Gearbox Oil Change - Something I recommend you do if you don't know when it was last done!

I recently replaced my gear linkage and bushes, following the useful guide in here. I decided to change the gearbox oil as well, as it said in the how to that it was worth doing.

The oil looked clear enough when I drained it but I got less than a litre out and when I had it in the measuring jug I was surprised at how dirty and thin it was compared to the new oil! Changing the linkage etc transformed my gear change but changing the oil has also made a huge difference, making it very smooth especially once it's warmed up. I still get a slight crunch going from 1st to 2nd when cold but once warmed up all the gears are very smooth!

I just though I'd share this as it's the first time I've ever checked my transmission oil in any car I've ever owned and it had less than half it's capacity and it was obviously well past it's best before date! It took less than an hour and, in my opinion, is well worth it cos you don't want to trash your transmission! 

What oil did you use?

I used EP80-W90, 2.2 litres and I filled it through the filler plug in the side of the gearbox with the car jacked up quite high on the left to allow me to fit the 2.2l in!

It a job well worth doing and I've been harping on about of some time, gearbox oil is very often forgotten about.
I've never managed to get as much oil in as you but I only fill mine up to the filler hole then jack it up a little then fill in some more. I use about 1 and 3/4 L and my gearbox has been OK for many years on that amount.
I've used the fully sythectic stuff from Eurocarparts in both my gearboxes and have been pleased with the smoothness of the gear change, it works well in the winter when it's cold.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf+Cabriolet_1.8_1989/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/car-tranmission-oils/manual-transmission-fluids/?522776022&0&cc5_868

worth getting a 17mm tool to undo the drain and filler plugs if you don't have a big Allen key.
Just undo the filler plug first incase you have problems, new plugs are available from VW if your is rounded off for not a lot of money, I had to replace mine the other year.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-38323-3-8-SQ-DRIVE-DRAIN-PLUG-KEY-17MM-HEX-AUDI-BMW-ROVER-VW-GEARBOX-/391507365353?hash=item5b27a84de9:g:tNkAAMXQ1ZhTjJnS

 

I can't agree more about it being a job well worth doing! Most manual gearboxes are maintenance free, especially from the MK1 Golf era which is why I've never checked or changed it before (unless I've had the gearbox apart). I topped mine up until it started to dribble out of the filler plug then I jacked it up until I could fit the 2.2l. I had to jack it up a long way mind!
I chose the oil I used because it was what was recommended by my local car shop, who was also closing down and I got it half price. I'll see how it goes and I might try some synthetic oil next time. How often do you change yours?
Luckily I had a drain plug tool from the good old days when I did all my own car maintenance (there must be a 17mm plug on 1980's Vauxhalls as well)!

Another job I have to mark down when does it stop !!!!!!!

I'm not sure if it ever stops, you will always be finding things that need doing. I have now decided that I only do things that affect the safety of the car, its passengers and other road users for now and any other jobs get done if the is nothing urgent to do! Some jobs seem to stay at the bottom of the list!

Can you also fill the gearbox up from the hole in the top where you look at the timing mark or does it have to be from the filling hole on the side.
Andy

andyphill said

Can you also fill the gearbox up from the hole in the top where you look at the timing mark or does it have to be from the filling hole on the side.
Andy

Don't top it up through there, that's only the clutch and flywheel in there. I did see a couple of threads where people fill up through the speedo cable hole but the pictures made it look a lot more accessible than it actually was. I also bought a funnel with a long thin tube to go into the gearbox.

andyphill said

Can you also fill the gearbox up from the hole in the top where you look at the timing mark or does it have to be from the filling hole on the side.
Andy

NOOOOOOO!! Don't fill it there, the oil will just go over your clutch and fly wheel the drain out of the bottom on to the floor!  
That hole is for setting the timing marks, that is why you can see the fly wheel.

You can use the speedo cable hole but you run the risk of the speedo drive dropping off the end of the speedo cable into your gearbox (happens a lot) and it's really tricky to get in with the fuel injection system in the way.
The filler hole on the side you can get to by just turning the wheels to full lock and lying near the car.

OK using the proper hole is the way forward then, thanks.
Andy