Full fluid service for the late Audi ZF 8HP: pan assembly with integrated filter, 8 liters of Lifeguard 8 spec ATF, new bolts and a fill pump.
If you own a 2017-2024 Audi Q7, an S4 or S5 from 2018 on, an SQ5, or a 2019-2020 Q8 or A8 and the eight-speed has started banging into second, shuddering at light throttle, or simply crossed 60,000 miles on factory fluid, this is the kit that does the whole service in one order. It contains a new pan assembly with the filter and gasket built in, eight 1-liter bottles of ATF to the ZF Lifeguard 8 specification, twelve new pan bolts, a fill plug and seal, and a hand transfer pump. Nothing else needs to be sourced to drain, replace and refill.
On these Audi versions of the 8HP there is no separate filter element to unclip. The filter is molded into a composite pan, so the pan is the filter, and the only correct service is to replace the whole assembly. The filter sits on the pump suction, which means every drop that reaches the mechatronic valve body has passed through it first. As the fluid ages it loses its friction properties and carries fine clutch material, and once that material is circulating through the solenoid bores the shift quality goes with it. ZF calls the 8HP a lifetime-fill unit but, in its own fluid documentation, still recommends a change at 150,000 km and sooner under heavy use or an unknown history. A used S4 or a Q7 that tows is exactly that case.
Start with the fluid level, because a low or overfilled 8HP produces many of the same complaints as worn fluid and there is no dipstick to tell you which. Check it at the fill plug with the fluid in the correct temperature window on a scan tool. If the level is correct and the fluid is dark or smells burnt, a pan and fluid service is the right first move. If the pan comes off loaded with coarse metal or chunks, the issue is mechanical and fluid will not cure it. Our 8HP filter and pan service guide shows what normal magnet debris looks like, and the 8HP common problems guide covers the faults that mimic tired fluid.
Listed fitment is the Audi Q7 2017-2024, Q8 2019-2020, A8 Quattro 2019-2020 (built through 4/30/2020), S4 2018-2024, S5 and S5 Sportback 2018-2024, S6 2020, and SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback 2020-2024. Audi used more than one 8HP variant and pan across these platforms, so compare the old pan's shape and part number to this one before draining, or send us your year and VIN and we will check. Earlier 2011-2016 A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 and SQ5 cars use a different arrangement and should look at our earlier Audi 8HP service kit instead. If you only need the pan for a 2016-2017 A4, S4 or Q7, the 0D5398009 pan with filter is sold on its own. Everything else for the eight-speed is in the ZF 8HP collection.
Never fill cold and drive off. Overfilled fluid foams and, per ZF, can vent onto the exhaust when hot.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
ZF itself recommends an 8HP fluid change at 150,000 km and sooner under heavy load, towing, high heat or unknown history. Most shift-quality complaints on high-mileage cars trace back to worn fluid.
A single drain only removes the fluid in the pan. Doing a refill, a short drive and a second drain and fill replaces a much larger share of the old fluid, and eight liters is enough for that plus final level setting.
No. On these Audi 8HP units the filter is molded into the pan, so replacing the pan replaces the filter.
No. This kit is listed for the later cars only. Earlier 2011-2016 Audi 8HP applications are covered by our separate earlier Audi service kit. Send us the VIN if you are not sure.
Yes. The level is only correct when set with fluid at 30-50 C, and the only way to read that temperature on these cars is with a scan tool.
Often, when the cause is fluid that has lost its friction properties. If the shudder returns quickly on fresh fluid, the converter clutch or its control in the valve body needs a closer look.
