VW VAQ DIFF OIL CHANGE - DRIVEWAY DIY - GOLF 7 7.5 GTI PERFORMANCE CLUBSPORT TCR MK3 SEAT LEON CUPRA

VAQ service kit from Deutscheparts here;
www.deutsche-parts.co.uk/vw-a...
In this video I share with you the knowledge, tools and parts required to perform a VAQ front differential oil change.
This component is crucial for the high power output front wheel drive MQB platform cars to be able to put the power down.
The VAQ differential is made by Borg Warner and is basically a Haldex coupling for the front axle, hence why it uses exactly the same fluid.
The factory 30k or 3 years service interval is way too long for the oil to remain in good condition and as a result many will not be working correctly. The oil degrades more quickly on cars that are used harder and deploy the diff more often with track cars needing an oil change every 2000 miles.
This video can be divided into the following sections;
0:00 Teaser
0:02 Into graphics by @haslerdesigns
0:06 Why changing your VAQ front differential is so important
0:49 How a normal differential works
1:35 How a locking/limited slip diff works
1:54 About Deutscheparts, our parts supplier partner
2:30 Tools and parts required
4:20 Why oil temperature is very important
5:46 How to support the channel
6:36 Draining the oil
10:26 Preparation for refilling with oil
11:09 Recommended oil change intervals
11:59 Refitting filler plug
13:29 Filling with oil
17:21 Sign off with graphics by @haslerdesigns

[@TheCarGuru]

Mind blowing that in the U.S. this is not a recomended service item. Im at 71,000 miles on my daily driven 2019 GTI and will be performing this service soon. Great video as always, Andrew!

[@incasejstn]

You are truly a legend Andrew. Working under a car is tough enough as it is never mind filming the intricacies of what you're doing! I wish I had a VW I'd learn so much about DIY auto work !

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much, you are too kind 👍

[@azzaahhYT]

Thank you sir, super helpful. I subscribed!

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Another helpful and interesting video, thank you for posting Andrew

[@Porky190]

Andrew you need to take the VQS pump out also and clean all the sludge out and clean the filter that’s in there…. You don’t want a blocked filter!!

[@volkswizard]

That's for a later video - it's not really a risk at 16k with one oil change done previously and no fault codes. From the perspective of an owner, being able to change the oil using guidance from this video is something they can do easily and should prevent blockages - complicating it with the pump removal is going to beyond the confidence levels of many. But as I said one for future :)

[@Porky190]

No record of it being done on my CS only routine servicing, did it as soon as I got the car with 49,000 miles, plan on doing it with every service as it’s our daily drive it’s not under a lot of stress.

[@HeathRS]

@@Porky190 That's when I did mine, 50K. I haven't decided on what interval I'll do going forward.

[@TheDonshaz]

Did mine at 17k miles. Doesnt appear on routine vw servicing schedule. If you want to be OTT about it on a car thats driven to be enjoyed then i'd recommend every 20k-30k miles.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Neat job although I’d be off to dealer as under bonnet tinkering in tight spaces not my idea of fun - was waiting update on Boxster replacement soon? 👍🎯🏎

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

....as simple as this is, I argue this design is insanely complicated for what it is intended to do. To give perspective, the Civic type R Differential fluid is the same as the Transmission. Meaning when you change the Manual Transmission fluid in the car, the differential is also serviced. No temperature checks needed. Talk about overengineering something with minimal gains compared to other ways of doing the same thing. Lets not even talk about the Golf R differential versus Torque vectoring of Lancer Evo or SHAWD services.

[@richheban7318]

Andrew, thanks for the DIY. Definitely makes us weekend warriors feel that we can tackle these types of tasks. Thanks, Rich

[@ghostinthemachine76]

Also fitted to the Skoda Octavia vRS.

[@MercSLRFan]

Brilliant content lately, Andrew

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much!

[@richfixescars]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a spare wheel and jack from Deutschparts and saved £60, good supplier.

[@volkswizard]

Nice one!

[@RickGTI2019]

Looks like a knuckle buster to me ! Another relaxing video, thanks… RickGTI. 🇺🇸

[@volkswizard]

Thank you Rick. It is a bit tight but luckily I have small hands

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Great video Thank you for showing us this Vdub:)

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for watching JB!

[@mikesmith-yc3os]

Great content as always

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@ivanb3303]

Always a good Vid ...DIY knowledge

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Ivan👍

[@mc4130]

I bet you wish you had three arms! Really great video. I have everything I need - punnet: check; hose: check; funnel: check; twatcam: check…. Just need the ClubSport now… neighbours giving me funny looks…

[@GermanWhip-3900]

Nice way to round off a Friday 😊

[@menoy36]

Are you sure it's the filler plug that is recommended to be replaced? Just looking through diagrams and looks like drain and filler plug is same part number, so room for confusion in the guidance.

[@steve74wilson]

Great video as always! I'm going to remove the pump and clean the filter on my CS as I don't know the history of it getting changed. Maybe overkill but at least I have peace of mind and have an idea of condition of the pump unit. Also I have the same nifty oil delivery device as yourself even down to the faded funnel 🤣, also fits MX5's and Subaru's !

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Steve. It's a good idea to clean the pump and filter, I've done this on the rear Haldex numerous times. Just be extra careful with pump bolts as they can sheer, might be wise to get a pair in and replace them anyway as they are in a very corrosion prone area.

