Gearbox oil change a few checks....

[foeism]

I have read a whole host of useful threads and now feel confident that the oil I need is the Mannol - jws3309. I just need to clarify the following;

I’ve gone through all the service history and cannot see that any gearbox oil change has taken place. She’s currently on just over 140k.

- Am I good to go, to carry out the Gibbons method, due to mileage?
- Do I need VIDA to carry out oil change, as some mention this!
VIDA is next on my purchase list, but feel a gearbox oil change is first.

The gear changes are smooth and all the gears engage as they should, but I would rather proceed along the preventive precautionary route!

Thanks

[Harley Dave]

Before you rush to change the oil, (given the box is performing OK) take a look at the colour of it.

If it's reddish it's prob OK (and has likely been changed quite recently) - any darker, tending towards brown or black - it's due a change.

Cheers

Dave

[foeism]

Originally Posted by Harley Dave

Before you rush to change the oil, (given the box is performing OK) take a look at the colour of it.

If it's reddish it's prob OK (and has likely been changed quite recently) - any darker, tending towards brown or black - it's due a change.

Cheers

Dave

A good start, thanks.
Is VIDA required if it does need changing?

[dambat]

No, it can be done without Vida. Vida is used to check box is at temp (to get the level right), and to reset the counter. The box temp can be checked in other ways (I used an IR gun), and the counter reset is not necessary.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by dambat

the counter reset is not necessary.

Given that it changes the gear change profile over the life of the fluid, it's absolutely necessary as may be an adaption reset if gear changes have become poor from degraded fluid.

If you want to accurately and efficiently do your own maintenance on a car with around 20+ modules, you need Vida.

[foeism]

Vida is definitely a must and will invest in one as part of routine maintenance.
Was there someone on the forum who sells these as a package?

I would probably feel more comfortable if I hand the Vida, before I do the change.

[Harley Dave]

cheshired5 sells them - and is highly regarded for the service he provides.

Cheers

Dave

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by foeism

I have read a whole host of useful threads and now feel confident that the oil I need is the Mannol - jws3309. I just need to clarify the following;

I’ve gone through all the service history and cannot see that any gearbox oil change has taken place. She’s currently on just over 140k.

- Am I good to go, to carry out the Gibbons method, due to mileage?
- Do I need VIDA to carry out oil change, as some mention this!
VIDA is next on my purchase list, but feel a gearbox oil change is first.

The gear changes are smooth and all the gears engage as they should, but I would rather proceed along the preventive precautionary route!

Thanks

Check the colour of the fluid, as mentioned previously. If its really dark, then I'd opt for doing a drain & fill, then repeating the process over a period of time.

If the colour has a red hint to it when you check it, then that means it was probably serviced recently & you could change it by the Gibbons method from the outset.

Do a Gibbons change if you want, but on a car with 140k, I'd be checking the condition of the fluid first before doing the change via the Gibbons way.

This is my opinion, its your choice.

[AndyV7o]

If theres any uncertainty, do sump dumps, replace same qty that comes out, first change, then at (+/-) 300 miles, 600 miles, 1200 miles and that yer final change. Gibbons 100% flush could potentially cause you trouble with slippage, you need to know box is good and has been maintained well.