How the VW (VAQ) Electronic Limited Slip Differential Works (MK7 PP)

[@varialflippin]

Thanks for explaining how the VW electronic lsd works. Would be cool if you made a video showing the differences between aftermarket LSD like wavetrac vs the performance pack diff

[@tedjohnson64]

You've made a lot of great videos, but this is one of the best ever! I really liked the over/understeer explanations and how the ediff changes things, the Nurburing annotated exit speed differences, and the explanation of the German VAQ acronym.

[@richardlasner7653]

Great video, Paul. Like a few others on this thread, I think it would be very helpful to make a video showing how to change the VAQ oil. There seems to no instruction readily available and dealers I've talked to about this procedure tell me they have never done it. Thanks.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Should see if the humble mechanic will do one

[@KTMcaptain]

My helical diff just uses input torque through the helical cut gears to great axial loads that generate friction and a proportional locking effect to the amount of torque transferred through the wheel. No computer necessary, always works, and locks up dynamically based off conditions. Also plays real nice with traction control. ie, a little brake application to the spinning wheel transfers a lot of torque to the opposite wheel.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

I can guarantee you this thing is night and day to a standard LSD. The cornering this guy talks about is literally mind boggling.

[@KTMcaptain]

@@MeltingRubberZ28 except the two fastest FWD vehicles around the Nurburgring, the Megane RS Trophy R and Civic Type R, both use helical differentials. . Helical diffs are reliable, proportional, non-reactive, and work amazingly well. VW's solution isn't better except in really low traction conditions when input torque is low and right off the line, but it has to react/predict any lockup needed, and if it's too aggressive can resist steering. . If the best cars don't use it, then there are good reasons for it. Especially when they're expensive performance variants with low production numbers.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@KTMcaptain just because those cars don't use it....doesn't mean they wouldn't improve if they had it. Not following your logic.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@KTMcaptain definitely a thought provoking discussion. Doesn't the type R use the brakes for torque vectoring anyway? I've heard of people complaining of how fast their brake pads wear out from heavy cornering. Also, it seems to me like the general consensus is that an e-diff yields better performance. On all the track models of the Camaro the e-diff is an upgrade (including the ZL1 1LE). The reliability is questionable. I can see how it could be thought of as less reliable, more parts, electronics, however it really is just a clutch type LSD that has a piston controlling how the power is broken up.

[@KTMcaptain]

​@@MeltingRubberZ28 The logic is that those two manufacturers set out to make the best handling fwd cars on the market and succeeded. The differential is a very important aspect of the cars handling. It's not a situation where they performed in spite of the equipment. It was chosen. Ultimately, you claimed it to be a night and day difference, but there is no actual performance difference. . Clutch type differentials wear out hence the reliability complaint. Not only that, they lose performance throughout that lifespan as the fibers wear down and the steels glaze over. The Corvette does use an e-diff, but it's rear wheel drive. When the diff is locking up it restricts turn-in minimally. Front differentials have a greater wheel speed differentiation meaning any lockup would have a greater effect on turn-in. . My old 06 WRX STi had 3 differentials. Front was helical, rear was a clutch unit, and the center was a electromagnetically driven clutch with helical gears. Helical diff in the front provides great torque distribution without restricting turn-in, the rear diff has less wheel speed difference and used a static clutch, and the center diff was used helical gears to amplify the electromagnet driven clutch pack to vary torque distribution. Subaru swapped the rear differentials for a helical unit the year or two later. My current car, 19 Civic Si, has a helical unit and it's unbelievable how well it puts down power pulling 1g in slower 40mph corners where even my 13 WRX would spin the inside front. . The great thing about helical diffs is the lockup is proportional to wheel torque... wheels take torque to spin, the more torque you apply the more likely it is to spin... So the lockup effect is only there when you need it and is instantaneous. . Now, there are clutch type differentials which have a proportional lockup effect as well. 1 way, 1.5 way, and 2 way diffs use a ramping mechanism and input torque to drive the clutches. A 1 way will only drive the clutches under acceleration and not braking, a 1.5 way will drive the clutch half as hard under braking, and a 2 way will drive the clutches both ways. These aren't well suited for road cars due to fast wear and maintenance, but are great for race cars. . I don't see what torque vectoring has to do with the differential? It's used to get better turn-in. Outside of Honda's SH-AWD rear diff, no diff can vector torque intentionally to the desired wheel. Hence the use of brakes. The VAQ diff can only lock the wheels together making the wheel with the most traction the one that gets the most torque, but under that the inside wheel wants to spin slower and can't so will resist turn-in. Honda's SH-AWD rear diff doesn't use a differential. It's a fully locked axle with clutch packs to create differentiated wheel speed. It would just partially unlock the inside wheel to send more torque to the outer wheel, and it also uses a planetary gearset to increase the rear axles speed.

