DSG Oil Leak

[Tartanmartin]

I've just had my 2009 2.0TSI in for an interval service at my local VW (Arnold Shark) and they highlighted that there is a very small 'sweat' of oil that appears to be coming from somewhere near the top of the gearbox. Due to the fact that it's such a tiny amount of oil and they can't quite locate it, they have steam cleaned it and asked me to go back in 4-6 weeks for another check and in the meantime not be overly concerned.

I had the DSG service done at 40k miles in March (by the same dealer) and there were no issues at that point. They claim that this leak is nothing to do with the service that's been carried out but I don't know? What are likely causes for small leaks, seals? Does anyone have any similar experience?

Also, there are absolutely no issues with the way that the gearbox operates .

[Tartanmartin]

Could it be a case of overfilling when the service was done?

[Cuprabob]

The filter is on the top of the gearbox so it could simply have been a small spillage when it was changed.

[Tartanmartin]

Ah okay. I'm not particularly familiar with the layout of the gearbox.

When's it's in to get checked again I'll ask them to show me. The fact that they didn't recommend any urgent work had to be reassuring I suppose.

[Cuprabob]

To be fair, AC would be the first to try and get money out of you if they saw an opportunity. Never heard of leaks on DSG boxes, so I.doubt it's anything to worry about.

[Tartanmartin]

I know, I'm aware of the problems with AC but unfortunately they have all three of the VW dealers in Glasgow. TBF I'm probably at the stage now that I'll just start going to an independent VW specialist.

[Cuprabob]

Advantage in Stirling have a good rep.

I'm from Ayrshire and use Ingram in Ayr and they are excellent.

I've used AC on Crow Road and the one in Paisley, before it relocated to Linwood and it was a nightmare.

[PAJ]

I have the same problem with mine. The dealer noticed a leak during the MOT but said it was minor and they would investigate further at the next service. However a few weeks ago I noticed drips on the path so booked it in. They changed the gasket on the mechatronics cover and charged me £160 (oil leaks are not covered by the extended warranty). A week later it was leaking again. They took it back in and the service manager said it was now leaking from somewhere else but they could not pinpoint where. I expressed surprise that it had two leaks so they let me look at the underneath while it was on a ramp and you could clearly see it was leaking from the same place. He called his chief mechanic over and he agreed with me so they are now ordering another seal and a new cover as they think the cover may be faulty. I am waiting to hear from them.
Peter.

[Tartanmartin]

That's interesting to know! Is the mechatronics cover and seal near the top of the unit?

Keep me posted on what happens though, gives me something to discuss with them when I go in for my checkup in 6 weeks.

[PAJ]

The mechatronics cover is at the front, mounted vertically and from what I could see looked to be a steel pressing about 10" x 6". The mechanic told me it had 3 bolts at the top but only two at the bottom. I presume they think mine must be distorted or something but why that should happen after 5 years is a mystery. I could see oil gathering at the bottom of the cover and then covering the bottom of the unit through being blown back when driving. I did ask if it could be a leak from the filter or filler from when they did the DSG service at 40K but they said they had checked that area and it was dry - I think the filter must be at the top as I could not see it.
Peter

[Tartanmartin]

Update - car was in today for BCS exhaust fitting plus rear discs and pads, and the techs at VW had a second look at the car. When I turned up I saw five of them under the car with a torch. The diagnosis...... a washer?!

They didn't have it in stock and have said that they will fix it FOC as a good will gesture. If this fixes it, which they have assured me it will, then fair play to the guys at Arnold's (Rutherglen)!

How did you get on Peter?

[PAJ]

Follow up on my leak - The mechatronics cover and seal were changed on Wednesday free of charge. They kept the car overnight and put some miles on it and no leaks on Thursday so fingers crossed.

Peter.

[ChrisL]

Dealer reporting slight leak on my gearbox, warranty issue @ 20 K miles/18 months and expected 2 days off the road, more if parts not in stock. Part number 03L 103171A plus 6 bolts which maybe for an oil seal rather than gasket ? Anyhow I'm getting a second dealer opinion before engaging the work but ultimately little choice here and so I get to drive a courtesy car around a while.

[PAJ]

Mine has been back in this week as the oil leak returned, so the new cover and seal did not fix it. They have ended up taking the gearbox out, splitting it and resealing the joint. I don't know how well it will work because they told me VW had told them the box cannot be split but the mechanic said it could as he had done it before on his VW training. It's a main dealer so have my fingers crossed. Anyway it cost me £400 in labour which they said was a reduced amount as themselves and VW would stand most of the cost. The thing that really annoys me is that I have the VW extended warranty but oil leaks are not covered. Time to think about a car change perhaps.

[ChrisL]

So mine has now had its gearbox out and oil seal on rotating shaft changed under warranty.