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what fluids to change for maintenance?

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tcpx

15+ Year Contributor
42
1
Oct 30, 2007
edmonton,
I'm wondering what fluids do I need to change for maintenance in a Tsi AWD model, other than the oil and the automatic tranny fluid... I recently did those while trying to replace my old dented oil pan, the ATF was all by accident, as when we were trying to take the transfer case out, it drained the old ATF(I think so) so we had no choice but to replace that..

I keep reading about the "transfer case lubricant" and the "Rear differential lubricant" for the AWD models, so how do I know if either one of these also didn't get drained along with the ATF when we took the transfer case out?
How do I check if I need to change these 2 fluids and how do I go about to changing them? is there any harm if I don't change them asap since I dont know when the previous owner last had them changed, thanks
 
The fluid for the transfer case and rear end are not in the same resevoir as the transmission. I just replaced all mine when I dropped in my new engine. On the underside of the transfer case and the rear end you should see a big bolt. It's like a 17 or a 19. Open that sucker up and you'll drain it. THen re-cap it and look around on the side of the transfer case (this is easier said than done on the ground, so a hydraulic lift is a major help. THat's how I did mine). There should be another over-flow one. Fill that one up until it starts spilling out and then do the same for the rear end. I think the transfer case takes 1 quart or 1 and 1/4 and the rear end takes about the same, or a little less. Check a Hanes manual.

Good Luck. :thumb:
 
Other fluids to replace (if haven't for > 50k) or top off:
1) power steering
2) radiator coolant (reverse flush 1st, then fill 50/50 antifreeze/water)
3) battery (fill to 1/2" above plates with distilled water unless have maintenance free one)
4) windshield washer
5) brake fluid (must do special bleed proceedure while never allowing any air in lines)
 
Just an added note, it is highly recommeded that you use Diamond ATF for your tranny. You can also try Mobil 1 ATF or B&M Synthetic Trick Shift, I have used the latter with great success. I found the B&M at a CSK for a reasonable price. Autos are notorious for for their sloppy shifting, using the right tranny fluid helps.

I used to belong to this group back when I had my auto. They have a few helpful FAQs that are worth looking into.
ATDSM
 
If the rear diff has never been drained put some 80w90 in it.
 
pennzoil synchromesh is for manual transmissions i wouldnt recomend putting it in your auto tranny my friend did some searching and said mitsu is good but mopar fluids for the tranny its the best
 
pennzoil synchromesh is for manual transmissions i wouldnt recomend putting it in your auto tranny my friend did some searching and said mitsu is good but mopar fluids for the tranny its the best

True about the Synchromesh, I'm sure DGajre777 didn't realize we were talking autos here.

Back when I was an active member of ATDSM 7 years ago, it was reported that there was very little difference in performance between Chrysler ATF and Mitsu's Diamond ATF. Like I said earlier I liked the B&M Synthetic Trick Shift, but I have read bad things about it as well. There were a lot of members using it back then, but I suppose they have had time to replace broken parts over the years from use. I'm on a manual now:)

I couldn't remember the name of the friction modifier additive I used back then, It's LubeGard Black. I've read that people still use this with great success.
 
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