recondition transmission or new transmission?

[spiff]

Hi all,

I want your views as I'm not particularly learned in this matter.

A whirring sound started appearing in the front of my Jetta prior to Christmas and I took it in for a service. I'd originally thought it might be wheel bearings but I was told that it was the transmission. There were metal filings in the oil and as it was service-time, the oil was replaced.

I bought the VW new car extended warranty with Allianz as I had heard the horror stories about the 7-speed DSG transmission and it expires in April 2015. So the service centre (not a dealer but is a specialised VW service shop) rang and spoke with Allianz. I'd originally thought they would put a new transmission in, but I was then informed by the service centre that Allianz wants to recondition the transmission instead. Nothing has been done yet since it's the holidays.

What I'd like to know is whether a reconditioned transmission is expected to perform and last just as well/long? Are there any pros/cons I need to be aware of with reconditioned transmissions, with a particular focus on anything related to why the 7-speed dsg's had all the reported problems? I do want to keep the car for as long as possible, so should I be trying to argue for a new transmission or would a reconditioned transmission prevent future problems? Should I be emailing VW or is this a matter between Allianz and I?

thanks for any advice,
spiff

[Umai Naa!!]

They will remove the transmission, send it off to a gearbox specialist, who'll replace the worn and failed parts, as well as anything that was damaged as a result of the failure in your existing transmission, and make it like new again.

Although, I am surprised that Allianz has not stipulated that the car be diagnosed and repaired by a VW dealership as part of the warranty.

[spiff]

"make it like new" is what I'm concerned. If it's the "like new" that caused all the previously reported problems with 7 speed dsg, then wouldn't it be better to get the new transmissions that presumably solved those problems? However, if it's "like new" to a condition that resolves whatever those reported problems were, then I would be ok.

I spoke to Allianz. Those 3-year new car extended warranty can be carried out by VW specialists even if they're not VW dealerships. I've always had my car serviced with the same place, although for the sake of a new VW transmission, I would not mind going to a VW dealership.

[Umai Naa!!]

Ah, right. Did not see that it was a DSG.

You'd be looking at a replacement transmission, which would be a refurbished unit from Volkswagen.

[spiff]

Ah, right. Did not see that it was a DSG.

You'd be looking at a replacement transmission, which would be a refurbished unit from Volkswagen.

What I was told by the service centre was exactly what you described though - they have to take it out, send it to a specialist transmission place to be reconditiond..hence nothing was able to be done in Dec.

[Umai Naa!!]

Not a DSG they don't. They go back to Germany for a refurbishment.

You will however, get an exchange one from the existing pool of replacement transmissions.

[The One]

No-one in Australia has the training/skills to rebuild a 7 speed DSG, anyway Volkswagen has not released the parts, as others have stated, all rebuilt units from Germany.

[spiff]

thanks for that information. i've emailed VW australia and i haven't heard from either them or the service centre yet.