How to Perform a MK7 GTI Performance Pack Differential Service

We show you how to perform a differential service on a MK7 GTI Performance Pack. The PP MK7 GTI has an Electronic Differential which uses a haldex pump to actuate it. Haldex systems require regular servicing. Take a look below for the service parts required.
MK7 PP Diff Service Kit
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How Performance Package Ediffs Work
• How the VW (VAQ) Elect...
OBDeleven Scan Tool used to check diff oil temperature
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[@Iceberg4k1]

Not only have you provided us with answers that dealer service departments could not, but you've also provided us with a DIY video and assembled a kit for us to purchase. No enthusiast community could ask for more than that. Thank you DAP. Sincerely, thank you. We are fortunate to have a resource such as yourselves available to us.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the support very much. Its great to know the hard work does not go unnoticed. Paul

[@alvarodavila8010]

@@Deutscheautoparts Seems like a lift would make this job easier. Lol

[@farrell19075]

Instead of the plastic bag to direct flow and avoid a mess I use aluminum foil. You can mold it around parts so it stays in place and easy to tear to whatever size you need. I've had multiple cars with horribly placed oil filters that I've had to use this method.

[@ALE5six1]

Steven Farrell great info! Was trying to think of something else to use that would be better. You nailed it

[@georgel3657]

Pro tip

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

Good idea indeed.

[@99SVTBolt]

I suggest to loosen the fill plug first before opening the drain plug. Only in case for some strange reason you can't open the fill plug later.

[@DiscGolfinSOB]

99SVTBolt What I've always done as well

[@hwy88forever38]

One of those jobs I thought looked easy but could turn into a nightmare. Fortunately it was as straight forward as the video described. I used foil and cracked the fill plug loose first based on comments. Only thing I didn’t have was a long enough extension for my torque wrench on the fill plug. Quick trip to town and that was resolved though. Paul and the DAP team, your kit and instructions are spot on here. Thanks so much!

[@Avram42]

I'm glad I'm in Florida--pretty sure I can be certain a garaged car is above the minimum temperature for the vast majority of the year. 😄

[@ryans88gt]

Just recently serviced mine, thanks DAP for the video and the fluid. I did go ahead and pull the pump to look at the screen. At 50k miles and 4 years, there was nearly nothing on the screen, but pulling the pump did drain about 150mLs more fluid. It's just two bolts and some gentle wiggling. Filling is kind of a mess, worth getting the kit from DAP with the hose to fill from the top. I went the squeezy bottle with rubber hose route and ended up wearing a decent amount of fluid. :)

[@Osprey1994]

Ok so the pump is there it's just not super visible from other angles or diagrams from the rear.

[@jamielumsdon1681]

Any details in which two bolts?

[@GTI_CHHA]

Great video Paul, it's the only how-to video on servicing the VAQ. Much appreciated. Another check could be to measure the volume that was drained out, then you have a rough idea how much of the new bottle would go back in.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

This job turned from what was supposed to be easy into a nightmare. My 19 gli had it done by a shop before, and they over torqued the drain plug. Because of that, the 8mm alan just wouldn’t work. It kept stripping inside the alan slot. Me and my buddy couldn’t believe it. Now because of that, I may have to use some certain bolt remover kit just to get an aluminum or plastic drain plug that was overtorqued out.

[@scotchegg6422]

Notice you mention Haldex during this service. Not sure if this applies to the PP diff, but on the Golf R, the gauze filter on the Haldex pump is getting severely blocked causing premature pump failure. Over here in the UK, independent VW garages are beginning to remove the Haldex pump and clean the gauze filter as part of the Haldex 4motion service (VW will not do this, they only replace the fluid). As I say, not sure if the pump on the diff is the same.

[@Osprey1994]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpq4e3-EasSfm5I The filter that you see on the R isn't visible in the diagram but it would be good to find an expanded diagram somewhere else.

[@Osprey1994]

Apparently it is there but from what people are saying the diff doesn't see as much use and is pretty clean around 50k.

[@neilwalker8686]

A rule i always follow, remove the fill plug first and then the drain plug. You never know what is going to happen.

[@shaggynscooby2981]

Thank you for your videos and kits to do these services. Today because of your videos I did diff fluid, trans fluid, oil change, and serpentine belt. Your kits and videos make it easy. Thank you. You saved me say $500 and gave me a big smile for doing myself.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Thanks for the support. We appreciate it very much.

[@danielwatson2068]

Thanks for posting up this video very useful. But all that messing about with the bottle when filling is unnecessary, a cheap fluid pump (such as slippery Pete which you can buy on Amazon) which attaches directly to the bottle allows you the ability to pump from the bottom and you can keep direct eyes on the fill plug. You don't get any vaccum suction on the bottle either. Huge time saver.