[@colinmott8438]

Well that bit about oversteer probably explains why I feel like a missile coming out of turns. Also, question: if the VAQ's hydraulics rely on strict temperature readings, should I be concerned about the device's responsiveness in extreme cold (it was 0°F yesterday)?

[@njav21]

Awesome vid Paul. Just traded in my '16 S for a '17 SE, and wanted more info on the LSd (eLSD). Thanks!

[@BarberBigmarv]

Can u add an lsd to a standard gti... If so does and one know hat I would need to add... And roughly how expensive it would be??

[@JacobFrey]

Paul, could you bring the OBDeleven into this discussion and inform us about the app used to adjust the performance of the differential lock? I have been eyeing up that setting and wondering what to do. I could be wrong, but I think there is an adjustable setting for the VAQ.

[@MrS22222]

Jacob Frey you can adjust them if you have it, I've seen the setting in VCDS for normal and aggressive. Give it a try but keep an eye on the wear on your front tires, test it by doing a low speed donut and compare what you feel between the two settings. The reason you might want a more aggressive slip setting is for gravel and dirt roads, on the street it could cause premature wear problems or 'axle windup' but only testing it will prove the theory.

[@hllboi817]

Jacob Frey zi 2nd this original one, problem is it doesnt say what the standard setting is so u dont know if its getting more aggressive or less, and what that means

[@JacobFrey]

YES! I wanted to come back to this video and ask about that as well - I can't tell whether we have any idea what setting our cars would have from the factory.

[@GaryLJY]

Can you shot a video on changing VAQ Performance Pack Diff Fluid in the future?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

this is something we will likely look at

[@joeh3484]

I agree that would be nice

[@SW0000A]

Me too. Would love to know how to do it properly.

[@nickolastiguan]

Haldex and VAQ fluid 😁

[@Yiannis-T]

Nice video! Let me ask you if you know what kind of differential the new Audi A1 35 tfsi is being equiped .Does it have electronic deferential and is it the right one for sport driving?

[@remicaron5110]

Why is the VAQ only positioned on one side ?

[@JuanOrtiz-hw1hn]

Can i add a vaq to a non pp mk7

[@jons6125]

Haldex diff lock in the camper vans? Can you have diff lock in other haldex units? Or swap units?

[@timbassett8072]

Is this the same as the mk7.5 pp as well?

[@neilr4293]

hey guys. I have a 2015 gti performance pack. I had the lsd for the passenger side out cause i changed the engine out. so i did replace the oil in the lsd, but when I reinstalled it I noticed movement where the flange to the axle connects to the lsd. It's only about a 1/8 of an inch of movement in and out. Is this normal? did I screw something up?. I can't find much info about it. Also thanks for the videos you make they are very helpful.

[@hllboi817]

Does VAQ work alongside XDS or instead of XDS? A lot of the time when it rains and i try to move from a stop at a light, i get the traction slip light on my car. As that happens it jolts making a sound like a bang noise like its going over a speed bump, (the brakes lock) then returns to driving normally after it regains traction.... It only happens when its wet conditions, i was wondering if thats normal, something i can turn off, etc

[@bam22056]

i would also like to know

[@samoth122]

I think its the front tires slipping on the thick painted white line at a stop light.

[@gregburkhardt1195]

Sounds like wheel hop maybe?

[@byfedericojimenez]

It’s wheel hop, common with crappy tires (upgrade yours to pilot spot 4 all seasons or summer tire). If this is with the 2.0T engine, the engine produces peak torque super fast, which causes crappy tires to break traction in the wet extremely fast

[@nicholasmumford5616]

Does the ELSD activate if you have traction control turned completely off (through OBD11)?

