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Corrosion of Gearbox Oil Cooler Pipes


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For those who own older automobiles, I was quite taken aback by the condition of the gearbox oil cooler pressures on my 2008 vehicle. The Audi dealership has not made any reference to this matter, but they consistently disclose other small issues that do not need attention.

After persistently seeking assistance from my nearby Audi dealership to replace the gearbox oil, I finally located a reputable local shop that I can rely on for servicing the R8. Upon arrival for the oil change, they saw this issue and recommended that I repair the oil cooler pipes prior to applying fresh oil. Regrettably, the corrosion shown by the fittings of the oil cooler and thermostat was equally severe, necessitating their replacement. Consequently, the initial cost of £200 for an oil change was reduced to £1,200. The Audi oil cooler was on backorder for more than a month, but I successfully located a pre-owned, almost new one on eBay for £175, which is half the price of the Audi model. The pipes were priced at £480 from Audi, while the thermo valve was priced at £75. If I had more time, I would have found more affordable alternatives. However, I had to prioritise getting the vehicle back on the road.

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Although the price has decreased by £1200, I am pleased that the task has been completed and that the gearbox, which Audi always assured me is'sealed for life' and resistant to change, now has new oil. I am really concerned about the potential financial implications that might have arisen if Audi had undertaken the task or if I had experienced a breakdown as a consequence.

Significant expenditures have been made on the automobile lately, including the replacement of rear bumpers and front condensors, along with a few minor repairs. However, the car is now a genuine pleasure to drive.

Coming up next is a walnut blast and a comprehensive engine service.

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No, the GT does not operate one.


Perhaps not insignificant... I have not really researched the concept of a bung or return line. However, individuals have done this on many occasions on this platform.

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The primary reason I see is that owners do not exert significant effort while driving the automobiles, rendering it futile. While there may be some validity to such claim, the reasoning lacks coherence. Why purchase a vehicle with front/rear SLA if the automobile's only function is to go in a straight line? The management of cooling systems poses significant challenges and incurs substantial costs within the realm of research and development. Due to inadequate underbody airflow, the designers determined that it was imperative to include a cooler in order to cool the gearbox. The VW group would likely see a significant issue with superfluous oil coolers.

Do you sometimes overheat the gearbox when driving to car meets? However, it seems that you are impeding the car's performance. If you ever drive the vehicle on the track or in really hot weather, it will quickly become evident.

I have already seen gearbox temperatures over 270°F on the track, which are both unpleasant and unmanageable without adequate cooling.

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Indeed, I had a similar line of thought. I possess sufficient recollection of conventional automobiles and trucks that encountered challenges pertaining to gearbox overheating and subsequent burnout, necessitating the attachment of aftermarket oil coolers to ensure their operational functionality. I am intrigued by the potential dissipation of energy in a R8 gearbox, even while operating off the track. Consequently, I am interested in understanding how the GT manages this dissipation in the absence of a cooler.

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Without complete information, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. However, I must admit that I have limited knowledge about the R8GT. It is worth noting that all R8 LMS cars are equipped with gearbox coolers for their sequentials. Additionally, in early 2010, there was a cooling redesign for the LMS cars due to elevated engine and gearbox temperatures.

R-tronic has superior heat dissipation compared to S-Tronic. Additional air ducting or air flow adjustment might have been included in the R8GT.

The Z06 engine operated at temperatures of 305°F oil, 235°F water and 270°F gearbox (manual) on days with a temperature of 75°C at Virginia International Raceway. Among these temperatures, the gearbox was the only one that caused significant difficulties. The automobile was anticipated to reach the specified temperatures for the oil and water, which, to be honest, is not very favourable given that the majority of the additives in the oil are cooked beyond that point.

Chevrolet's first introduction of the 7th generation Corvette was marred by a significant error. It was believed that a group of experienced individuals would purchase them for the purpose of embarking on a weekend excursion. Prior to the occurrence of several lawsuits, there was a significant number of individuals who purchased these vehicles, particularly Corvettes, with the intention of driving them to high speeds. By the conclusion of their 2019 run, the plant had implemented a fully revamped and enhanced cooling system.

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