[@SnowUltra]

Which size slippery Pete, is it the wide mouth?

[@danielwatson2068]

@@SnowUltra depends on the bottle your choosen fluid comes in but for me using liquimoly yes it was the widemouth

[@tonysain1195]

These videos are a god send to us DIYers. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these. Let me just offer, instead of the plastic bag as a funnel for the oil, a sheet of aluminum foil works great and can be formed to stay in position. I always have a roll in the garage for this type of work. Thanks again!

[@kentowers2802]

How much fluid should this take? I did mine today and managed to catch most of the fluid that drained out and it was only around 400ml, which I measured and replaced with new fluid Thanks

[@CokeMk7]

this type of stuff is why i like to spend my money with DAP

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Thank you so much for the kind words and support

[@CokeMk7]

@@Deutscheautoparts anytime, next is trans service and some 7.5 lights with the sequential adapter!

[@warchieft2k]

I notice that there is also a pump on the front diff, should i pull out the pump and clean it as you would on the rear diff of a golf r?

[@HostileMAV]

I did this service and it was worth it. I had a slight whining noise cruising on the highway. I thought it was normal for this car to make that high pitch gear noise. Changed the diff fluid and the noise is gone.

[@ericthestone]

Please make a video for the mk8 on the VAQ oil change

[@connorhird3390]

How do you perform a haldex pump reset of these VAQ diffs? I have a 2015 mk3 leon cupra with obdeleven and I dont know how to do it

[@qahtanrashid3280]

Very nice video, it's perfectly covering all steps. Just two questions I have. Is it the same procedure for the GTI Clubsport? And how many liters it will take and what kind of oil to be used? Many thanks

[@alexmaciel2136]

Is this the same for the MK7 GLI? I keep hearing mixed things if its serviceable or not

[@jthj]

On my '18 MY Service schedule it now lists the PP diff fluid change every 3 years independent of miles.

[@ericmichel3857]

So that is for the haldex/E unit, that is no the diff gear oil correct? I never see anyone changing the diff gear oil or recommended interval. VW might treat it and life time oil but....

[@stratonarrow]

This video was SO helpful! And the kit was equally helpful! Thanks Paul

[@Smoovindecat]

Should we actually remove the pump and clean the gauze (if there is one) like on the rear haldex? I ask because over here in the uk “awesome gti store” sell a kit with a few extra bolts and rubber rings??? And of course two drain plugs. 🤔

[@W0LV1E45]

Do I have to do this on MK8 GTI as well or the DSG and differential for MK8 is different from 7, 7.5?

[@OtisFlint]

Thank God. Now I can stop reading dumb threads about people trying to figure out if they should change a $30 bottle of fluid.

[@fastcoppercat]

Just wanted to say thanks for this video. It was perfect, and your kit was perfect. Saved some money, and it was pretty easy with this video. Good stuff.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Thanks for the purchase and feedback. We appreciate them very much.

[@tg91593]

You're my hero, ordering my kit now.

[@kenj.8897]

Good camera work . You do fine videos Paul

[@trompelemonde4728]

Thank you good sir, I was able to do this with the help of this video.

[@JoshuaMillerDev]

I am looking for information on the filter service as well. Or am I wrong and this has no filter?

[@GTI_CHHA]

No filter

[@paulw5822]

Straight forward video, the old fluid looked fairly clean. I understood there is a guaze filter in the pump that collects the debris from the wear in the diff pack plates. Would it not make sense to clear that out as part of the service?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

We will talk about on askdap 115

[@robhopper5729]

Your diff kit link doesn't work anymore. Where do I get the adapter and filler hose?

[@dogsandvdubs]

Can you share the age/mileage of the car in the video? Looks aren't everything, but that fluid looked pristine coming out.

[@TristinSweeney]

Sean Crampton 2016 model, 44k Miles.

[@segundoangulo1021]

Could you guys do a guide on how to do the DSG service at 40k mi

[@NatePrikkel]

Segundo angulo already done. They do it in a mk6, but it's nearly identical to the mk7.

[@hackneo64]

It's not done properly and missed some critical steps like getting the temp up to have the fluid expand and the overflow drip out as well as the dsg adaptation also.

[@98vwgolf]

that's not needed.

[@Gabriel-km2xi]

Does the VAQ pump requires a cleaning job like haldex needs?

[@tinty010]

for anyone wanting to refill the dif easier without lowering the vehicle, buy yourself a oil transfer syringe

[@mtsixspeed]

Sounds like this diff fluid is separate from the manual transmission fluid. I have a 2017 GTI Sport (with PP).

