Anytime the Engine is out of the Volkswagen or you’re replacing the VW Transaxle, it’s a good idea to inspect the front and back rubber transaxle mounts for damage and replace if necessary. Replacing the mounts is not costly and it may save you from transaxle and/or shift rod damage.

To install new rubber mounts, support the transaxle with a floor jack and remove the 13mm nuts and bolts from both sides of the rear mounts. Next remove the two 27mm bolts from the transaxle carrier. Remove the two front mount attaching nuts that hold the transaxle to the frame cross tube. Slide the transaxle toward the rear of the car until the mount clears the studs. Then remove the two nuts that hold the rubber mount to the transaxle. Install new front rubber mount first to the transaxle and tighten the two retaining nuts. Slide the transaxle toward the front of the vehicle until it mates with the mounting studs. Reinstall the nuts and tighten. Install the new rear rubber mounts on the transaxle, and replace the wash ers and nuts. Do not install the rubber mounts to the carrier first. The angle of the mount bolts will not line up with the transaxle. Install the transaxle carrier, and tighten the 27mm bolts (if a torque wrench is available, tighten bolts to 167-ft-Lbs). When the VW Transaxle carrier is in place, remove the floor jack and tighten all the rear mounting bolts.

Proper Volkswagen Transaxle Maintenance

When installing a rebuilt Air Cooled VW Transaxle, it’s a good idea to change the oil after 300 miles. This preventive measure removes the possibility of any debris that might be left in the transaxle after assembly. After the initial break-in period, the oil level should be checked every 10,000 miles and changed every 30,000 miles. Filling your new transaxle or changing the oil in your old transaxle is essential for the longevity of your gearbox. When you check or change your oil, be sure to lift the rear of the car with an appropriate jack and secure the car with jack stands. The oil filler plug is located on the driver’s side of the transaxle on vehicles imported into the United States and the passenger side on European models. Using a 17mm Allen/Hex Head Transaxle Drain Plug tool, remove the plug. Insert your finger in the hole; the oil level should reach the edge of the opening and be on your finger tip. The vehicle must be as close to level as possible to check the oil accurately. When changing the oil, remove the two plugs under the transaxle. After all the oil has drained, thoroughly clean the plugs and reinstall. Fill the transaxle using GL-4 Redline gear oil. The transaxle’s oil capacity is approximately 6 to 7 Pints. Fill the transaxle slowly; if you fill it too fast, the oil will overflow as if the transaxle is full when it’s really not. After you have reached the correct level, clean and reinstall the filler plug.

Additional Note Regarding Transaxle Mounts:

Anytime the engine is out of the vehicle or you’re replacing the transaxle, it’s a good idea to inspect the front and back rubber transaxle mounts for damage and replace if necessary. Replacing the mounts is not costly and it may save you from transaxle and/ or shift rod damage. To install new rubber mounts, support the transaxle with a floor jack and remove the 13mm nuts and bolts from both sides of the rear mounts. Next remove the two 27mm bolts from the transaxle carrier. Remove the two front mount attaching nuts that hold the transaxle to the frame cross tube. Slide the transaxle toward the rear of the car until the mount clears the studs. Then remove the two nuts that hold the rubber mount to the transaxle. Install new front rubber mount first to the transaxle and tighten the two retaining nuts. Slide the transaxle toward the front of the vehicle until it mates with the mounting studs. Reinstall the nuts and tighten. Install the new rear rubber mounts on the transaxle, and replace the washers and nuts. Do not install the rubber mounts to the carrier first. The angle of the mount bolts will not line up with the transaxle. Install the transaxle carrier, and tighten the 27mm bolts (if a torque wrench is available tighten bolts to 167-ft-Lbs). When the transaxle carrier is in place, remove the floor jack and tighten all the rear mounting bolts.