Type 44 Gearbox Oil Confused ???

[Matt C]

Hello All

As the time is approaching when I get the car back on the road (1st April), I am looking to replace the gearbox oil, car has done 196k and I am uncertain when or if it has been replaced in the past. Gear change is fine so it could be said if it ain't broke don't fix it however cant be a bad thing surely.

Now I understand that gl4 specification is required but would this be mineral or would a semi synthetic one be okay such as Comma sx75-90. I'm not to sure if semi synthetic was around for gear oils 25 years ago so should it be mineral

Any thoughts would be appreciated as I have spent hours trawling the net without a definitive answer.

Audi 100 2.3e Avant 1989 type 44 Manual box.

P.S I am really looking forward to getting the car back on the road in April feel like a school kid, sad I know and I'm in my forties...

[crisarc]

always used a semi in my type44s, it just is easier to use when cold , ie quick warm up and better hot quality in use.
technology is sometimes a good thing

[Matt C]

Thanks for the quick response, that was exactly what I wanted to hear just to put my mind at rest, as reading a few different threads with all makes and models of cars.

People who have replaced the gearbox oil have complained of difficulty shifting 1st to 2nd etc and others have said its like a hot knife through butter.

[crisarc]

ive had no bother in at least 4 type 44s , but have always used morris semi synth gearbox oil, usually if the change is still poor then its just good old wear and tear.

[theschmallfella]

This is good info lads and well timed, I'm going to be doing the same job in the coming weeks and needed to know the same for my 200.

[Sabre75]

Hello Matt,

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents ... I replaced the gearbox oil in my typ44 Avant QT (manual) last year - I *think* I spoke to my local VAG specialist about what to use, and they ordered me Rock Oil Gearaxl S 75W90 synthetic gearbox oil - I've had no problems since then (with the gearbox anyway!) and the gearchange is just as smooth as ever; no problems when cold or hot

... the only other piece of advice I can offer is not to attempt to refill the box when the weather's very cold - I was trying to do it last year with the car sat on the drive when there was still snow on the ground; I think I managed to get about 100ml in in 15 minutes! (So I gave up until it was warmer!)

[Matt C]

Hi Sabre

Thanks for your input and advice will hopefully be in the warm up on the ramp if all goes to plan. Roll on 1st April.

[msh]

Originally Posted by Matt C

Now I understand that gl4 specification is required but would this be mineral or would a semi synthetic one be okay such as Comma sx75-90. I'm not to sure if semi synthetic was around for gear oils 25 years ago so should it be mineral

That is fine, as long as you're ok with yourself while you're putting in your gearbox the cheapest stuff [I would like to use some other word, with 4 letters] available. I was shocked about one of our biggest local stores some time ago - they offered me just comma oils and nothing more - so I went to another store, which works like store, which wants to exist - offers cheap stuff for the ones who wants to save money on their hardware, and something better for those who do not.

Metal parts can only benefit from having synthetic oil oiling them due to being less viscous while cold. The only downside is that synthetic oil easier gets past aged seals, but in gearbox that shouldn't be that much pronounced, due to it not having oil under pressure like in engine or PAS system. In any case aged seal is aged seal - I don't understand those people who are ready to put some inferior oil in engine or somewhere else just to lessen risk to get oil leak.

Oil bottle that I bought even have some VAG specification on it. I hope you understand the difference between GL4 and GL5 and why GL4 should be used in gearbox.