Hello I am writing to see if anyone knows :
A) When or if the gearbox oil needs changing?
B) Where are the filler and drain plugs to do this (if applicable) as I can see nothing obvious and dont want to undo the wrong bolts by mistake as this could be disasterous?
C) What kind of oil I should or can get away with using?
Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
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alexperkins
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
A - its filled for life, so theres no real reason to change it
B - They are located above and below the driveshafts on respective sides
C - Only genuine VW gearbox oil and nothing else
It isnt necessary to change the oil, and if you want to go down that route, would recommend using a local specialist to do it if you wish to as draining and filling is not particularly easy as the access is awful.
B - They are located above and below the driveshafts on respective sides
C - Only genuine VW gearbox oil and nothing else
It isnt necessary to change the oil, and if you want to go down that route, would recommend using a local specialist to do it if you wish to as draining and filling is not particularly easy as the access is awful.
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idriveapolo
Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
Ok, the car has done 60 plus thousand miles and im expecting many more to follow.
Now when ive driven it some way and the car is truely warmed up I hear very slight whining on acceleration and deceleration. This leaves me to wonder if the oil is getting too thin when warm. Where I live driving involves lots of cornering, acceleration and deceleration, gear changes and all sorts of other loads which one doesnt get if they were to live in a place where its flat and staight.
Therefore am I being overly concerned or are these oil for life gearboxes really as good as they are claimed?
Now when ive driven it some way and the car is truely warmed up I hear very slight whining on acceleration and deceleration. This leaves me to wonder if the oil is getting too thin when warm. Where I live driving involves lots of cornering, acceleration and deceleration, gear changes and all sorts of other loads which one doesnt get if they were to live in a place where its flat and staight.
Therefore am I being overly concerned or are these oil for life gearboxes really as good as they are claimed?
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RUM4MO
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
I don't think that you will find that many people are changing gearbox oils on modern cars, I've never done that and I tend to keep cars for 12+ years from new and up to 105K miles - and that is with buying VW Group cars.
Edit:- typically the only time you might consider changing the gearbox oil is if you are having difficulties with maybe when it is cold and you know, or it is widely known that VW Group have introduced a new or changed to an earlier variant of gearbox oil to address some issues - though in that unusual event, the car would normally still be under warranty and it would get replaced on request at normal service time.
Edit:- typically the only time you might consider changing the gearbox oil is if you are having difficulties with maybe when it is cold and you know, or it is widely known that VW Group have introduced a new or changed to an earlier variant of gearbox oil to address some issues - though in that unusual event, the car would normally still be under warranty and it would get replaced on request at normal service time.
Last edited by RUM4MO on Wed Feb 20, 2019 5:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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alexperkins
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
I would say you shouldnt worry. Gearboxes are a sealed unit, unlike engine oil which degrades over time and gets dirty
I changed the gearbox oil in my TT for the first time in its 18 year 230k mile life 6 months ago, and it was still golden as the day it was new!
I changed the gearbox oil in my TT for the first time in its 18 year 230k mile life 6 months ago, and it was still golden as the day it was new!
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veteran
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
idriveapolo,
As someone who has actually changed - or at least partly changed, the oil in my own 2017 6C Polo 5-spd gearbox, do appreciate that, if you go ahead, you might be opening a can of worms. As Alex has said, there's normally no reason to change it, and certainly if you do I'd advise you definitely use the pukka VW stuff. It's very expensive but IMHO it's not worth taking any chances with other so-called equivalents. It's a job you'll not relish, believe me.
The positions of the drain and filler plugs of the gearbox can differ, depending on precisely which transmission was fitted in a particular year for a given model. For mine, the drain plug was about three-quarters of the way down the gearbox casting, on the LHS (ie. the passenger side, for a UK car), while the filler was just above where the RHS driveshaft enters the gearbox. Some of the guys in these forums helped identify them. Each plug required its own hex bit to undo. Some Polo gearboxes do use 'torx-like' plugs, however. You'll have to get under the car to check that out at close quarters before even contemplating the job. You'll need therefore the requisite bits, sockets and torque wrench when it comes to doing the job. Note that, unless you remove the gearbox completely from the car, you can't actually fully drain it, certainly not unless you've a gearbox with a drain plug right at the very bottom of the casting.