[@bryanjenkins5190]

Thank you for the video paul!

[@stuart_wood]

Hi Paul, great video and thank you. Question, as with the 7R rear diff gauze known to clog up, is there a reason why you did not do it on this particular service?

[@Osprey1994]

Try rewording this, and don't expect a response on a 3yr old video.

[@Osprey1994]

There is no official serviceable filter as there were on previous haldex generations, however there is a gauze filter on the haldex pump which is known to become blocked. It sounds like it was hard enough finding the info on this service, and finding out about the gauze is something they might not have known 3 years ago. On top of that they try to limit videos to things that they believe can be accomplished by the viewer and I am not so sure about the gauze as getting to it seems to be a pain.

[@Osprey1994]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpq4e3-EasSfm5I Take a look at the diagram and you will notice that there doesn't seem to be anything that looks like the filter on the MK7 R.

[@Osprey1994]

Another commenter who posted before you did said there's was clean around 50k.

[@L_G_Brandon]

Man you have to open a service center in Miami I don’t think I can trust my dealer with this

[@Drefer4]

Did you reset any VAQ settings via the OBDEleven after changing the fluid?

[@connorhird3390]

how is this possible for FWD cars, i cant find option on obdeleven

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Yo your link for the service kit doesn't work anymore...

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Been waiting for this!!!

[@huwjones5879]

I would have cracked the fill plug first, just to make sure I could get some oil back in, before I cracked the drain.

[@StealthGTI]

Nicely done! How much of that bottle did the diff accept?

[@jaretboyles4107]

Not halfway thru the bottle, mine started overflowing. Soooo, I have some for the next time(?).

[@nathanielsottung]

Can you provide a better photo or description on how to find the fill plug within the engine bay? Finding it a little bit difficult to orient myself to fill it. Thanks!

[@ThunderGoatz]

4 years 80,000 miles LFG

[@WolfpackS2k]

Is there a heat shield covering the top of the differential fill plug? Because when I look down behind the engine, and to the left (passenger side) of the factory exhaust, I don't see anything but a heat shield.

[@thelegendarybigpum5699]

Nice video and service kit.

[@enzomanic]

please do a diy coolant flush on a mrk 7 gti.

[@bm_wuratli6883]

question: i have standard whitout DCC should i service haldex?*

[@snuffdk]

what about the filter on the diff pump it should also be changed too,

[@shaggynscooby2981]

I track my car regularly autocross almost weekly and drag when I can. 2015 65K The fluid was clear I doubt the filter needs to be done. wish I would have waited till 100k to be honest

[@GTI_CHHA]

There is no filter...

[@Sosan0mics]

Is the process the same for non pp?

[@neilr4293]

Is it normal for the axle flange to slide in and out about an 1/8 of an inch, or is mine busted? Please Help Me

[@leemilica]

I thought this was a Seth's Bike Hacks video by the letter font in the thumbnail 🤣

[@renaudstem2417]

Hello everyone I would like to know the volume of oil to put? because during my emptying 400 ml did not come in anymore THANKS

[@cody100ification]

I have the gravity fill tube/adaptor for the dsg fluid. Now I'm trying to do my diff fluid as well but it won't screw onto the cap of the diff fluid. Is the fill tube different?

[@hackneo64]

Can you do a mk7 dsg fluid change? I seen your other video but it was missing some critical steps.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

We are going to look at this in the future yes.

[@Smoovindecat]

Could I use a laser guided digital thermometer in the casing? While reading correct on obd11....If so what would it read? 🤔 please ...thanks for such great content !

[@LastHumansGarage]

wait.. you talk about how the fluid needs to be a certin temp before starting. but then you fill with cold fluid which is not at temp. maybe you'll have the warm up, drain excess step later in the video, havent finished it yet..

[@suspeccct]

Any chance of making a guide on how to do a DSG adaptation?

[@MegaHollywood1971]

@Paul Would there be a time that someone would need to remove the Diff Pump to clean the filter housing? Similar to the Haldex on the Golf Rs?

[@jorgestock6942]

Cuanta cantidad de aceite lleva? 1 litro? o menos?

[@patrick40777]

Does this DIY go for the 2018/2019+ diff as well?

[@martinhaluska9976]

Can someone post here drain/fill plug sealing dimensions, please?

[@eppyz]

Is this the same for the MK7.5 Diff? My understanding is the MK7.5 does not use a Haldex system rather uses a BOSCH system. Or did I get some bad info??

[@truckinbobb]

Any chance you could do something similar for the AWD system on the Golf R? Really finding these videos helpful.

