ZF fluid change time!

[billschroeder5842]

My trans is shifting harder than it should so I think a fluid change is in order--- the car has 70k on it and God knows how much on the fluid.

So, my research says that AMSOIL is a safe, dependable, no risk solution.

Can I change it in the driveway or is it just best to take it somewhere where there is a lift/pit and the disposal is the other guys problem?

I'm happy to spin the wrench and prefer to do my own work, but I'm old enough to weight risk/reward.

[garyhugo]

You can do it. It helps a lot to have a second person to snake the funnel and hose you make down between the engine and firewall when refilling.I do it every 15,000 miles so it can't be too hard.

[Demps]

Take out the fill plug first. I think it's a --mm BMW/vw tool at auto parts. Use a crescent wrench (or open end wrench) to get right up to fill/drain plug so as not to round off plug. Pipe fitting tape or thread sealant on install. Filling is a bear but the $5 hand pump at auto parts work great. 2.2qts.
Ted

Gary is correct below on size--deleted to not confuse anyone.

[garyhugo]

I believe it's 17MM allen for drain and fill. May want a couple new plugs handy if the old ones are messed up. A new small pipe wrench with sharp teeth will get the plugs out if there stripped. The pump for refilling is a good idea if by yourself.

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by billschroeder5842

Can I change it in the driveway or is it just best to take it somewhere where there is a lift/pit and the disposal is the other guys problem?

IMO you would be better off having access to a lift rather than laying on your back trying to loosen those drain & fill plugs. They can be a real bear to say the least. And on your back it is really difficult to get them loose, especially after years of being in there. As mentioned above it would be good insurance to have the extra plugs before you start the job, or getting it done elsewhere. Check out the link below for the plug part #'s which are available at your local VW dealer and really priced well. Have fun!!!

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27276


Another alternative tool to have for the plugs.....get yourself a 17mm 3/8" drive Allen socket to fit the plug.

[Billy Mild]

I didn't know you were supposed to use thread sealer on the plug. I will do this next time so it doesn't leak.

[Jagdpanzer]

Use some Permatex anti seize on the plug when reinstalling and shouldn't leak plus it will come out easier the next time. Snug it up good but don't over tighten.

[Bob Eyres]

Originally Posted by Jagdpanzer

Use some Permatex anti seize on the plug when reinstalling and shouldn't leak plus it will come out easier the next time. Snug it up good but don't over tighten.

That's the ticket

[billschroeder5842]

Originally Posted by Roadster

As mentioned above it would be good insurance to have the extra plugs before you start the job, or getting it done elsewhere. Check out the link below for the plug part #'s which are available at your local VW dealer and really priced well.

Well, I have the only ONE in the entire Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

I called up the local VW guy and they said that the only one (one) and the shared computer said it was in McKinney Texas. While a good size town, McKinney in BFE compared to the rest of our urban sprawl.

But, I did not mind taking the road trip this afternoon as it was about 30 miles and I was able to have some fun with a C6 and a CTS. The Vettes clearly had the pulling power over the Caddy as we hit above the century marke more than a few times.

So, with one, I have to have a 50% success rate on the old plugs. I'll give it a shot this weekend a see what happens.

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by billschroeder5842

Well, I have the only ONE in the entire Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

I called up the local VW guy and they said that the only one (one) and the shared computer said it was in McKinney Texas. While a good size town, McKinney in BFE compared to the rest of our urban sprawl.

But, I did not mind taking the road trip this afternoon as it was about 30 miles and I was able to have some fun with a C6 and a CTS. The Vettes clearly had the pulling power over the Caddy as we hit above the century marke more than a few times.

So, with one, I have to have a 50% success rate on the old plugs. I'll give it a shot this weekend a see what happens.

Sounds like you had fun getting the only one!!!

I have extras, so if you want to hold off, or you get stuck getting both plugs out, PM me your address and will be glad to mail one down to you....