Date:         Fri, 21 Apr 1995 11:44:43 -0300
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         smitht@jupiter.sun.csd.unb.ca (Tim Smith)
Subject:      Re: Syncro Tranny Lube Questions

>>The reason I ask is that after hearing such glowing reports, I was going to
>>have the tranny drained and refilled with Swepco 201.

Me too!

<snip>
>
>VW in its official obscure literature indicates that synthetic is OK for the
>front final drive unit but does not list synthetic as being permissable for
>the rear unit.

Must be due to the gearbox then. ???

<snip>

I just phoned the dealer, and got an immediate NO! to synthetic oil for 
tranny etc. in VW and Audi, "It burns the bearings" was the response. I have 
been trying to locate Swepco 201 here with no luck yet. I really can't 
understand how Porsches can use synth. while VW can't. I bet all the 
bearings are made by FAG in both cars. I have heard of synth being too 
'slippery' for the synchronizers to work well, but that was one instance 
only. Every other report has been glowing.  Should I go buy some Castrol at 
KMart now???  concerned, tim s.