Haldex service 2018 VW Atlas

[TiGeo]

Same as my Sportwagen...sort of....

Used bags of mulch to get ~6" more clearance to do this, leveling cars with jacks/stands is such a PITA for this service, the vehicle needs to be level. Need a VW scan tool to make sure the temp of the unit is in range to set the level. I use a pump (looks like a giant syringe) to fill it. Takes just shy of the full bottle.

The issue I ran into was removing the pump to clean the screen out (I use brake cleaner). The wire was so taut that I needed to remove the Haldex control unit to be able to unplug it. Needed a long T27 bit but didn't have it so just skipped that step. I have the 2 o-rings and bolts so will just do it again in a year or so and catch the pump then - already picked up the tool. Fluid was clean - I think this service is overkill. VW recommends first at 3 years then every 2 after on same interval as brake fluid.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Funny, I did mine on Saturday in my RS3, Audi says to do it every three years regardless of mileage. I was at 24k and honestly (like you) feel it was a waste of time. Fluid still golden and no debris on the pump inlet screen at all. Unless there is some additive that breaks down over time it seems I could have gone twice as long easily. Probably do the bevel box (transfer case) and rear diff along with this service in another three years.

I didn't check the temp (I do have VCDS) mainly out of laziness, I just put in the same amount I took out, +50-60 ml. When I initially opened the fill plug no oil at all came out, I was under the impression it should be a slow drip like a normal diff.

 

[TiGeo]

Funny, I did mine on Saturday in my RS3, Audi says to do it every three years regardless of mileage. I was at 24k and honestly (like you) feel it was a waste of time. Fluid still golden and no debris on the pump inlet screen at all. Unless there is some additive that breaks down over time it seems I could have gone twice as long easily. Probably do the bevel box (transfer case) and rear diff along with this service in another three years.

I didn't check the temp (I do have VCDS) mainly out of laziness, I just put in the same amount I took out, +50-60 ml. When I initially opened the fill plug no oil at all came out, I was under the impression it should be a slow drip like a normal diff.

My Sportwagen's screen was clear/clean. No idea on the Atlas so again, I'll just do it again at some point. I've seen pictures of some folks having lots of crap in their screens! No idea what this is/where it's coming from...suppose clutch material? I need to also do the bevel box/r. diff in my Sportwagen. This is from the Atlas FB group...wow!

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

If the system is activated more often you should have more debris/clutch wear. So guys that are always driving in the sportiest mode, driving hard and/or actually in snow a lot they will probably have a lot more wear. I drive my car hard from time to time for sure, but not all the time.

When you initially took out the fill plug did any oil come out? I think mine was slightly underfilled.

 

[wwillson]

What is the Haldex?

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

What is the Haldex?

It's basically a series of wet clutches, like in an automatic transmission

 

[KCJeep]

Stuff is so complicated anymore it's a wonder any of it works at all, much less runs reliably long term.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Stuff is so complicated anymore it's a wonder any of it works at all, much less runs reliably long term.

This system has been around for 20+ years and is pretty dead nuts reliable. It is far less complex than any typical automatic transmission built in that same time frame.

 

[TiGeo]

If the system is activated more often you should have more debris/clutch wear. So guys that are always driving in the sportiest mode, driving hard and/or actually in snow a lot they will probably have a lot more wear. I drive my car hard from time to time for sure, but not all the time.

When you initially took out the fill plug did any oil come out? I think mine was slightly underfilled.

I beat on mine...hahahahah. Screen was clear as can be. I didn't fully remove the fill plug first, just drain then fill so not sure if I would have had some flow or not.

 

[TiGeo]

Stuff is so complicated anymore it's a wonder any of it works at all, much less runs reliably long term.

Hardly complicated - a pump that pumps fluid into a clutch engaging the r. axles. A nice system b/c you get the benefits of fwd (mpgs) but power out back when you are need it/are on the gas.

 

[RooflessVW]

Adam, did you do the bevel gear in the front as well?

 

[TiGeo]

Adam, did you do the bevel gear in the front as well?

No - I will do it next go around. This thing gets such light duty and low miles that I'm not overly worried about it.

 

[RooflessVW]

No - I will do it next go around. This thing gets such light duty and low miles that I'm not overly worried about it.

Just wondering if you plan on using G-052-145-S2 or an off-the-shelf 75W-90.