Scout/ 4x4 owner help please - Haldex Oil change - Scout 4x4

[Rob T]

Hi All,

Going to look at a 2.0 PD TDI Scout tonight, though it has a full service (not all Skoda) its unclear if the Haldex oil has ever been changed?

The car is 5 yrs old and has 120k miles...

Please could you let me know your thoughts regarding the Haldex system and issues which could arise if the oil has not been changed as per the service schedule?

• If the Oil in the Haldex unit has never been changed, should I just walk away?
  

• Are there ways to check the system is okay / faulty?
  

• What are the likely implications of no Oil change?
  

I've been told the car has mainly been used on long distances Motorways etc (not sure if this is likely to reduce the need of the Haldex system and possible damage caused as if the Oil has not been changed every 40k ).

Thanks in advance.

Rob.

[Huskoda]

The obvious way to test it would be to park it on grass and drop the clutch with someone looking.

Though you say it was mostly on motorway, firstly they will always say its all motorway miles regardless, plus its always transmitting some power to the rear wheels anyway, so it has definitely been used.

I would personally treat it as I would any other oil/service requirement and that is a looong time to go on old oil/filter.

[Anddenton]

Skoda dealer who carried out the 40k and 60k services on my Scout didn't mention anything about the Haldex oil change until after the 60k service (At which point they pointed out that it was overdue) so I ended up getting it done at the 80k service and the indy mechanic who did it (VAG specialist) said the oil looked as new when removed and the Haldex does not seem to have suffered at all for this. Although I realise 120k is somewhat passed 80k I would check the operation and insist the oil and filter are changed before purchase (See if you can get a look at the old oil and filter as this could tell a story). TBH I think 80k over the recommended would make me a little nervous and should be worth some money off.

[Rob T]

Thanks Huskoda and Anddenton,

Glad to hear yours was okay at 80k....

Will check the operation of the Haldex and take it from there.

Rob

Edited 15 November, 2012 by Rob T

[silver1011]

I too was frustrated that neither of the two Skoda main dealers I use was aware that the Haldex oil should be changed at 40,000 miles.

Luckily thanks to this forum I learnt that it needed doing and had it done early at 35,000 miles / four years when the cambelt was done.

It was about £70.

I don't think missing a change would be a deal breaker for me, our Scout is the wifes car so I don't think much power is ever diverted to the rear wheels

Just make sure its done when after you buy it, I've only ever heard of weeping seals on high mileage Haldex's...

[Rob T]

Well no sign of a change in 120 k miles unfortunately, a real shame.

Going to do some more google searches, don't want to be facing a massive bill if it were to go pop.

Thanks for the posts all....

[Anddenton]

Just make sure its done when after you buy it, I've only ever heard of weeping seals on high mileage Haldex's...

I was informed of a weeping seal on the rear diff/drive shaft joint on mine at 60k service by DMK. I cleaned the oil residue off the drive shaft and it has dried up since (Checked the diff is still full of oil), so I put this down to dealer having a poke in order to generate work

[skomaz]

I think the Haldex is pretty robust to be honest so I wouldn;t be too concerned personally. I did have ours changed this year though at 40,000 miles and 5 years...

[Rob T]

Interesting to hear the lack of Haldex oil change wouldn't put some of you off...

This is staring to changing my initial view, + I cannot seem to find much on the internet regarding 'Lack of Oil change' = Problems.

The only thing in the back of my mind is the vehicle has been used off road (evidence in the arches and under the car) probably just from farm track / roads as the owner is a farmer... this and the 40k service interval which has now been missed by some 80k miles, what (if any) problems are likely to occur?

As I mentioned my searches on the internet aren't coming back with much... relating to damage caused as a result of a missed oil change.

The car drove without fault, and the system seemed to engage fine (no nasty sounds - non sound at all actually).

Rob

[Anddenton]

I think the Haldex is pretty robust to be honest so I wouldn;t be too concerned personally. I did have ours changed this year though at 40,000 miles and 5 years...

Come on you can't leave us hanging like that, for what reason did it need to be changed?

[skomaz]

Come on you can't leave us hanging like that, for what reason did it need to be changed?

It was in for a cambelt, water pump and CV boot with an Indie so I figured it might as well be done while it was on the ramps given it was only a few quid to add to the bill...

[Anddenton]

It was in for a cambelt, water pump and CV boot with an Indie so I figured it might as well be done while it was on the ramps given it was only a few quid to add to the bill...

: Sorry were you referring to the Haldex oil? for some reason I read that as if you had changed the Haldex!

[skomaz]

: Sorry were you referring to the Haldex oil? for some reason I read that as if you had changed the Haldex!

He he - no worries!