is what matters, 2-3 years 20k miles, if done from new, unless 3rd/4th synchro hub breaks, good for 300k+

[croc]

Just an aside comment on gearbox oil changes.

About 7-800 mm (you measure) of 1/2 inch garden hosepipe (clean & dry!) pushed onto a sealant cartridge nozzle, cut short and a, clean, empty cartridge as a funnel makes a good filler for the oil. It sits in front of carburettor with hose down and into filler port.
So cheap its disposable, saves a clean-up!!

[jamesc76]

So cheap its disposable, saves a clean-up!!

throw away! not a chance mine hung up on the wall in the garage, but then I do loads of servicing on motors it gets used loads!

[carlmarx]

Hi there

Gonna change gearbox oil soon, once I pluck up the courage, never done it before, have been looking at wiki, can't see any info where the filler and drain plugs are located.

Anyone.

Peace

[nicktennear]

Haynes isn't too revealing but VWremortgage, sorry, vwheritage, has this.

http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc3 ... -2copy.jpg



up to 84 on the left, after 84 on the right.

TOP TIP: If you've got a female friend or children get them under the van, their small fingers are much more suited for checking gear oil levels. This will also dispel the myth that you actually enjoy laying under the van in the cold getting covered in grease and more cups of tea will appear in the future.

[carlmarx]

LOL...Thanx

[macccityrocker]

Another top tip undo the filler cap first otherwise you will be knackered if you drain the oil and cant replace it, have fun Steve W.......

[carlmarx]

I know this has been asked 100 times , but anybody recommend suitable oil for this job and where can I buy, GSF???

Btw 5 speed

Peace

[lloydy]

i just bought a load of this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMMA-SX75W-90-GL ... 1018wt_905

[Aidan]

yes your local gsf does a perfectly acceptable semi sythetic 75w/90 by carplan, you need 4 litres for 5 speed, but you can't get all the old oil out so will be a bit less than that, most of your local motor factors will do too, must say GL4, can say GL5 as well but not exclusively

[pocolow]

yes your local gsf does a perfectly acceptable semi sythetic 75w/90 by carplan, you need 4 litres for 5 speed, but you can't get all the old oil out so will be a bit less than that, most of your local motor factors will do too, must say GL4, can say GL5 as well but not exclusively

I picked up some from my local Auto factors ,for £19.95 for 5 litres so well pleased.Just need the weather to warm up a bit now.

[carlmarx]

Thanx for all yer help guys...Brillant as always!

Peace