Possible Haldex Broken/Failing. What to do?

[JedR32]

Hey everyone, I hop this is in the right section?
I have a MK4 R32. I have a terrible inkling that my haldex 4motion 4wd system isn't working :face palm:
I would love for someone to enlighten me on what possible things could be going on as I am a mechanical noon etc.
Symptoms include
- Wheel Spin in wet conditions (with traction control on)
- When I launched (clutch dump at about 4300rpm) on gravel I didn't go very far and my friend watching didn't think my back wheels were rotating at all under their own power (it was very dark so not sure how much he could see)
- Haven't really pushed the car at all (haven't even turned traction control off on public roads) but it doesn't seem ready to oversteer ever
- when I was at a mates property and went to have some fun in the grass paddock there was a lot of understeer, which I being a male decided was more "grip and go" but it wouldn't really oversteer. Although again didn't push it ridiculously hard at all

Sorry about the vague and noob overview etc. but I was wondering if some of you wise men could impart your wisdom on me.

Would changing the haldex oil/filter help? And how much would it cost?
What else could be the issue? Could it just be the haldex brain?

Cheers,
Jed

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Best thing to do as with most problems on theses cars is to go get its scanned for fault codes. Should defiantly be something in there about it all. The fact that its not even engaging at all sounds like Either the controllers gone ($1000 go grab an orange one whilst your at it) or something to do with the abs thus for safety and all that not engaging the haldex. A scan should hopefully show what it is. However changing the filter and oil wont hurt and it shouldn't be two much maybe $100 (im about to do it myself and that's how much the parts should be + labour, Still just a estimate)

[h100vw]

Best thing to do as with most problems on theses cars is to go get its scanned for fault codes. Should defiantly be something in there about it all. The fact that its not even engaging at all sounds like Either the controllers gone ($1000 go grab an orange one whilst your at it) or something to do with the abs thus for safety and all that not engaging the haldex. A scan should hopefully show what it is. However changing the filter and oil wont hurt and it shouldn't be two much maybe $100 (im about to do it myself and that's how much the parts should be + labour, Still just a estimate)

I have a VCDS cable happy to scan your car for you. I have a filter and oil kit if you want one desperately, I can part with it. My filter tool is in Sydney but I can get that back easy enough.

Pm me if you want me to have a look.

Gavin

[JedR32]

Thanks guys.
I'm going out with dad tomorrow to find some dirt to launch on again, in daylight this time though. Hopefully he can spot if they get any power at all.
If not I'll probably be calling Lawrence at German Autos to do an oil and filter change or check codes etc.
Or depending on how tomorrows launches go I might take you up on the scanning offer Gavin.
Will know more after tomorrow.

I was reading somewhere that it could possibly be my pre-charge pump? Are they ridiculously expensive?
And yeh, if it's the controller I'd be replacing it with the HPA competition controller.

I think there is also a chance I'm just being paranoid as I used to drive a Subaru Liberty 3.0R Spec. B so I'm used to 50% to the rear all the time haha. So i could just not be used to this electronic haldex 4wd style system or something

Thanks heaps for the help guys,
Jed

[h100vw]

Haldex AWD spin slow motion. - YouTube

No worries.

Haldex oil and filter need regular changes. check ECStuning etc for prices on the parts. You are welcome to have my spares and replace them.

I am at the airport Saturday and Sunday morning, can meet you down here after 10am.

Gavin

Thanks guys.
I'm going out with dad tomorrow to find some dirt to launch on again, in daylight this time though. Hopefully he can spot if they get any power at all.
If not I'll probably be calling Lawrence at German Autos to do an oil and filter change or check codes etc.
Or depending on how tomorrows launches go I might take you up on the scanning offer Gavin.
Will know more after tomorrow.

I was reading somewhere that it could possibly be my pre-charge pump? Are they ridiculously expensive?
And yeh, if it's the controller I'd be replacing it with the HPA competition controller.

I think there is also a chance I'm just being paranoid as I used to drive a Subaru Liberty 3.0R Spec. B so I'm used to 50% to the rear all the time haha. So i could just not be used to this electronic haldex 4wd style system or something

Thanks heaps for the help guys,
Jed

[JedR32]

Thanks man. Well I'll keep you updated on how things go. And what my plans are

[balkanac]

Best thing to do as with most problems on theses cars is to go get its scanned for fault codes. Should defiantly be something in there about it all. The fact that its not even engaging at all sounds like Either the controllers gone ($1000 go grab an orange one whilst your at it) or something to do with the abs thus for safety and all that not engaging the haldex. A scan should hopefully show what it is. However changing the filter and oil wont hurt and it shouldn't be two much maybe $100 (im about to do it myself and that's how much the parts should be + labour, Still just a estimate)

sorry to go off topic guys but i have a question: BDS do you have the filter wrench?

---------- Post added at 09:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------

Do you get any lights on the dash? There is a fuse that you can pull out to turn off the rear wheels but i get the traction control and ABS light on on the dash. From the symptoms i think you just need to get used to the car, they understeer really bad. I dont think you have a problem with haldex

To test the haldex, turn off the traction, 1st gear, revs at 5-6k and drop the clutch. you should get a 4w spin, maybe get someone to stand outside and watch the rear wheels. The car will launch off the line and you'll have to shift to 2nd pretty quick.
If the rears dont engage you will know, the fronts will go crazy spinning and the car wont get anywhere.
dont be scared to do this, i have done this many many times and i havent even worn out the clutch. These cars are pretty bulletproof.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

sorry to go off topic guys but i have a question: BDS do you have the filter wrench?[COLOR="Silver"]

Will do in a week or so if you're looking to borrow it.


I think the main part of the no over steer is that at stock the haldex system only does like 10-20% of power to the rear so that maybe why its not doing it. All though that said my rears tend to spin on the gravel. If anything if you have the cable and a laptop you should be able to read a sensor that will tell you if its engaging or not. P.s the under steer problem can be rectified with sway bars.

[JedR32]

All the way at 5000-6000rpm?
On tarmac? Because I'll be doing a dirt/gravel/grass one tomorrow with dad watching the rears.

I have looked at my service logbook. And not a single service has ticked that they have replaced the haldex filter. Some have ticked no for it but plenty have just left it unpicked :S
If theoretically it had not ever been change what would the implications be? (car is now at about 150,000)

Thanks again fellas,
Jed

[Matty VWR 32L]

JedR32,

i had a very similar issue so i changed oil and filter and even replaced controller but neither worked for me.
it ended up being the haldex pump about $900, but like the others said i would suggest you get a scan.

Matt