[@hunterjager9538]

Quick Question to you or anyone who has one. Are they supposed to make a bit of a whining noise in low speeds?

[@corski]

How does the VAQ compare to the wavetrac limited slip?

[@TheLipito86]

They hate each other... childhood problems.. VaQ got all the attention. 😁

[@WhiteKnightDrifter]

how can i check if i have a VAQ /E LSD ? via vcds or im driving a 2013 model mk7 gti

[@blainet3160]

So no one talks about what the standard location diff does or I should say, how it behaves. What style of diff do we have in the standard location? Same part number as the regular GTI's? I know what the VAQ does and you explain it well but the power TO it is where everything I've seen falls down. Thank you.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Sorry I dont understand the question. Can you rephrase

[@blainet3160]

Hello. Ok. The VAQ is an add on to the transmission. In my case, a DSG box. So in the video above, at 2:42 there's an image of the final drive. Looks like a drive cup on the left, standard differential in that section of the transmission and then in copper color (in this picture), the VAQ. In that final drive section before the VAQ is that a standard differential? Is it locked so the VAQ always has power? Thats what I am asking. Sorry I am not clearer. A secondary question is if we have the VAQ on our car and need to replace the transmission, is it the same as the non-VAQ cars? Mostly the same? Thank you and Thank you for a quick reply!

[@blainet3160]

Never mind! I re-watched and caught that you are saying its an open diff.

[@michalwilkowski2313]

Hi, do you have data showing what pump supply frequence is locking front differential in % and how the unlocking works? Thanks in advance.

[@EjazJutt-io4po]

🎉😂❤

[@brickson98m]

I’d assume their 3 year service interval is based on 10,000mi a year. That means I’m overdue by 6,000ish miles, oof. I better go get that done because if I’ve learned anything about German cars, it’s that they don’t handle neglect well. Now I wish I would’ve gotten it done when I had my oil change and DSG fluid change done. I guess if it’s not that hard to do, I’ll just do it myself instead of being lazy like I was for the oil and DSG services. But that’ll have to wait until it’s warmer out.

[@Wraedeohed]

Love how Volkswagen is finally getting to what Honda reliably accomplished 20+ years ago with ATTS... ATTS eventually evolved into SH-AWD

[@lollol-xp4mc]

Atts was not actually reliable when driven hard they commonly fail

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

@@lollol-xp4mc good news! Neither are VWs.

[@Gabriel-km2xi]

@@BrodeyDoverosx 4 years here and no issues.

[@mike-bm5bt]

I have a question that I've been trying to find answers to on a Volkswagen Jetta. Is it possible to put a rs3/ttrs 2.5t tfsi engine into a Mk5 Jetta/bora?

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

mike 2345 Money lots of money Your answer is yes your other answer is but a RS car since it’s stupid to do such a thing in a less car

[@Treizez34]

what is the system that is used by the GLI?

[@ketoi12345678]

Can you make a video about Gen 5 Helix, and possibly a tune for it like the Gen 4?

[@maxwellheinrich]

Hey Paul--is it feasible to upgrade to a LSD with a non-performance package MK7 GTI? I'm currently leasing my car and once that 3 years is up I'm debating whether to buy out the car and put an LSD in...I want to tune it but i'm not going to bother unless I have an LSD--thoughts?

[@JoJoJoker]

Wavetrac can be installed, look up the article on DriveTribe comparing the two.

[@modernbride]

Do you know why my 2015 golf r doesn't drive straight and on freeway it kind of moves wavy on a straight flat asphalt? Also it hits tiny bumps so hard

[@SaraK_69]

Hi Honey, it sounds like you need an alignment and possibly new tires.

[@JoJoJoker]

Is lane assist on?

[@666.RS.3]

Very clear explaination. Thanks!

[@stuart_wood]

Thanks for the video. Will you sell the VW sign in the top left of your video?

[@daniellenckus]

Does anyone know if the 2016 (Mk7) Golf TSI (not a GTI) has VAQ? Having a hard time finding the info...

[@TuddecBMW]

It doesn’t. Only the GTI models with the Performance Pack have it.

[@1iar]

And the GTI Sport. @@TuddecBMW

[@MrSuzbndt]

One quart or two ?

