How to Replace Transmission Fluid for Old Bora?

[GageLynn]

Old Bora transmission fluid replacement methods are as follows: 1. Gravity Drain: The principle is similar to engine oil change. Loosen the bottom nut of the transmission oil pan to allow the old fluid to drain naturally by gravity. Disadvantage: Cannot completely drain the transmission fluid, leaving residues in mechanical recesses and dead corners. 2. Machine Flush: New transmission fluid is added to a flushing machine, which connects to the transmission via hoses. Under hydraulic pressure, new fluid pushes out the old fluid, resulting in a cleaner system. This method uses 10-15L of fluid per change and takes 40-80 minutes. 3. Oil Pan Removal: This is a thorough cleaning method that also cleans the oil filter. However, the disassembly process is more complex.

[Dias]

My old Bora had its transmission fluid changed last year, and this job can be done at home but it's quite a hassle. First, you need to prepare new fluid—make sure to use ATF oil that meets Volkswagen standards. The 5-speed automatic model requires about 4-5 liters. Park the car on level ground and engage the handbrake, then remove the engine undercover to locate the drain plug. Use a 19mm socket to loosen the drain plug and place a pan underneath to catch the old fluid. After draining, tighten the plug and slowly pour in the new fluid through the fill port using a long tube funnel. The trickiest part is checking the fluid level—you’ll need to start the engine, cycle through all the gears, and monitor the dipstick marks. I recommend wearing rubber gloves and old clothes, as transmission fluid has a strong smell that lingers on your hands for days. If you’re not experienced, it might be worth spending a few hundred bucks to let a repair shop handle it for peace of mind.

[VonGabrielle]

The old Bora requires different transmission fluids for automatic and manual transmissions. I've changed it twice myself on my manual classic Bora. The manual transmission needs GL-4 grade oil, and 2 liters is sufficient. You'll need a jack to stabilize the car, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission, and loosen it with a wrench. The old oil is black and thick, so remember to use a large container to catch it. New oil should be poured in through the side fill port, and it's best to buy a specialized oil filler for convenience. The key is to wait until all the old oil has completely drained before tightening the plug, otherwise mixing old and new oil will reduce effectiveness. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, it's recommended to visit a specialized repair shop where they can also check for gear wear. The biggest concern when doing it yourself is inaccurate filling - too much or too little will affect gear shifting.

[LaRiver]

Transmission fluid should be changed every 50,000 km. For my old Bora, using the gravity method for fluid change is both convenient and cost-effective. First, warm up the car for ten minutes to improve the fluidity of the old oil. Immediately after parking and turning off the engine, loosen the oil pan drain plug to allow more sludge to drain out. Timing is crucial for the oil change—avoid doing it in cold winter mornings in the north when the oil is too thick to drain completely. Always check for the Volkswagen certification number when purchasing oil, as using the wrong type can damage the transmission. Prepare a small pan to catch the used oil and never pour it down the drain, as it is harmful to the environment. It's best to have two people work together during the process—one draining the oil underneath the car and the other adding new oil from above—to avoid the hassle of climbing up and down. For automatic transmissions, remember to reset the transmission computer after the fluid change.

[LeStephen]

As a decade-long owner of a Volkswagen Bora, I recommend using a transmission fluid exchange machine for oil changes. Although it costs about 200 yuan more than the gravity method, it ensures a more thorough replacement with significantly less residual old oil and debris. Remember to contact the repair shop in advance for an appointment, and have them inspect the transmission filter upon arrival to determine if replacement is needed. The technician will use pressure equipment to pump in new fluid while completely flushing out the old oil. The entire process takes just half an hour - saving an hour compared to gravity drainage. Post-change, you'll notice markedly smoother gear shifts, especially reduced jerking in older vehicles. Crucial reminder: change the fluid every six years or 60,000 km. Prolonged neglect leads to sludge buildup clogging the valve body, potentially requiring thousand-yuan transmission repairs later.