[dragline1570]

I am dealing repairing this exact issue on my 2012 as we speak.
Replacing the Torque converter and gearbox with a low mileage 2nd hand unit out of a Q7.
I believe the lockup clutch in the converter has worn out due to the same reason as you forcing it to stay in 8th when towing.
No issue when not towing only when hooking up my 2800kg caravan. I also have a bluefin ECU tune but have had that for ages so not the cause. Doing timing chain and rear main seal, transmission seal while gearbox out.
Cheers
Drag

 

[dragline1570]

Any way transmission is out. Bit of a task ! And I am not as young as I once was.
Think it may have been easier to remove the engine and tranny as 1 unit? Then split them.
Well those thinking (me too) the rear main seal was leaking will see that the oil 🛢 in my case and probably a lot of others is actually coming from the rear timing chain cover not the seal.

Regards
Drag

 

[dragline1570]

Photos below

 

[dragline1570]

Photos

 

[dragline1570]

Just for my own education, having gone that far, would you look at replacing the rear seal now anyway, or leave it alone?

Doing timing chains and guides so was going to anyway.

cheers
Drag

 

[dragline1570]

Having almost finished replacing torque converter and gearbox was wondering what the thinking from VW was for the bolts attaching the transfer case to the gearbox being and aluminum bolt.

Maybe someone smarter than me (won't be hard!) could provide some plausible reason.

regards
Drag

 

[dragline1570]

Labour wise i do all my own work so hard to put a price on that but i think a dealer would be reasonable to quote 50-60 hrs labor. (It is a big job and i am getting old and it's been hot here)

Scope

• remove transfer case and transmission and refit 2nd hand replacement trans and torque converter with new trans seal + service trans (need alt, starter, driveshafts, hoses etc removed)
• Replace timing chain, guides, tensioners, rear main seal. (Have to remove turbo, injectors, fuel rails, valve covers, rear timing covers and RHS exh manifold)

I also recut all the injector seats as they looked a bit sad. Rear timing cover is a **** design to seal no wonder they leak. (I did some machining of the upper covers to help line up of sealing faces. hope it helps)

Cost for parts in $ AUD
timing chain kit $550
rear main seal $35.
Transmission seal $30
Bolts and gaskets $750
Trans service kit $60
Trans oil $400
Engine service $140
Transmission and converter $1,000
Coolant $75

so around $3k for parts

only went genuine when I had too.

regards
Drag

 

[dragline1570]

Well after replacement of torque converter and transmission and just completed a 600km trip with our caravan 🚐 no incendents of lockup clutch faults that absolutely would have happened before replacement. So I believe I can call my issue solved.
Don't know in the end if the issue was torque converter or transmission or both (my money is on converter clutch) but wasn't going to risk just converter replacement as there was too much work to get at it.
Regards
Drag