2001 A4 2.8 Quattro with MTX. 97k miles.
I'm starting to occasionally get a grind (not so much a noise, but a mechanical "grind") when going from 1st to 2nd, and rarely 2nd to 3rd. I've seen a few posts that recommend replacing the fluid, but I'm unsure what kind to use (or whether that's a worthwhile effort). I've seen some posts talking about GM Synchromesh, but that's apparently only for certain vehicles. Should I try this, and if so what gear oil is recommended? If this doesn't fix the problem, am I looking at a new transmission or something else?

 

Change the fluid. I recommend Redline MT90 or any flull synthetic 75w90. Should smooth things out if you don't know when the fluid has been changed last/if ever at all. Take 3 qts.

 

Awesome...thanks for the info. Ordered 3 quarts last night.
I read a forum post that indicated that it was difficult to know how much oil to add (something about being at the right temp and then starting to drain from the bottom?). Is that true, or is it just exactly 3 quarts?

 

After you change your oil add enough of it so that you can see a little on the dipstick, then just keep adding little by little becasue I've learned that it takes a while for the oil to settle at the bottom of the engine. Otherwise you might put too much in..if I remember right its a little over 2 quarts if I remember rite

 

I'm talking about gear oil...for the transmission.
Is that what you're talking about?

 

its 2.9 quarts says the manual. while the car is on a level surface, it should take just under 3 quarts until it starts coming out of the fill hole (on the side). if you jack the car up it may take more then that before it comes out, do not add more then 3 quarts.

you are not adding any oil to the engine and it doesnt need time to settle. there is no dipstick on a manual transmission. and its not 2 quarts its 3.

heres a good write up
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/diy-do-yourself-55/b5-5-spd-tranny-fluid-change-sandman-18729/

 

Thats for automatics.

 

sigh. changed the fluid and it's only slightly better, if at all. Since the new fluid, I haven't had it happen going from 2nd-3rd, but it still occasionally happens from 1st-2nd. So does that mean time for a new transmission (eventually anyway...It's going to have to get a lot worse before I'll consider it)??