[T3] When I change the auto trans diff oil?

[Jim Adney]

On 1 Mar 2016 at 15:37, William J wrote:

> The thing that really bugs me is when I had the trans out in 2002 I
> had no idea this seal was a concern or I would have replaced it then. 

The idea that this seal is a common wearout item comes as a surprise 
to me. I believe there is a comment in the AT section of the Bentley 
about early ATs having that seal installed in one direction but that 
it should be turned around if the AT is rebuilt.

I have 3 AT Type 3s and that seal hasn't been touched on any of them. 
Nor have I ever seen a problem with that seal. In your case, my guess 
is that your engine and tranny was pulled for some reason and not 
installed very carefully. It's quite possible that neither is 
original to your car. Nevertheless, my greatest concern would be 
about what else the previous mechanic did poorly.

Yes, change all the fluids: ATF, gear oil, engine oil, and brake 
fluid. Check the bolts that hold the torque converter to the drive 
plate. Check the bolts that hold the engine to the AT and the rear 
mount crossbar bolts. Check the CV joint bolts. Check the caliper 
hoses for unusual twists and check the caliper attaching bolts. Check 
the master cylinder bolts. Check the pedal cluster bolts. Check the 
rubber mounts for the FI fuel pump.

Look for tracks where this person has been before, and double check 
his work.

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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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