Hi guys, I have taken my 68 Octavia VRS 245 to skoda to book it in for a service (3rd service) and they've told me I need to get the front differential oil changed for £110.

 

Is this needed or is it just a money maker from skoda?

 

Thanks in advance :)

The VAQ does need servicing occasionally so it probably needs doing depending on your mileage.

 

Make sure they remove the pump and clean the strainer/filter too

I'm currently at 24,000 miles but by the time I take it in it will be 25000.

 

I'll add it to the service tommorow when they are open and ask them about the filter cleaning.

 

Thanks for getting back to me 

I think it's recommended at 3 years/30k or earlier if you have an aggressive driving style. At least based on a Golf with the performance pack (includes a VAQ).

So its not the differential oil but the oil in the front Haldex coupling?

 

I didn't know that they existed until I googled VAQ.

 

Does the proper differential share the same bathwater as the gearbox?

Yeah I'd assume it's only the haldex side that gets serviced.

 

The actual diff probably shares the gearbox oil as it would in a non VAQ equipt car 👍

(Posting deleted)

Edited 12 June, 20214 yr by varaderoguy

Lets clear up the rear first.

It was 4 years / 40,000 miles then 3 years / 30,000 miles and VW have never said 20,000 miles for the Haldex.   (Volvo are clear on what they recommend.)

 

But this thread is about the front.   Not all with Haldex have VAQ, but those that do need servicing.

 

So the VAQ.   Do not let the Internet or Service desk staff confuse.  Talk to a VW Master Tech.

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/468889-vaq-diff-service

 

 

http://briskoda.net/450692-vaq-servicing-requirements-oil-change

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/450692-vaq-servicing-requirement-oil-change

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/458105-vrs-230-electro-mechanical-diff

 

 

 

Edited 12 June, 20214 yr by e-Roottoot

@e-Roottoot
i know that VAG never said 20k for HALDEX, but if you want your four wheel drive system to operate correctly, then it has to be done at this mileage. I have two HALDEX5 cars. Both needed their HALDEX oil and filters cleaning at 20k as they were super-dirty. Leaving it any longer leads to premature pump failure....but we are going off post as the OP said front diff, not rear diff or rear HALDEX. 

@varaderoguy

Say that then, there are plenty warning on having Haldex serviced, but it can be a location location location thing, how and where cars are used.

 

London and the Scottish Borders can make a Difference as can London or Serbia.  So no point letting people think the Manufacturers recommendations is 20,000 miles.  (It was with Volvo.)

 

Then no point mixing the Front Diff / Rear Diif / Haldex & VAQ.  that is 4 different items that require servicing at periods of time / miles (km)

 

 

Edited 12 June, 20214 yr by e-Roottoot

1 hour ago, varaderoguy said:

Folks. Remember the OP asked about the FRONT diff, not the rear diff. Let's not the two confused. The rear diff and HALDEX (if you have a 4x4 VRS) needs doing at 20k miles (and filter). Rear diff oil needs looking at between 60-80k miles. Surprised about Front Diff oil unless it is because of the trick diff (limited and variable slipage) to handle the extra power.

 

The OP asked about the VAQ electrically adjustable LSD (aka the trick diff).

 

It uses the same haldex style clutch system to adjust how locked the front diff is as you'd traditionally find on VAG 4x4 models to do front/rear power transfer. Therefore it's subject to similar servicing requirements 👍

 

I'm not sure if it's got separate fluid for the diff and haldex clutch pack but I'd assume it would. I think when it comes to servicing the VAQ the terms get used interchangeably (rightly or wrongly)...

 

I need to have my VAQ serviced soon so it's something I'll be looking in to in more detail.

Had a quick google over a morning coffee.

 

Yes, I'd say the front diff and VAQ haldex oil are separate. When the dealer says the diff oil need replacing, they actually mean the VAQ haldex

 

Few images for those not familiar with the VAQ.

Nice to see the SSP still names it "Haldex coupling pump for 4WD V181" even though there is no 4x4 involved

 

Anyway - the important notes are:

- if you have a VAQ fitted, it will need the haldex fluid replacing periodically

- It's around 3 years/30k miles but if you drive hard, do it earlier

- Much like a rear haldex, the haldex pump should be removed and the strainer/mesh cleaned

 

The last point is the important one as I expect many dealers won't do this as standard given what I've read of people rear haldex experiences

Hiya guys thanks for all the comments they've been very helpful.

 

I rung up my service centre and they told me the only thing they do as part of the Differential service is change the oil, they do not touch the haldex pump or the filter behind it.

