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Transmission ‘groaning’ noise - towing

1020 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Hughsie
2016 7P V6 3.0 diesel 180kw 8sp, 73,000km
I know this is a recurring theme, but thought I’d post our experience.

After towing a 3.2T van for around 25,000km on a few trips our drivetrain developed a resonant groaning sound at about 1400rpm especially when loaded, that was very disturbing.

Our VW specialist mechanic on tour (North Rocky Mechanical, Rockhampton, Aus) recommended changing the drivetrain fluids - gearbox, front and rear diffs.
He said that the idea of a sealed gearbox lasting a lifetime is ridiculous, especially when towing.
He said the gearbox oil in particular was showing clear signs of ‘work’ and recommended changing it every 20,000km when heavy towing.

We’ve done around 1900km since, most of it towing. I’m pleased to say that the noise has disappeared which is obviously very pleasing.

Cheers, Brett
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Changing the ATF at 20,000 kms is a tad extreme!
However the principle that it's changed regularly is a good one - of all the (European spec) cars I've owned, the transmission fluids needed changing about twice as often if regularly towing than if not towing - BUT - our Australian and North American contributors are typically towing much heavier trailers than we do in Europe.

In the past, it was easy to check ATF condition by examining the fluid on the dipstick - but "progress" has removed that facility.
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