[@peteshea8010]

What size text bit socket is required for this?

[@manuelparra6934]

If the dif is Electronical how come you have to do a Dif service?

[@ezztt]

I have a Leon Cupra with a diferencial that is called “XDS (electronic block)” I would like you to tell me if it is the same diff as yours. Thanks!!!

[@oisinkemp7374]

Eduardo Zorrilla XDS is an electronic “diff”. It’s not mechanical and therefore does not need servicing. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@yutub561]

I have almost 60k on my 2016 and have never changed it. Is that bad

[@peterbennpan7288]

Anyone care to help me please. I have a 2015 seat leon cupra 280 dsg! I scanned my car yesturday for fault codes with a carista obd2 devise. There was a fault code 11671 differential lock cylinder 9 contribution / balance fault. I reset the code, drove my car and the same fault came back on. I think the diff on my seat is the same or similar as on the gti pp. a month before xmas i had the fluid changed by seat. Could this have anything to do with the fault appearing? What will happen if i continue to drive my car until i can get it looked at? Someone please help. Thankyou.

[@stoffels88]

Am I the only one having an issue threading the fill plug back in? No matter what extensions etc I try I can't quite get it to thread. I've drained the old fluid and put in the new. This is my last step. I have the stock downpipe.

[@danielwatson2068]

I found I could actually reach it by hand with a bit of a stretch, at least good enough to get it seated before moving back and torqing down with long extensions.

[@milestoempty5023]

Forgive my ignorance. Have a 2017 GTI (US) SE w/ DSG. Im just getting ready to do the DSG service since we just hit 40k. Do I need to do this in addition to that? Should I do it at the same time? How do I even know if my car has this?

[@carlosloyola4585]

Same question for me! Please advise.

[@ReviewedByAndy]

I wonder if the dealers even know how to do this lol. I can’t believe this isn’t in the service booklet!

[@ArcadianGenesis]

My dealer didn't know about it, and they had to order the kit because it's such a rare service for them to do. But ultimately they got it done. They probably had to look it up on youtube, maybe this video 😅

[@cunat10]

Hi, i don't have an obdeleven tool. Is it still possible to do this without checking the exact temperature? If so, how? Thanks.

[@Ken-ru8et]

I’d drive the vehicle around the local road for 10 minutes then it’s warm and within range as I recently checked via VCDS.. Works ok

[@junglisticsound78]

Great video. Thanks. Where can I find a notchless hood like that one?

[@TristinSweeney]

junglisticsound78 had the hood custom made with a oem hood at a local body shop

[@junglisticsound78]

Tristin Sweeney thank you for getting back with me. The ride looks great !!!

[@TristinSweeney]

I appreciate it man! Thanks!

[@vadimcherkasov7108]

what's a part number of fill/draine plug? tnx

[@GTI_CHHA]

WHT007168 It's about 7 euro, you will need 2... Torques spec: 14Nm. You are welcome.

[@changrex1313]

Is that the same LSD with the sport trim in the US? I have the 2017 GTI Sport package not sure if thats the same ELSD

[@jimbrown5605]

Chang Rex yes

[@Osprey1994]

It was optional for the first couple years then they made it standard with the refresh.

[@Jimz12]

gti pp isn't all wheel drive so it doesn't have haldex?.

[@pokest225]

Jimmy A the front lsd in the pp is a haldex unit.

[@clemey6343]

Is this all the same for the seat cupra?

[@7891siwel]

Yes

[@brianchen3964]

does the kit come with that fill hose?

[@Osprey1994]

You would know if you listened.

[@Rodri666gameR]

How many Litres can u put into diferential?

[@GTI_CHHA]

About 400ml (no liters dude...)

[@zxkhaled1]

Is this service for mk7 gti 2.0t or only performance pack ??

[@gknn54]

Yes only golf 7 gti performance

[@Chickennss]

Instead of a bag, try heavy duty foil.

[@jaydottdee]

Is that a Eurojet logo? lol

[@slowslugmk7761]

This would be much easier with a fluid pump lol

[@themadnessgti9079]

Performance package 7.5 ? This looks likeold mk7

[@tedbonbrake1967]

Uh... the undercarriage of that car is WAY too clean. Does anyone drive this vehicle?!?

[@TristinSweeney]

Ted Bonbrake 22k miles in the last 9 months!!

[@johnsvoboda9601]

Nothing about having to keep the car level? HELLO??? How many Vdub DIYers own lifts you think? Like 0.0003%. You will get way too little fluid installed if you just jack up the front end of the vehicle, like a typical home mechanic would. Folks could trash their VAQs using this video..