[@leonardogastmann6416]

My dealership changed the oil for this system at 35000km.... on DAP website you recommend it but VW doesn’t?

[@hunterjager9538]

Does yours make a little whining noise at low speeds?

[@kaushikambadipudi8278]

Does the audi a4 b9 have this?

[@kaushikambadipudi8278]

Fwd b9 a4*

[@TheAsfv]

Does VAQ come on some haldex systems or is it strictly for the mk7 performance pack?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

not on Haldex cars at this time. Only GTI

[@Caymanec]

you are wrong! Seat Cupra 300 4drive also has VAQ.

[@GTI_CHHA]

Read up first before saying something stupid. The VAQ is just a Haldex system, located at the front-axle. The Cupra 4-drive you are refering to has the Haldex to control the rear wheels, no VAQ at the front axle. The hatchback Cupra (FWD) does have the VAQ though, as it has the same drive train as the GTI.

[@Caymanec]

GTI_CHHA I was talking about vaq on the front axle, lol

[@StgVirus1]

Which one is better? The Ediff or the mechanical diff?

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

Mechanical.

[@josephespino4381]

Does this make the car accelerate faster in a straight line?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Yes

[@Friariah]

My VW dealership acted like this wasn't a thing, I have a 2017 GTI se, from what I've seen it means I have it. How do I convince them I need it serviced, short of showing them this video?

[@slowslugmk7761]

Does VW service the vaq at the 30k interval if I purchased a service contract? 😁

[@Deutscheautoparts]

likely depends on service contract. You should check your details on your specific one.

[@janh9030]

Nice video. Is the VAQ a real Torque Vectoring differential like Lexus RCF?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

will talk about on AskDAP 116

[@JoshuaMillerDev]

I will mow your lawn once a week for a month if you can tell me where to find definitive information on how to drop a manual transmission (for clutch replacement) on a 2017 MK7 GTI with PP. They key here is that it has a limited slip diff. I am in a huge bind. Want me to buy product? I will buy product. Please help.

[@myo7777]

So it's like fake torque vectoring?

[@JoJoJoker]

It's real torque vectoring.

[@IamBluesandBluesamI]

Will the dealer have this on their mk7 maintenance schedule? The one on VWVortex doesn't show this, so wondering if dealer techs have one that includes it and if they would know about it if I pointed it out to them before the service... www.golfmk7.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12774&d=1481570802

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Will talk about on AskDAP 106

[@IamBluesandBluesamI]

Deutsche Auto Parts thanks!

[@EdgyNumber1]

Complexity and reliability don't go hand in hand. Wouldn't a helical ATB diff be a nice easy fit? They certainly last longer.. lifetime warranty on some of them.

[@flavaflav1080]

Can you install one of these in a non Performance Pack Mk7 GTI affordably?

[@Haydenbacon306]

Just get a wavetrak or peloquin LSD

[@pppupu936]

Daniel Ross what he said. This is when mechanical is better than electrical.

[@fredygump5578]

Any idea why the diff doesn’t engage in reverse? I got the performance pack with the idea of better handling in winter conditions. It makes a big difference going forwards, but it doesn’t function at all in reverse.

[@JoJoJoker]

It's not as popular to drive aggressively in reverse. Are you Australian by chance?

[@nikolasgunadi765]

Can this fit a bmw F40 1 serie

[@jhbonarius]

Seems like a lot of weight in comparison to a 'traditional' LSD...

[@pinecone76]

Paul: in case you have not already, please review the comments made by sn0man on VWVORTEX: forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7508242-Performance-Pack-VAQ-differential-oil-change-maintenance&p=109161977&viewfull=1#post109161977. Apparently, at least one dealer claims VAQ is not a serviceable part.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Coming on AskDAP 113

[@SDMTB14]

I dont get why manufacturers put these complex systems on their vehicles. Install a proper oldschool LSD and be done with it, they work better at providing traction anyway.

[@KTMcaptain]

Uh no. An old school static clutch pack differential has to balance its locking effect with proper differential action. These diffs can provide perfect diff action and lock up much stronger. The elsd on the wk grand Cherokee provide traction levels equivalent to a locker. I’d rather have a torsen though.

[@JoJoJoker]

Whatever, grandpa.

[@faded_mbs593]

First