 

Would you recommend I take my car somewhere more suited to doing this type of work?

 

Thanks 

 

Kyle

I dont have a recommendation other than to steer clear of the Scottish Borders

 

Good luck with finding someone competent, it looks like you have perfected what questions to ask & how to rule out those garages who don't understand.

1 hour ago, J.R. said:

I dont have a recommendation other than to steer clear of the Scottish Borders

Oohh....touche. The Scottish Borders is just fine although the roads are terrible in this part of the world.

 

Your local VAG specialist can help you @KyleHa

Make you find one that knows about how to properly service the front diff.

An important thing is that the Engineers / Engineering Designers have Screens / Filters because there is a need to Screen or Filter stuff.  

That really means that Screens or Filters require cleaning or replacing.

 

At a Skoda / VW Group Approved Repairer just ask when getting the work done to the 'Manufacturers Recommendations' if they are Cleaning or Replacing Screens or Filters and if not is that keeping the Manufacturers Warranty Valid?

They can even put on the Invoice / receipt if they have not actually cleaned or replaced the Screen or Filter.  After all their work should be guaranteed for 2 years parts and labour.

 

It is required to be done for Manufacturers Warranties and Extended Warranties. OEM parts and Fluids, work done in Accordance with the  Manufacturers Recommendations.

 

If £110 at a VW Group / Skoda Approved Workshop is not getting the job done properly then that is really not 'Simply Clever'.

Sadly it is the case that Skoda Main Dealerships are doing half arses jobs regularly for customers who want proper servicing and maintenance on keepers.

(Not just some Lease vehicle they are handing back and then some person buys as a Used car with FMDSH,  a FMDSH with a history of half arsed servicing work.)

 

 

Edited 12 June, 20214 yr by e-Roottoot

Hiya guys, thought I'd just update you for those interested in getting there Haldex serviced.

 

Although it wasn't too clogged up I imagine if you followed Skoda servicing and just got the oil changed you might end up with problems eventually.

 

2018 VRS 245 DSG at 24,000 Miles. I don't drive fast nor do I hoon it everywhere I go, but I do like to give it some every now and then.

Never launched the car ever and I don't think I ever will.

 

Hope this helps someone decide whether they want just the oil or the filter cleaned out as well 

 

Edited 8 July, 20214 yr by KyleHa

Interesting that. I've seen many more photos in similar condition and quite a few on the net far worse as well, even at 30k miles, some sugest lowing the interval, given the state of yours I too would want to clean it up.

 

In contrast to that picture, I have done the haldex coupling used on the 4wd coupling and there is no front haldex diff coupling only the braking system on the front of my 4motion car.  The same or a very similar pump is used and fluid is identical. On my "new to me" used car, Dec 2015 registered, with 56k miles (I don't think it has been driven lightly), the strainer was spotless.

 

The oil was not perfectly clean and the change was probably in order. I really doubt it had ever had the haldex fluid done before either.

 

I'm very confident the pump and strainer had never been cleaned before because the bolts and wiring appeared to have never been moved or touched and it is tricky getting it removed from the housing.

 

An observation and conclusion I make is that the front diff haldex coupling is under higher duty and more susceptible to containments cloging than the same system used in 4wd coupling. My car is a Golf Mk7 but MQB platform so mechanicals still relevant.

 

Photo below from my car recently. nb. The discolouration on the screen is not clogging, if you zoom in it is just the oil colour and the shading due to the picture and light source.

 

 

Edited 8 July, 20214 yr by TheClient

I've a 2018 245 and had mine also changed, it's definitely a separate oil to the clutch etc and expensive at £50 for 1/2 litre.

At 42k and three years old my filter and oil were clear and good but I would definitely get it done.

FYI my garage hadn't heard or seen this sort of locking diff but soon figured it out after a bit of research, plus the 500ml bottle will give you two changes and if you do it yourself, be carful of the wiring as its a tight fit.

Edited 8 July, 20214 yr by VRSerious

My car is 3 years old and only done 1500 miles. Currently waiting on a delayed new car but likely I’ll swop in next few months. Can I wait to have this done or is it essential I do it now?

I meant 15000 miles!

I have mine booked at the dealers on Wed they said they would check and clean filter that is standard they also send a video after showing work has been done. Costing £100.

Thanks but do I have to do it at such low mileage?

15 minutes ago, ima said:

Thanks but do I have to do it at such low mileage?

A cording to Skoda customer services when I contacted them it should be done every 3 years regardless of mileage.

Okay. Was hoping to avoid as waiting on a delayed new car.