Haldex Noise has come back

[Wighty654]

Hi everyone,

A while ago I had an issue with my haldex making a scraping noise in my v6 bora, When I had a proper look at it it was a little low on oil so I gave it a new filter and new oil. The noise stopped after that but it has just re emerged about 6 months later. I cant see any oil leaks so I'm afraid its a deeper issue. Anyone any idea what could be the cause of the issue? Im a poor uni student so im hoping its not to expensive. Just driving it in 2wd for the moment.

Thanks in advance, Josh.

[Golf-Sam]

can you describe the noise ? is it a sqweek ? does it happen all the time ? or when you turn ?

Sam

[Wighty654]

It sounds like a scraping noise, Its at slow speed turning such as parking, small roundabouts etc
I tried solving it by going fast but that wasn't gonna end well

[Umai Naa!!]

Sounds like it is locking up, not allowing any slip between the rear wheels.

Climb under, and see if the earth strap is still intact. It attaches to diff above where the left side driveshaft goes in, and attaches to the floor of the car almost directly above.

Failing that, you might be up for a new Haldex controller.

[Wighty654]

Thanks Umai, Ill have to try and borrow a jack off someone n have a look. If it does turn out to be the haldex controller, are there any decent aftermarket ones or would i have to go with geniune vw?

[Umai Naa!!]

For a standard car, you'd be better off with a genuine VW one. The aftermarket ones are designed for performance applications.

[Golf-Sam]

thats interesting .. my car has been making the same noise (like a pad on a disc sqweek) .. its the same noise as when i apply the breaks lightly .. pretty noticable too .. mine even happens when i slightly turn, even high speed .. i got a whorring noise from the back after someone bumped into my rear left wheel . . (People cant park) and i just assumed i was up for a new wheel bearing .. now im worried ..

the car has 100K Kms on it .. i really hope the previous owner didnt neglect it

having said that .. i have coilovers in and sway bars .. it sounds like a symphony when im driving .. waiting on bushings to cure suspension and move on .. as for now .. i will get my haldex serviced and hope for the best ..

if it sounds familiar or anyone has any input .. it would be greatly appreciated ..

Sam

[Wighty654]

When the noise first popped up i just serviced it (145k) and it stopped which is why i think that its low on oil now. Correct me if I'm wrong but i thought the haldex was basically a hydraulically operated clutch that varies power to the rear? Therefore if its low on oil it will only partially disengage? I'll order some oil and top up when i can, probly after exams now. The noise im getting is more like a grinding scraping than a brake noise so you might be in luck.

.

[Bora Sport]

I suggest you change the oil in the diff. It is separate from the Haldex unit. Mine was making some really scary noises when turning after a reasonable drive. I changed the oil and hey presto all good. That would have been at around 140,00k's. I've got over 250,000k's on it now. I recently did the Haldex and filter so I did the diff oil again too.

[Wighty654]

Thanks for the advice guys, I reckon as soon as I have a free couple of hours to do it (because there isnt a single ten minute job on a mk4) ill change the diff oil and possibly top up the haldex.
I experimented last night by unplugging the haldex fuse and the noise stopped. Does that change anything?

[Wighty654]

Also are there any specific brands/types of oil you recommend for the diff or just genuine?

[Golf-Sam]

i'll be going Genuine to be safe .. but have heard of people using Redline MTL

[Bora Sport]

I rang my mate at cricks VW and he told me that the book says synthetic gear oil. I went to Autobarn and bought some but sorry I can't remember which brand. There were a couple to choose from.

And as I recall it only takes 700mls.

[Wighty654]

yeah i reckon ill go genuine. might cost a few more $$ but worth it for the knowledge that its the right stuff

[Wighty654]

hi again, its been a while and about 20,000 km since a problem but now I'm getting noise back again. I know which haldex oil and filter i need but can anyone specify a brand of diff oil, so far as i have been able to work out, i need 75W90 but I want to make sure I do this properly as ill be selling the car soon