Complete Fluid Swap

[The Fourth Amigo]

I recently did a complete fluid change on my 2000 DII.

First I swapped out the conventional 75W-90 in both differentials and the transfer case with Royal Purple full synthetic 75W-90. This made an incredible difference in noise reduction. No more gear wine.

Next I drained and refilled the transmission three times with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. I used a total of 15 liters and there is a very noticeable difference in the shifting. Now it is smoother and more precise.

The brake fluid was exchanged with VW/Audi DOT 4.

I drained and refilled the cooling system three times with distilled water and added 7 liters of G13 Coolant.

Then I swapped out the power steering fluid. I used Genuine VW/Audi power steering fluid for which is the same as Pentosin CHF 11S. This stuff is great, the pump is always quiet now and does not "Buzz" on sub-zero starts any more. Also, I swear the steering gear box leak that I have had for 5 years has slowed.

Last, I did an oil change with Rotella T6 and a K&N filter.

I have always kept up on my fluid changes but I was using conventional fluids (except for the Rotella T6) I was using plain Mobil Dex III, Prestone power steering fluid and brake fluid, Peak Long Life Coolant, NAPA conventional 75W-90. The Synthetic Gear Oil, ATF and Power Steering Fluid seem to make a difference that justifies the cost. Time will tell on the other products.

Also, I bought a Motive Products Power Fill tool recently and a Power Bleeder a few years ago. These are excellent tools. The Power Bleeder really made the power steering fluid swap easier.

The total cost of the fluids was over $500 (Canadian)

 

[jymmiejamz]

I find it hard to believe that any of those fluid changes made that noticeable of a difference.

Any reason for the VW fluids as opposed to Land Rover Genuine? Last time I checked, Land Rover Genuine synthetic gear lube, for example, was very cheap at around $8 per quart. A quart of Mobil 1 is over $20 here.

 

[The Fourth Amigo]

I know the parts guy at the Audi Dealership, I get there stuff there for near cost. There seems to be a new parts representative at the Land Rover dealership every few months and everything is full price.

The Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF did improve the smoothness of the shifting in my transmission.

My rear diff has some gear whine and the Royal Purple did help to quiet it.

The power steering pump now makes no noise even at -15°C cold starts.

I was so impressed with all of this that I made a post to recommend these fluids to others. These fluid changes were not done in some effort to miraculously cure any faults. I did them as regular maintenance and the results were better then I had expected.

 

[robisonservice]

I would agree that synthetic gear lube sometimes quiets noises. But to be fair, I've seen situations where "different" gear lube cures a noise, and the operative term may be different not synthetic when it comes to noise. That said, we use synthetics because of the extra measure of protection they offer and any noise reduction is a welcome side benefit.

Power steering fluid is often neglected and fresh fluid can make a difference.

I too have seen smoother shifts on Mobil 1 ATF and we use it exclusively on DII in our shop