Front differential oil change @ 3 years old?

[Brackett]

I'm booking my 2018 Cupra ST in for its 2nd service, at 3 years old.

The dealer says it needs a brake fluid change (that's fine), but that is also needs a front differential oil change at £89. I'm not sure I've come across this requirement before, nor seen it in any of the workshop maintenance guides.

Can anyone shed any light on it, and whether it is needed, how much it should cost etc?

Thanks.

 

[black_sheep]

The additional work table from the Maintenance Workshop manual is attached. Required every three years. The price is ok; however it is only a fluid replacement.

The front diff uses the same Haldex 5 system as the 4drive coupling on 4wd cars. I had my oil changed, but importantly had the pump removed/strainer cleaned at a VAG specialist at 18 months/17000 miles; not the worst they’d seen but oil was pretty dirty.

Might be worth a read of this thread:

Haldex System - Blog Post that may be of interest

Guide now located in the new resources section of the site https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/resources/haldex-system-blog-post-that-may-be-of-interest.23/

www.seatcupra.net

 

[Brackett]

Thank you, that is very helpful.

Seems pricey at £89 for a fluid change, so will see what they can do on that.

(incidentally, I was quoted £69 for a brake fluid change, and then got an automated email from the same dealer saying a brake fluid change was recommended and was £49, so I will make sure I only pay that!).

 

[black_sheep]

The oil is high spec and creates friction between the plates as opposed to lubricating. The service kit retail price is here:

Haldex Generation 5 Oil Service Kit

Specialist in performance parts for the VW Audi Seat Skoda Group cars. Interest free finance available on all car tuning parts and we have our fully equipped specialist workshop in Manchester.

www.awesomegti.com

Thus the price is not too bad - same as I was quoted at the dealer. Think that I paid £130 (from memory) for the specialist with the pump removal/strainer clean.

 

[Brackett]

Thanks. more useful info

Any thoughts on 2nd service quote (3yrs old, 18k miles)...

"the second service on your vehicle will cost £247.51inc parts, labour and VAT. This service consists of Oil and Oil Filter replacement, full inspection and Pollen Filter replacement."

Seems a lot to me for a glorified oil change and checkover, but I may be wrong?

 

[black_sheep]

Thanks. more useful info

Any thoughts on 2nd service quote (3yrs old, 18k miles)...

"the second service on your vehicle will cost £247.51inc parts, labour and VAT. This service consists of Oil and Oil Filter replacement, full inspection and Pollen Filter replacement."

Seems a lot to me for a glorified oil change and checkover, but I may be wrong?

I payed £237, but this included £10 insurance on courtesy car.

The car should also be due a brake fluid change at 3 years c.£45-£50 at the dealer.

Edit: just seen brake fluid change in OP.

 

[Dannnnn]

Don't get the diff oil done at a dealer.
It needs the strainer/gauze/filter cleaning too which they don't do (or even acknowledge exists).

Get to a local VAG specialist, they'll do it properly.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Brackett]

Don't get the diff oil done at a dealer.
It needs the strainer/gauze/filter cleaning too which they don't do (or even acknowledge exists).

Get to a local VAG specialist, they'll do it properly.

Ah, I emailed the dealer last night about whether they'll do the cleaning etc. I guess as you say they won't even acknowledge it exists as something to consider doing.

I'm coming to end of warranty, so am going to get my dealer to do the service, MoT, couple of warranty things, so dunno if it's worth still getting them to do the diff oil change anyway, even if not the cleaning. And then get a good indy I use to do a clean at a later date (realistically in a few months at least, as probably not worth doing as a one-off job).

 

[Brackett]

Don't get the diff oil done at a dealer.
It needs the strainer/gauze/filter cleaning too which they don't do (or even acknowledge exists).

Get to a local VAG specialist, they'll do it properly.

As suspected, the dealer is not interested in cleaning it. Oil change only.

 

[black_sheep]

Don't get the diff oil done at a dealer.
It needs the strainer/gauze/filter cleaning too which they don't do (or even acknowledge exists).

Get to a local VAG specialist, they'll do it properly.

The VAG specialist that I took it to was able to update the VAG servicing database too, so warranty maintained.