Gear box oil

[Jay]

Hi all,
does anyone know how often gearbox oil needs to be changed/topped up???

[thefoolmccool]

Never needs changed unless contaminated. Only top up if necessary. Open the filler plug - will probally need a special tool (male allen key jobbie) and if any oil trickles out, the box is full otherwise fill slowly until a small amount does come ou. If you are worried about it being contaminated, remove a small amount into a plastic cup and look for water of metal particle contamination.

[brogandb7]

Hi there,
It depends on what sort of gearbox you have manual or auto/tiptronic and if the box is driving two wheels or four. For some models it is recommended to change the oil every 40k miles and sometimes it is recommended 6 years and for others it is said the oil will never need to be changed.

Basically, if the oil has lost some of its transparency or if it has a burning smell then it is recommended to change it as soon as possible.

Hope it helps,
David.

[Jay]

Thanks for advice,
it's a 5 speed manual box, on a 1999 1.6s golf.

[brogandb7]

As the gearbox is nearing 8 years old it might be worth checking your owners manual to see if it is recommended having the oil changed on an age or mileage basis. Generally, if the gearchange is smooth and there are no problems with the biting point then it would be best to leave it be - it'll save you a few quid as well.

[Jay]

Thanks