[@jackward-ds1ue]

My 2014 Cupra 280 at 61k had 0 history of VAQ diff service. I got it done at a garage as soon as I noticed 😂

[@volkswizard]

Probably don’t see many Cupras so forget to do it

[@_marcus_does_]

How does it work if you swsp the diff for a wavetrak or a Drexeler?

[@pokest225]

There's no vaq swap. It's an external unit, between the gearbox and the driver's side driveshaft. It's the same as a Haldex unit. If you want to fit a mechanical lsd, you can do it. But you need to do it the classic way. Gearbox out, open the gearbox, and swap the mechanical open diff with the lsd.

[@chrisp4899]

I've used the funnel and hose method to change manual gear oil in the past nice and easy I got a clear pipe 👍my polo gti 2019 has a dsg box I got told the service was on milage not time although I will do it probably at 30k instead of 40k

[@volkswizard]

Clear hose is a great tip, thanks!

[@jakew6862]

Brilliantly informative video as always! Didn't think it would be as easy or did you just make it look that way ? 😂 Would definitely attempt it next time around rather than taking it to a mechanic if I wasn't selling my clubby!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Jake! I guess it is quite easy really :)

[@DrFod]

Nice video. I've heard some people say that you should take the pump off and clean the filter while you're doing the oil change, but from what I've seen they don't get filthy and bunged up with sludge like the Golf R haldex filter.

[@volkswizard]

Definitely at higher mileages. I’m saving that for another video. I’ve seen the pump bolts sheer off on rear Haldex so hope that doesn’t happen with VAQ. Might take them out and grease them before it’s too late

[@volkswizard]

Definitely at higher mileages. I’m saving that for another video. I’ve seen the pump bolts sheer off on rear Haldex so hope that doesn’t happen with VAQ. Might take them out and grease them before it’s too late

[@oliverkoue]

what is mm on the water hose you use for that?

[@volkswizard]

It’s 17-18mm diameter, pretty standard I think

[@jonathanbrault2499]

why didn't you remove the actuator to clean the screen filter?

[@volkswizard]

Bit hard to do on the floor and with a history of haldex changes I didn't think it was necessary just yet but one for the future - have done it on a rear Haldex before when stuff has been dead and it' revived it

[@malchowle5618]

Great video.. Just checked my service history thankfully it's done, brilliant that you point these things out😊

[@volkswizard]

Glad it helped

[@tonyjazz4073]

Hi Andrew. Would you recommend this oil change on the Mk8 performance models coming up to 3 years old? You didn't mention those in the intro. Thanks.

[@volkswizard]

Good point Tony. I know Mk8 GTI 245 & CS have VAQ but don’t want to assume it’s the same method. If is then yes 👍

[@tonyjazz4073]

Many thanks and added to my list for service in Oct 23 👍

[@Wolfpack310]

What doo you thing of the pump screen filter Andrew? Since the vaq dosent have a regular filter. Maybe its a good ide too clean it also on cars that haven't had services done in time.

[@volkswizard]

I think if the VAQ is working and there are no fault codes then you are possibly wasting your time removing pump unless you fancy a challenge. It won't be hard but those bolts that hold the pump on are not very strong and very vulnerable to corrosion so shearing one off and making car (largely) undriveable probably not wise unless you need to do it. I will have a go when I run out of other things to do as it doesn't matter too much if I break it :)

[@Wolfpack310]

@volkswizard I had one guy complain about 4wd not working as he was used to. It was clogged totally. Since then I always clean the haldex pump for all my costumers when changing haldex oil on those whitout filter. I have seen some nasty screens on those newer haldex. We are not a vag specific garage it is all brands. It's only me being a vw nerd I always try too do the job 120%

[@simonehayes4911]

I used a dab of copper grease and installed spring washers on the two pump bolts when I removed ours to clean the filter gauze. Should keep it spot on for future removals if needed 👍

[@Kualeppi]

Hi Andrew, thanks for video. I noticed your car has plastic oilpan, what is your thoughts to change it to metal one? I'm going to change pan to my 2019 PP GTI soon, my car is slightly lowered and winters are long here so ice blocks could damage plastic pan.

[@volkswizard]

I think VW went back to aluminium sump pan with Mk8 - I'm not aware why they chose either so I'm happy leave it as is especially as it's a messy job to swap. Interesting Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 has plastic pan with same plug.

[@davidhaygarth648]

" Twat cam " has me chuckling days later...lol

[@volkswizard]

That's good to know David - it does make me look stupid but can't grumble about how it captures the work though it does have limitations like when you are working blinding for example when undoing the filler plug on back of engine but for a lot of work it's perfect

[@ThePlugsocket]

@volkswizard Would the Haldex oil from mannol be ok to use? It has the G 060 175 A2 part number? And is loads cheaper

[@bm_wuratli6883]

strangely that only part VW oil u shouldnt swap another brand

[@stevedavey82]

Hi Andrew , what u think a bout underbody waxing over the rear subframe and shocks just to stop existing corrosion ?

[@waqashussain2310]

hi , I was wondering if you could help me , my gti dsg 2008 drives normal and changes gears as it should however when it comes to a standstill it stalls , the red battery light flashes on the dash and then I will need to restart again but drives fine and idles fine. Have you ever heard of this issue before or know what it might be ? thank you

[@AircooledAl]

TWATCAAAM😊😂🎉

[@spills_n_thrills]

And found on the vRS 245. So irritating this car gets overlooked constantly

[@volkswizard]

Oops - sorry for overlooking the vRS :)

[@johnguidetti5839]

The least desirable brand in the VAG group.

[@aceace5457]

how about a golf 7.5 estate r 67 plate fmdsh get in touch.