Hi, I've had my MK3.5 Octavia VRS for 5 months now and in the good weather traction was never really an issue, but in the past week or 2 with the weather declining, getting pulled out of junctions is becoming a but of a problem, I'm getting a lot of 1 tire action and it's not fun with no grip and hoping I'll get pulled out in time

 

So my question is this, if I was to find a 245 randomly in a breakers yard or an aftermarket LSD at a good price can they be swapped in reality easily or it there major work in it? It's a DSG also I've had a search but can't find an answer

 

Thanks

Appropriate tyres for the season is a good start.

 

4 minutes ago, roottoot said:

Appropriate tyres for the season is a good start.

 

I've a set of Kuhmo's on (no experience with these before), look like they where put on just before I bought the car, they look like all weather tyres and i suspect I'll have this issue when there is a lot of rain any time of the year

Even with the VAQ diff, my 245 can easily spin up it's tyres in cold, damp conditions

 

Being aware of grip levels and applying less throttle will help, as will ensuring your tyres are decent quality and suited for the conditions.

 

If you want to know more about have the VAQ compares to a LSD, this might help: https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-the-vw-golf-gti-performance-pack-pp-“front-differential-lock”-vaq-works.351185/

 

As to retrofitting a VAQ, from that link:

Is it easy to retro-fit the FDL unit?
No! You have to take apart your gearbox case to remove your existing open diff, remove the diff cage & fit the one with the “tube” which the FDL unit locks onto. Then you need to remove the seal on that side of the gearbox case & replace with the one to accept the FDL unit hollow shaft. Then fit the FDL unit & the respective shorter driveshaft on this side. Then you have to wire the unit (5 wires) to the car loom & carry out VCDS coding etc. Considering you are adding more weight & complexity to the car & yet still retain a basic "open" diff in the gearbox case, there is no point. You would be better off spending less time removing the existing "open" diff & fitting a proper LSD like a Quaife or Wavetrac.

Thanks that is great info to read up on, looks like a no on the VAQ diff, honestly I am quite easy on the throttle, it feels like I go as far as 25-30% throttle and the traction control is flashing and the tyres are spinning pulling out of junctions on a wet day

 

 

What Kuhmo are they that are fitted?   

It might make no difference if there were better tyres fitted but it might well along with appropriate pressure and pressure on the accelerator pedal.

 

Are they all weather or all season? All weather are generally summer tyres. I wouldn't expect any summer tyres to perform well enough in the recent cold+wet we've had. Then if they are not great to start with..... Not heard much mention of khumo on here which suggests they are either not that good or not suited to the mqb platform. It's not a cheap direction but your best bet is to find out more about the model (khumo is just the brand and doesn't offer much info) and see if you can replace all 4 with something more suitable. This time of year the cross climates are usually the most recommended but that depends on your location and average weather. Is NI similar to the northwest of mainland UK for weather? If so the CC should do you well.

Usually the lost in translation is the other way. Especially with German / Czech / Spanish to British English.  They have All Seasons for Summer Tyres.   All weathers are not summer tyres.  American English or Canadian being another confusion.     Michelin being French but owning BF Goodrich can confuse stuff rather easily.    How a tread looks does not help much when you want grip in the damp.  

As has been quoted from the above MK7 Golf post...Basically open up the existing gearbox/diff casing...remove existing "open" diff...drop in a Wavetrac or Quaife LSD, reassemble gearbox/diff casing.

 

Plenty of people doing this on Mk7 Golf GTI (with or without VAQ) & even the "R" (& some doing both open diffs on the AWD Haldex system).

 

Just had a wavetrac LSD fitted to my Mk3.5 Tsi when having clutch done, wasn't cheap but is brill.

Fitted a Quaife to my wife’s ST for the same issue. Absolutely night and day difference in the wet. 
Had Kuhmo’s on my last motor and they were deadly in the wet. Fitted Michelins and it was like a different car.