2001 B5 A4 Fluids Change

[dbansal]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to flush out all my fluids by my mechanic this weekend. Yes, I know I can do it myself but, I'd rather spend a few bucks on a guy with a lift and he knows he's doing. I want to change Oil, tranny, and steering. Any other fluids that I'm forgetting?

I'm going to be putting in castrol synthetic 5W-30. Any recommendations for the tranny and steering?

I have a 2.8 A4 5 Speed. I have about 111K on it.

Thanks!

[walky_talky20]

Steering fluid use Audi or Pentosin CHF 11S. Nothing else.

One other major one (and the only one that actually needs "flushing") is coolant. Refill with Audi G12 or Pentosin Lifetime G12 mixed with appropriate amount of distilled water. Nothing else. Might be a good time to back flush the heater core too.

[Seerlah]

A proper coolant flush should have the system flushed with water, before replacing with new coolant. If the mechanic takes his job seriosuly, he would also replace any radiator hoses that would seem necessary for replacement. I would also go with a group IV oil vs a group III. The Castrol Edge maybe be full synthetic, but the Castrol Syntec isn't (US version). Manual transmissions should be replaced with 75w90 GL4 tranny fluid and the rear diff (if you have a Quattro) should be replaced with 75w90 GL5 gear oil. I use Amsoil in my major fluids and only G12 for the coolant bought at the dealership mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

[B5A4Kevin]

hey btw we got a new coolant at the dealer. dunno if anyone else does, but its "g12 plus plus." its in a spiffy bottle and everything.



"This is the latest generation of coolant from VW/Audi. G12 Plus Plus coolant can be mixed with either blue G11 or pink G12 coolant like G12 Plus can, but it also includes updated additives for the latest generation of VW/Audi engines. G12 Plus Plus provides maximum corrosion protection for all engine parts and maximum heat transfer for improved cooling in modern high performance engines. Coolant is concentrate, to be mixed 1:1 with water."

[Dan@EuropaParts]

yep it's the latest G12 coolant. The next generation will be called G12+++. j/k I definitely recommend using CHF11S power steering fluid and Lubro Moly 75W90 Gear Oil for your application.

[jpcallmotor]

What happens if you don't use "distilled" water when you mix with G12?

I used tap water when I changed my coolant. Don't see any ill effects now, just forgot to use distilled water.

[Seerlah]

You don't want to use water with contaminants in it, hence why you use distilled water (you can get a gallon for $1. not so expensive). It will have a greater chance of coroding parts, and you really don't want contaminants in your system to begin with.

[dbansal]

should I put in 5W 30 or 5W40? I live in northern NJ...

[Dan@EuropaParts]

I would personally run 5W40 either Motul Specific (considered one of the best synthetics in the world) or the less expensive Total Quartz 9000

[Seerlah]

Using 5w40 weight in the winter with tri-state weather will make the engine ride rougher. Use 5w30 for the winter and 5w40 in the summer.

[Dan@EuropaParts]

the most important thing here is the quality of the oil itself and the OEM approval (VW 502.00). we can debate the 5W30 vs 5W40 forever and never agree. I've used both and prefer 5W40.

[Seerlah]

I actually never use 5w30. I use 0w30 (winter) and 5w40 (summer). And the oil I use (Amsoil) is not Audi approved. But neither are other brands such as Motul or Redline.

[Dan@EuropaParts]

I actually never use 5w30. I use 0w30 (winter) and 5w40 (summer). And the oil I use (Amsoil) is not Audi approved. But neither are other brands such as Motul or Redline.

gotcha. this makes more sense :). I agree with you there. 0W30 is better in super cold climates. I guess it wasn't cold enough here in NJ for me to justify alternating oils in my car.