Bora 4mo ESP kicking in at slow speeds

[Rob Burns]

Update: On the weekend I had my Haldex and rear diff serviced and the problem's still there. Most likely a diff problem..

The Haldex controller could still be at fault. Pull the park brake handle up a couple of clicks. It should stop the Haldex from working and then drive it and see if it's any different.

[type 17]

Just **** the traction control off, haldex is your traction control, i always drive with it off

[kapowww]

Just **** the traction control off, haldex is your traction control, i always drive with it off

I was told somewhere that switching the ESP off doesn't completely turn it off, just makes it less aggressive. I'll have to disable it another way to test. Anyways I brought it back to the dealer and I'm refusing to take it back until it's fixed. I'm not wasting any more time or money..

[qsilverza]

That's true, there is a way on the sensors to disable them, I havent done it though.

I think this is a bit of disinformation, it doesn't disable the haldex, just reduces the torque sent through theres a thread on vortex somewhere about it...

The Haldex controller could still be at fault. Pull the park brake handle up a couple of clicks. It should stop the Haldex from working and then drive it and see if it's any different.

[popeclement]

Been following this with interest - my ten yr old Bora has just started doing this - ie slow speed LH or RH U turn gets the ABS shudder and then maybe ten minutes later the warning light comes on. I have had mine since new and always VW serviced etc. and this is the first real 'unexplained' issue I have had with the car.

[vwsport]

maybe try removing fuse 31 which disables the ABS if that stops it then try cleaning your abs sensors or buy new ones

This is what I read:

they note the passing of cast in the metal of the wheel disc by the changes in the magnetic field. If so, metal scrapings stick to them and distort the reading, they get dirty etc etc or indeed the relative position of the sensor to the ridges changes due to wear or bearing failure.

mine had heaps of caked on grease metal and dirt and the above would also explain why gringo's issue was resolved when he replaced the bearing; seems to be common issue with same era Audi S3 using same haldex

they are also cheap enough to replace the pain is getting them out and the new ones in:
ABS SENSOR REAR VW BORA GOLF 4 OCTAVIA 4 MOTION 4X4 4M (eBay item 160570904567 end time 08-Aug-11 00:15:38 AEST) : Vehicle Parts Accessories

[kapowww]

I've tried removing fuse 31 already and the problem disappeared.

I got the car back (temporarily while the dealers talk to a VW specialist) and tried with the handbrake up a couple of clicks. The problem was still there so I guess it rules out an ESP problem. The dealer serviced the diff again as he didn't trust my first mechanic so changed the filter and oil and the problem actually feels worse.

So this leads me to explain the problem better.. When turning in a tight circle the outside rear wheel seems to go the same speed as the inside rear wheel which leads to it being dragged along and I hear and feel it skidding, then rolling a bit, then skidding. Screwed diff, but I guess the dealer wants to know what part of the diff is screwed.

Audvolks thinks it's a clutch pack problem in the diff.

[vwsport]

I've tried removing fuse 31 already and the problem disappeared.

so if it disapeared after you removed fuse 31 and that fuse is the abs wouldnt that tell you that its the brake locking the rear inside wheel when you are turning and not the diff locking the wheel?

Try unplugging / disconnecting the rear abs sensor on the inside wheel or both rear abs sensors and doing the same test again.

If that fixes it surely it must be the brakes and esp doing it?

[kapowww]

so if it disapeared after you removed fuse 31 and that fuse is the abs wouldnt that tell you that its the brake locking the rear inside wheel when you are turning and not the diff locking the wheel?

Try unplugging / disconnecting the rear abs sensor on the inside wheel or both rear abs sensors and doing the same test again.

If that fixes it surely it must be the brakes and esp doing it?

I thought fuse 31 was for the Haldex? That's what others were telling me.

[Treza360]

Fuse 31 is the definitely the Haldex on the R32.
What size is the Fuse? If it's 20A then it is definitely the Haldex (there should only be one 20A in that section of the fuse area). You should get the lovely little orange triangle with the circle around it on the dash.
If it is indeed your Haldex that is fudged. I'm pretty sure my stock R32 one is still packed up in a box somewhere. PM me if you're interested.
Cheers,
Trent

[popeclement]

I'm beginning to think it is the ABS as well. Had some heavy rain here so I thought I would plant the foot in from a standing start to see if there was any difference to grip - it performed as expected with no ESP warning light coming on. However do the slow turn and I can definitely get the ABS to kick in - jacked it up this evening took off rear LH wheel but got a bit dark to find the ABS sensor. is it next to the caliper housing or underneath. Also noticed that the LH inner coupling on the driveshaft had that 'wet' grease look whereas opposite side was dry. Bit more investigation but I think I will clean the LH ABS sensor and surrounds, try it - if it 'improves' will replace the sensor completely. It is unfortunately a process of elimination.

[grtuned]

This is common on all Bora's,The only time it happens is when your in a tight turn on acceleration. I can reproduce this all the time at a certain spot every time.
What i think happens is that during these tight turns different wheel speed occurs at all wheels the acceleration sensor senses that the car is rotating and as safety precaution the ESP kicks in which causes light to flash and power is cut as it thinks it in a dangerous position. This can be a nuisance and can be dangerous if you pull out to quickly in front of a car. What i always do is if i'm aware that i might need to take off fast is i will switch off the ESP. I've learnt to live with it and don't care to much the issue never occurs when ESP is off. I don't believe that a problem lies in wheel speed senors they either work or don't work and would most likely log faults, If anything i think that what should be checked could possibly be the G251 sensor? Not enough concern to replace to see!!

[popeclement]

Not so - I have had my Bora since new - 10yrs in Oct and it has only just started this problem & it has been regularly serviced with the mandated Haldex oil change etc.

[kapowww]

It's interesting that a few people are experiencing similar symptoms but different causes. Turning off ESP at the console doesn't do anything for me. The way I work around it is just to do a bit of a wider turn and a bit faster, but it doesn't help that the Bora has a crappy turning circle with this problem making it worse.

I agree that it's a process of elimination. Even the VW specialists that have seen my car seem to be stumped.

[grtuned]

I've read your earlier post and if your light comes on after 10 min i think your issue is not the same, you should take your car to vw mechanic and have them check fault when this occurs but don't cycle the ignition as this may reset it. Not so?? i'd like to know why you disaggree add some more info.

Not so - I have had my Bora since new - 10yrs in Oct and it has only just started this problem & it has been regularly serviced with the mandated Haldex oil change etc.