VW do not normally anticipate anybody completely replacing the gearbox oil over the life of the vehicle, as VW don't deem it essential. However, you'll find a good many experienced mechanics who'll say that, irrespective of marque/model, a car will always benefit from a gearbox oil change after about 50,000 mls. And, from the peace-of mind aspect, it can sometimes be beneficial to replace the oil, or even just inspect it, after comparatively few miles.
I myself had a constant leak from the drain plug, and having little faith in garage mechanics per se decided to investigate and fix the issue myself (which appears to have been largely successful). That entailed draining the oil, at least as far as it would go, and though I could have re-used it I opted to buy a new amount instead to do the refill.
I was surprised by the amount of swarf (metal shavings) that came out of the drain hole. Had I not done this job, that swarf would have remained, and over the years would have rapidly accelerated the wear of the gearings inside. Years ago, when I first had my old Golf (again, a brand new vehicle) and drained out its gearbox oil, out dropped a small bolt! The gearbox worked fine for the 24 years that I had that car, but clearly it pays to know what's really in the gearbox from the very start, apart from what's meant to be in there!
VW workshops are able to do an in-situ gearbox oilchange quite easily, as they have the car up on a large, high powered ramp but, for a DIYer, refilling the box is far from easy, particularly because the amount put in has to be just right (to the point where, after a wait, it just begins to pour out of the filler hole). However, for this amount not to be in error, the car must be on a level surface. So, this precludes the use of a pair of DIY drive-up ramps. Okay, you could put the car on four axlestands and get underneath but that's not a good idea either, certainly from the safety angle. In the end, I found the best method for refilling was to use a funnel-and-tube topside, ie. from the engine compartment, inserting the tube in the hole by leaning right over the back of the gearbox and feeling for the hole with my fingers. It's do-able, once you get the knack. You need a tray or bowl underneath, of course, to catch the overspill. I did the exercise twice, just to be sure, running the engine briefly in neutral and with the filler plug lightly done up, after the first one to ensure good distribution of the oil over the gearings. Re-tightening the filler and drain plugs to the correct torques is paramount, BTW. Since doing the job my gearbox has performed super-smoothly.
Although a change, or at least partial change, was clearly worthwhile in my case, I would say that in your case, where you're dealing with a well-used gearbox, it's debateable as to whether you'd cure any whine that you're hearing. The whine might not be coming from the gearbox per se anyway; it might be coming from some other part of the transmission. But on the other hand, you never know what might drop out of the gearbox!
As someone who has actually changed - or at least partly changed, the oil in my own 2017 6C Polo 5-spd gearbox, do appreciate that, if you go ahead, you might be opening a can of worms. As Alex has said, there's normally no reason to change it, and certainly if you do I'd advise you definitely use the pukka VW stuff. It's very expensive but IMHO it's not worth taking any chances with other so-called equivalents. It's a job you'll not relish, believe me.
The positions of the drain and filler plugs of the gearbox can differ, depending on precisely which transmission was fitted in a particular year for a given model. For mine, the drain plug was about three-quarters of the way down the gearbox casting, on the LHS (ie. the passenger side, for a UK car), while the filler was just above where the RHS driveshaft enters the gearbox. Some of the guys in these forums helped identify them. Each plug required its own hex bit to undo. Some Polo gearboxes do use 'torx-like' plugs, however. You'll have to get under the car to check that out at close quarters before even contemplating the job. You'll need therefore the requisite bits, sockets and torque wrench when it comes to doing the job. Note that, unless you remove the gearbox completely from the car, you can't actually fully drain it, certainly not unless you've a gearbox with a drain plug right at the very bottom of the casting.
VW do not normally anticipate anybody completely replacing the gearbox oil over the life of the vehicle, as VW don't deem it essential. However, you'll find a good many experienced mechanics who'll say that, irrespective of marque/model, a car will always benefit from a gearbox oil change after about 50,000 mls. And, from the peace-of mind aspect, it can sometimes be beneficial to replace the oil, or even just inspect it, after comparatively few miles.
