Golf dsg - does it need oil change? Code NKA

richardsheil

Hi,

I just bought a Golf Blue motion with engine code cayc and transmission code nka.

It has 110,000 miles on it and is from 2011.

The handbook says no oil change needed for box, but I like to change oil on things and don't believe in such a thing as lifetime oil.

Looking around there is some info on web about a recall to change the oil on some of these boxes.

So question is, do I need to change it and what spec oil do I need if so?

Thanks

jca

I have the 7 speed DSG in a 09 octavia and it was recalled to replace the oil with a mineral oil seemingly the original oil caused problems with the dreaded internal control unit something to do with small mileage cars and condensation within the DSG box. The earlier 6 speed box required an oil change as part of the service schedule but they were a different setup with the internal clutches running in the oil. The 7 speed are a dry clutch setup with the oil being used for control only. Changing the oil in these is quite complex needing special tools and the vehicle hooked up to vcds while the operation is being done. Because the oil doesn't come into contact with any friction materials I wouldn't bother changing it tbh.

richardsheil

I have now checked and there is no campaign for this so VW won't do if for free.

I think I will go ahead anyway- George- have you any tips?

jca

richardsheil wrote: »

I have now checked and there is no campaign for this so VW won't do if for free.

I think I will go ahead anyway- George- have you any tips?

Oil change in the 7 speed DSG isn't a diy proposition and there's absolutely no advantage to changing the oil. My car was done for free by skoda and my date was changed as the local dealer was waiting for a part to arrive before they could do it. Maybe your car being a 2011 already has the mineral oil in the box or VW Ireland being their usual cheapskate selves don't want your car occupying one of their precious lifts free gratis...

richardsheil

Can't see why this

http://www.scribd.com/doc/109570855/7-Speed-DSG-Oil-Change#scribd

is not a diy proposition. The notion of infinite life for any oil just does not make sense to me.

Empty the oil, fill 1.7 in through breather.

usual VW effort to make something simple appear complicated.

I will use this oil http://www.autoteilemann.de/febi-bilstein-getriebeoel-dsg-gl4-1-liter-21829.html which is mineral oil for dsg box ie a good 75 w gear oil

Will let you know how it goes.

jca

Why? All the oil does is control the operation of the solenoids in a similar fashion to hydraulic oil in a machine. It doesn't come into contact with any friction or load bearing components, it doesn't get trashed in a torque converter like a standard auto transmission or mangled through gear teeth like a manual gearbox oil does. If you had the earlier wet clutch type 6 speed DSG I could understand your concerns but when I had mine changed via the recall there was absolutely no difference the box. It was as smooth as ever.

richardsheil

It's the oil "mangled by the gear teeth" as you put it that I am changing.

The oil for the mechatronic system I will leave alone.

jca

Maybe I'm completely wrong but I thought the oil in the 7 speed only controlled the mechatronic unit. No matter what I say you're hell bent on changing it, why you started this thread in the first place eludes me tbh. Call me lazy but with auto transmissions I use the well worn saying, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"

richardsheil

Not sure why you are so upset by my different perspective.

The gears are in oil. I am going to change this oil. Not sure how you would expect gears to function if they were not in oil.

After posting the question I found the instruction on how to do it. Hence having discovered that it is straightforward I am going to do it.

jca

I'm not upset by your perspective I just feel it's unnecessary. If it was the earlier 6 speed DSG or a Renault Trafic/ Nissan Primastar 6 speed box I'd say definitely change the oil in them. Maybe I'm just getting lazy/ less OCD in my old age.

Tea drinker

Changing the oil on my VW sealed for life 5spd man passat box helped the stff gears a lot.
Adding in slick 50 gearbox treatment REALLY worked. But, as you aren't having any issues as such I wouldn't recommend it.
just an FYI

richardsheil

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vrdv74g6g07n287/IMAG1003.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ki5pxolmw8hyl21/IMAG1004.jpg?dl=0


https://www.dropbox.com/s/a6m082qqp79fh2r/IMAG1005.jpg?dl=0




So, I did this job today with Febi 21829 which is listed as meeting VW spec G052 512.

Easy to drain out of plug at the bottom right by the differential. Filling was managed by using a piece of flexi tubing right into the gearbox vent under the batterry cover. I drained out the oil and refilled with 1.7 litres as specified.

The oil that came out smelled like normal gear oil ( just as well as that is what FEBE 21829 is) and while it was dark looking it certainly was not in bad condition.

While I am glad that I did the job I could understand others not being motivated to do it having seen the pictures of the oil that I attached.

Richard

jca

richardsheil wrote: »

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vrdv74g6g07n287/IMAG1003.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ki5pxolmw8hyl21/IMAG1004.jpg?dl=0


https://www.dropbox.com/s/a6m082qqp79fh2r/IMAG1005.jpg?dl=0




So, I did this job today with Febi 21829 which is listed as meeting VW spec G052 512.

Easy to drain out of plug at the bottom right by the differential. Filling was managed by using a piece of flexi tubing right into the gearbox vent under the batterry cover. I drained out the oil and refilled with 1.7 litres as specified.

The oil that came out smelled like normal gear oil ( just as well as that is what FEBE 21829 is) and while it was dark looking it certainly was not in bad condition.

While I am glad that I did the job I could understand others not being motivated to do it having seen the pictures of the oil that I attached.

Richard

At least you know its done now. Changing gearbox oil is always a bit of an anticlimax it just doesn't give the same satisfaction as changing engine oil.

Polo_Cluvie

Like op I always change the gearbox oil. It's a simple enough job to do well on any car I've had at least. Peace of mind is priceless imo

Tea drinker

jca wrote: »

At least you know its done now. Changing gearbox oil is always a bit of an anticlimax it just doesn't give the same satisfaction as changing engine oil.

Seeming as I don't move the crank with my hands, but I do move the gearbox lever I'll argue the opposite and say changing box oil can be even more satisfying! Hate that angry tomcat pee smell from box oil though.

Polo_Cluvie wrote: »

Like op I always change the gearbox oil. It's a simple enough job to do well on any car I've had at least. Peace of mind is priceless imo

I think all fluids should be changed out. People seem to forget about steering fluid and then wonder why their rack seals or other seal has collapsed or corroded. These days most people will change brake fluid, should see the days of rusty internals gone.