Changing Transmission Fluid on the 5 speed (FGE) Transmission (W12 Engine)

[PanEuropean]

Quote, originally posted by gibber_2k »

...I'm 90% sure this is how it has always been and it is ZF who forgot the seal...

If that is the case (ZF failed to install the O-ring), then you have little to be worried about.

ZF does a bench performance test of every transmission after it has been manufactured, to ensure that the transmission performs according to specification. This means that your transmission (without the O-ring) passed the test, and demonstrated that it was able to operate without the O-ring.

Something else to keep in mind - it is entirely possible that ZF changed the construction specification of the transmission to delete the O-ring requirement. This could have easily been done by enlarging the diameter of the boss that the filter fits onto to change it to a ''friction-fit" type of design. If this is the case, it explains not only why you did not find an O-ring, but also why the O-ring is sold separately from the filter itself (vis, to cater to both pre- and post mod designs with the same filter).

Michael

[gibber_2k]

Quote, originally posted by PanEuropean »

If that is the case (ZF failed to install the O-ring), then you have little to be worried about. ZF does a bench performance test of every transmission after it has been manufactured, to ensure that the transmission performs according to specification. This means that your transmission (without the O-ring) passed the test, and demonstrated that it was able to operate without the O-ring. Something else to keep in mind - it is entirely possible that ZF changed the construction specification of the transmission to delete the O-ring requirement. This could have easily been done by enlarging the diameter of the boss that the filter fits onto to change it to a ''friction-fit" type of design. If this is the case, it explains not only why you did not find an O-ring, but also why the O-ring is sold separately from the filter itself (vis, to cater to both pre- and post mod designs with the same filter). Michael

Michael,

Thank you for showing us you knowledge again.
I have measured the filters and they are identical, so I would say with out doubt that the o-ring is missing.

I think the only way I am going to know if any damage has been done is to fit the filter correctly with o-ring, refill and drive.

Or as the phase goes "suck it and see!"

[gibber_2k]

Sad day.

Changed the oil in the box, to be honest diidnt find it too hard at all, read michaels post about 20 times before starting, then again at every stage.

But it looks like the missing O-ring has cost me a torque convertor.

How gutted was I when I drove off up the streeet and it slipped.

Drove it straight into the local VW garage, to find out the damage.

Ive owned my phaeton for over a year now and still not felt the true power of my W12, plus it has no speed lock.

Gutted Gibber

[PanEuropean]

Photos re-hosted.

Michael

[cowboy_]

THANK YOU! Have been waiting for these for a long time!

[PanEuropean]

Archival Note: Discussion about checking transmission fluid levels on the 6-speed transmission used in V8 Phaetons - Checking V8 (6 speed transmission) fluid levels.

[PanEuropean]

Archival Notes:

Discussion and documentation of the requirement to change transmission fluid every 20,000 miles (36,000 km) in the 5 speed transmission used in the W12 Phaetons -
W12 Service Bulletin (Transmission Fluid Change every 20K miles)

Discussion and documentation about the specification of transmission fluid to use -
ZF Transmission Fluid Specifications

General Discussion about Transmission Concerns (neither 5 or 6 speed specific) -
Transmission Function Concerns (includes TBs 32-06-01 and 37-05-01)

Michael

[Cantrellc123]

Ahoi Folks,

here you can get all the related Informations about the phenomenal "Tim Eckhart Transmissionfluid Change Method" ;-) It's as simple as clever. It is much quicker, tidier, much more effective (about 99%) of Exchange! and also uses a cleaning-fluid for total removement of any unwanted stuff... And the page is full of praises from all sorts of Drivers and companies; even if some of them where very sceptical at first.
http://www.automatikoelwechsel....html
In one picture, you can see that even ZF in Mannheim, the Mothership of the Gearbox, is using his method on a Phaeton - not the worst proof for quality

It is all written in German, maybe someone can translate it.

Here is a List with the Companies which use the System so far, 2 of them already in the U.S.A.
http://www.automatikoelwechsel...1.pdf

For further Information, just ask Tim.

Modified by Ronntar at 5:41 PM 11-3-2009


Modified by Ronntar at 5:46 PM 11-3-2009

Does anybody have any updated information on this process and who can perform this here in the USA?
And is there a translated to English version available?

I've put almost 12k miles on my W12 since I purchased it and I'm at 80k on this car. I'm wanting to do the trans fluid change at this time as it will be easier to remember at 20k intervals.