I myself had a constant leak from the drain plug, and having little faith in garage mechanics per se decided to investigate and fix the issue myself (which appears to have been largely successful). That entailed draining the oil, at least as far as it would go, and though I could have re-used it I opted to buy a new amount instead to do the refill.
I was surprised by the amount of swarf (metal shavings) that came out of the drain hole. Had I not done this job, that swarf would have remained, and over the years would have rapidly accelerated the wear of the gearings inside. Years ago, when I first had my old Golf (again, a brand new vehicle) and drained out its gearbox oil, out dropped a small bolt! The gearbox worked fine for the 24 years that I had that car, but clearly it pays to know what's really in the gearbox from the very start, apart from what's meant to be in there!
VW workshops are able to do an in-situ gearbox oilchange quite easily, as they have the car up on a large, high powered ramp but, for a DIYer, refilling the box is far from easy, particularly because the amount put in has to be just right (to the point where, after a wait, it just begins to pour out of the filler hole). However, for this amount not to be in error, the car must be on a level surface. So, this precludes the use of a pair of DIY drive-up ramps. Okay, you could put the car on four axlestands and get underneath but that's not a good idea either, certainly from the safety angle. In the end, I found the best method for refilling was to use a funnel-and-tube topside, ie. from the engine compartment, inserting the tube in the hole by leaning right over the back of the gearbox and feeling for the hole with my fingers. It's do-able, once you get the knack. You need a tray or bowl underneath, of course, to catch the overspill. I did the exercise twice, just to be sure, running the engine briefly in neutral and with the filler plug lightly done up, after the first one to ensure good distribution of the oil over the gearings. Re-tightening the filler and drain plugs to the correct torques is paramount, BTW. Since doing the job my gearbox has performed super-smoothly.
Although a change, or at least partial change, was clearly worthwhile in my case, I would say that in your case, where you're dealing with a well-used gearbox, it's debateable as to whether you'd cure any whine that you're hearing. The whine might not be coming from the gearbox per se anyway; it might be coming from some other part of the transmission. But on the other hand, you never know what might drop out of the gearbox!
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idriveapolo
Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
So basicaly apart from trouble finding the right filler and drain plugs and having the right tools to undo them, one would need an air compressor to blow the last of the oil out (probably all over the place) if their is room for it and once one has put it on ramps they would need to push the car off the ramps again before refilling it while whole job is on a flat surface hoping it doesnt roll too far into trouble etc and that you dont need to get back under the car again for any reason and when its being refilled again its got to be just right (while acting like a contortionist right the way through). hmmm perhaps there ill reconsider the main dealer after all 
EDIT :Let me guess the air compressor will disturb a seal or something inside while pushing out the oil
EDIT :Let me guess the air compressor will disturb a seal or something inside while pushing out the oil
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veteran
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
What air compressor? I never mentioned any air compressor. Sounds a completely daft idea to ever use an air compressor, especially one put on 'blow'. If it were necessary to remove every last vestige of the old oil, I'd imagine the best approach would be to use some sort of handtool to gently suck it out. As some of us have already pointed out, VW has assumed that only under exceptional circumstances would there be a need to completely empty the gearbox, let alone to partially empty it. That's why the gearbox tends to be described as 'sealed for life'. It isn't, but (speaking generally) if you mess around with its lubricant, you need to be meticulous about the approach to the job.
I daresay that if you booked the car in to a local VW dealership workshop they'd do the job - but begrudgingly. You'd doubtless get the stock response that it doesn't need changing. You'd of course incur their labour charge, plus the cost of the oil. Thinking about it, you might feel that that'd be worth it.
I can't recall whether your 6C is a secondhand vehicle or not, but if it is it could be useful for you yourself to at least check for any gearbox leaks underneath and the current level of oil in it. If you found the level below par, you might then want to top it up with some fresh stuff. But, like I said, determining whether it needs any won't be easy, because you'll either need to get underneath, with the car level, and check by eye, or you'll have to do it from above by essentially feel.
