Gearbox oil chance and bevel box oil grade? G052518A2

[lateski]

Hello!

I'm about to do an oil change on my MY14 T5.1 4motion 0A5 6-speed manual gearbox and bevel gear. I've seen the gearbox uses TL 521 71 quality 75W oil, but haven't found out the specs for the bevel box oil. Do you have any knowledge of it?

I've read through a series of SSP's, workshop manuals and searched ETKA, but haven't come across this G 052 518 A2 oil specifications. Should I just by this from the dealer?

If you have experience/recommedations of different oil behaviors in drivetrain, let me know(Febi, LiquiMoly, Motul, Castrol, Fuchs etc.).

 

[lateski]

I did some digging while planning the service. Crafter bevel box uses the same oil as the T6 and T5.1, and from there I went to MAN epc and searched for TGE bevel box oil which is 09.11070-1010.

From MAN epc I found out the oil is SAE 75W-85, but still no idea about grade(GL-4(+)/5 or what). Oil is about half the price when searching with MAN part number vs VW part number.

 

[lateski]

I'll continue to talk with myself a little more if you'll bear with me.

Most of the oil manufacturers catalogues don't offer any transfer case oil, but Shell does. Shell oil finder has a slight conflict in the info, if I should believe ETKA. The next list about Shell recommendations for the transfer case / bevel box:

T5.1 and T6: 75W-90 GL-5
Crafter: no recommendations at all
MAN TGE: 75W GL-4

I have confused myself a lot trying to figure out what to do with the service, but now I think I have a conclusion for the matter.

For the transmission I ordered online Liqui Moly MTF 5300, 65 € for 3 litres. Bevel box Red Line Lightweight 75W-85(it has GL-5 grade) 29,90 € for 0,946 l from the local store, this is roughly 1/3 of the OEM oil price from finnish dealer.

I'll come back to the topic with pros and cons, if I come across something after or during the service and maybe I'll remember to make an update when the oils have been tested long enough.

 

[lateski]

I started with the bevel box oil, since I got that oil earlier. Quite a simple job, easy access, but 21 mm socket with thin wall is an advantage, because of the bevel box housing is really close to the drain plug.

The drain plug magnet had a little bit of metal shavings in it, but not terrible and oil didn't look as bad as I would've expected. Sure it had changed the color a little darker considering the van has nearly 270 000 km.



I'll continue with the transmission oil once I get it.

 

[lateski]

Just finished changing the transmission oil and it was varnished. The both front drivetrain oils were propably changed for the first time, but the transmission oil was a lot darker.


I initially started this service because I have worn bearing kind of noise when driving over 65 km/h. Oil services didn't help. The rear diff oils and propshaft supports/bearings have been changed 1,5 years ago, while I refurbished haldex unit. Wheel bearings have been tested to be still good.

Guess I'll try driving without propshaft next, because those changed bearings were kind of cheap aftermarket ones(VW doesn't offer both bearings for the T5.1 3-piece propshaft). If that doesn't remove the sound, transmission bearings would be my next guess.

 

[Yeti42]

Just finished changing the transmission oil and it was varnished. The both front drivetrain oils were propably changed for the first time, but the transmission oil was a lot darker.
View attachment 271709

I initially started this service because I have worn bearing kind of noise when driving over 65 km/h. Oil services didn't help. The rear diff oils and propshaft supports/bearings have been changed 1,5 years ago, while I refurbished haldex unit. Wheel bearings have been tested to be still good.

Guess I'll try driving without propshaft next, because those changed bearings were kind of cheap aftermarket ones(VW doesn't offer both bearings for the T5.1 3-piece propshaft). If that doesn't remove the sound, transmission bearings would be my next guess.

At new my 5.1 gearbox oil looked like this, dark and grey. I believe they put a molly additive into the oil at manufacture to assist with "running in". I did the same when I replaced the gearbox oil at 50,000 MILES. I can confirm that here in the UK COMMA OIL state a fully synthetic 75w GL-4. Their website says all of their recommendations are approved by the vehicle manufacturers. The gearbox has been running for nearly 70,000MILES after the oil change without issue.

Can I please understand your semantics. Here in the UK we understand "transmission" to mean everything between the engine and the wheels. From front to back: A 2 wheel drive has a gearbox and front differential. A 4 motion has (at the front) gearbox, transfer box (drives the front wheels and the propshaft to the Haldex), then at the rear a Haldex clutch and a separate differential (which may or may not have a diff lock). All of these units have different VW part numbers. Here in the UK we understand "transmission" to mean everything between the engine and the wheels.

Please let us know what grade of oil you are putting into which component.

 

[lateski]

In the #3 post I wrote these, but I'll clarify my speech:

Gearbox: Liqui Moly MTF 5300 70W-75W GL-4 (recommended for VW G 052 171 and G 052 527).
Transfer box: Red Line Lightweight 75W-85 GL-5 (No OE approval or recommendation)

In the earlier rear diff service I used these:

Haldex: G 055 175 A2
Differential(with diff lock): Castrol Transmax Axle Long Life 75W-90 GL-5(No OE approval).

 

[DXX]

Opie Oils (UK) can provide advice on which oil to use in which application. Always helpful

 

[pikeman2210]

I telephoned the dealer where I bought my T6 van new and they wouldn't tell me the transmission oil specs. However a simple internet search has thrown up the GL-5 spec gear oil is not suitable for Yellow metal (Bronze and or Brass) as it containes corrosive EP addatives and you should use GL-4 spec oil for Yellow metal. Therefore as a safe bet GL-4 spec seems best. I've got mine to do soon. Going to do all the fluids. Front / Rear Differentilas, Haldex and Stearing fluid.
Regards Stephen

 

[Sasquatch]

I telephoned the dealer where I bought my T6 van new and they wouldn't tell me the transmission oil specs.

Because they're potentially liable if they misadvise or if you misunderstand.

They will, however, sell you a litre of the stuff with the spec clearly printed on the label if you're ever in any doubt.