all wheel drive

Why Differential Servicing Matters – Don’t Skip It!

Your vehicle’s differential is essential for transferring power to the wheels, especially when turning or when grip levels change. In VAG vehicles (particularly those equipped with quattro or Haldex all-wheel-drive systems) the differential works hard behind the scenes to ensure balanced traction, stability, and control in all driving conditions. The differential is the gear train that allows the wheels on a drive axle to rotate at different speeds when cornering. This prevents the wheels from scrubbing or skidding.

Over time, the differential oil begins to degrade. It collects debris and loses its ability to lubricate and protect the internal gears properly. When this happens, you may experience symptoms such as; whining noises, clunky gear engagement, vibration during acceleration, or even full mechanical failure if left unaddressed. Replacing or rebuilding a failed differential can be extremely expensive. Often far more than the cost of routine maintenance.

What is recommended?

That’s why we strongly recommend differential servicing every 40,000 miles or as advised by the manufacturer. The service includes draining the old fluid, inspecting for signs of contamination or metal particles, and refilling with high-quality differential oil suited to your drivetrain. For Haldex-equipped vehicles, changing the fluid and replacing the filter is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to pump failure or issues with AWD engagement. Problems that could have been easily avoided.

Whether your vehicle is stock or tuned, keeping your differential properly serviced helps preserve smooth power delivery. As well as enhancing grip, and protecting against premature wear. It’s a small investment that pays off in performance, reliability, and peace of mind.

Book your differential or Haldex service today—your drivetrain will thank you!

Contact us by phone on 01642 613852 or on Facebook ‘here‘.

What  do we need to know about Gen 5 Haldex servicing? It is slightly different to the Gen 1-4 servicing! The Gen 5 Haldex systems do not have a filter which needs to be replaced. Instead they have a gauze filter within the pump which filters out the debris. This debris is created via the mechanics of the Haldex and all wheel drive system.

Issues arrive when a Haldex service is carried out and the gauze filter is not cleaned as well as the pump! The pump needs to be removed and both parts cleaned to get rid of the grit and debris before filling with the clean Haldex oil!

We recommend every 20,000 miles for Gen 5 Haldex servicing. This vehicle on the images had its service carried out at 32,000 miles and the oil was full of metal fillings and the gauze filter was completely full, practically impossible for the Haldex oil to get through to the pump. As a result of the service being carried out 12,000 miles after it should have, the Haldex coupling has deteriorated in its abilty to work as it should. If the Haldex unit fails the vehicle will only work as a 2-wheel drive vehicle. This is a pricey repair and can be avoided if only sticking to regular servicing intervals!

Are there products to help limit the amount of swarf in the Haldex?

There are performance parts you can use to help limit the amount of metal fillings being pulled towards the pump. One of which is a Racingline magnetic Haldex sump plug! This Haldex plug will attract the fillings towards the plug as apposed to the pump filter. You can find out more information on the plug here. We carry these in stock, just ask to upgrade on your next Haldex service!

Gen 5 Haldex servicing starts at £130 inc VAT. To book in you can call us on 01642 613852. Email us at Northeastauttech@gmail.com or send us a message on our contact page ‘here‘.