I daresay that if you booked the car in to a local VW dealership workshop they'd do the job - but begrudgingly. You'd doubtless get the stock response that it doesn't need changing. You'd of course incur their labour charge, plus the cost of the oil. Thinking about it, you might feel that that'd be worth it.
I can't recall whether your 6C is a secondhand vehicle or not, but if it is it could be useful for you yourself to at least check for any gearbox leaks underneath and the current level of oil in it. If you found the level below par, you might then want to top it up with some fresh stuff. But, like I said, determining whether it needs any won't be easy, because you'll either need to get underneath, with the car level, and check by eye, or you'll have to do it from above by essentially feel.
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idriveapolo
Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
It was me who wondered about air compressor, im not blaming anyone else
It was a second hand one of unknown first owner but there were clues that a woman had driven it
It was a second hand one of unknown first owner but there were clues that a woman had driven it
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alexperkins
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
Side note on this - Air compressors unless filtered have moisture in the air, so great way to introduce water into the gearbox. A definite no no
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blackertracker
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
Gearbox oil most definitely does degrade and gets dirty, but of course nothing like engine oil. Some vehicles, such as our MX-5, have gearbox and differential oil change intervals. I did the MX-5’s at only 21000 miles and the oil was certainly not golden new in colour! Used LSD oil stinks too. Your TT requires the Haldex oil changed to schedule as well.alexperkins wrote: Wed Feb 20, 2019 5:05 pm I would say you shouldnt worry. Gearboxes are a sealed unit, unlike engine oil which degrades over time and gets dirty
I changed the gearbox oil in my TT for the first time in its 18 year 230k mile life 6 months ago, and it was still golden as the day it was new!
I recently changed a Golf Mk4’s gearbox oil at 160k miles and that wasn’t golden either.
Your TT must have a special nano-ceramic coated blueprinted gearbox, or the oil has previously been changed
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alexperkins
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
indeed it does. I should’ve elaborated to say at a much reduced rate comparedGolden to the point it wasn’t black, arguably it wasn’t fresh but it was clean of debris as such
Haldex oil was changed at the same time but the pump has failed (and must’ve a long time ago) so that’ll stay golden till I fix it lol!
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blackertracker
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
idriveapolo wrote: Tue Feb 19, 2019 11:30 pm Hello I am writing to see if anyone knows :
A) When or if the gearbox oil needs changing?
B) Where are the filler and drain plugs to do this (if applicable) as I can see nothing obvious and dont want to undo the wrong bolts by mistake as this could be disasterous?
C) What kind of oil I should or can get away with using?
I’d take Alex’s advice and have a garage change the gearbox oil if you really want to. It’s not a hard job to do but you do need to know what you’re doing and have the correct tools etc. But unless there’s a specific reason to change it it’s probably not worth it. Some gearboxes do ‘whine’ a little. The Mini and Metro A series gearboxes were notorious for it. I learnt to drive in an MG Metro
I changed the gearbox oil in a couple of my vehicles in recent memory to fix known (minor) gearbox issues. One vehicle needed it changing to schedule anyway. The Polo does not have a gearbox oil change schedule and is indeed filled for ‘life’. But normally once you’ve done signifcant mileage fresh oil can certainly help with gearchange quality for instance.
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blackertracker
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
I had visions of it being like amber nectar!alexperkins wrote: Wed Feb 20, 2019 10:41 pm
Golden to the point it wasn’t black, arguably it wasn’t fresh but it was clean of debris as such
Haldex oil was changed at the same time but the pump has failed (and must’ve a long time ago) so that’ll stay golden till I fix it lol!
I loved the original TT from when I first sat in one at the 1998 NEC motor show. Always wanted one but never got round to it.
Shame about the Haldex, I guess it’s 2 wheel drive for now then
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alexperkins
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Re: Polo 6c 1litre 5 speed manual gearbox oil change
Likewise. Then one popped up stupid cheap up the road and I couldn’t resist
Aye, I’ve got the pump. It’s just a case of doing it!
Aye, I’ve got the pump. It’s just a case of doing it!