What is a DSG Gearbox?
A direct-shift gearbox commonly abbreviated to DSG, is an electronically controlled dual-clutch multiple-shaft gearbox, with automatic clutch operation and with fully automatic or semi-manual gear selection.
In simple terms, a DSG automates two separate "manual" gearboxes (and clutches) contained within one housing and working as one unit. By using two independent clutches, a DSG can achieve faster shift times and eliminates the power sapping torque converter of a conventional epicyclic automatic transmission.
In Audi models a DSG gearbox is known as an ‘S-Tronic’ gearbox.
Wet Clutch DSG/S-Tronic Oil Changes
The dual-clutch gearbox is a very sophisticated piece of engineering that requires maintenance. The direct shift gearbox is different to conventional automatic transmission as it contains two clutches controlled by a computer system. The system is so sophisticated that each change takes less than four-hundredths of a second. The DSG system can only operate with clean oil, if the oil becomes old and dirty it can affect the components within the system and affect the performance.
Old and dirty oil can overheat which can interfere with the gearbox operation and cause the clutches to burn out. This can result in poor gear selection, loss of power and even transmission failure. If you do not get your DSG oil changed it will affect your warranty for any repairs and parts related to the gearbox in the future.
Your gearbox oil & filter (if applicable) should be changed every 40,000 miles.
Dry clutch DSG/S-Tronic gearboxes do not have a specified interval for gearbox oil change, they are ‘filled for life’, we advise that these system gearboxes should have their oil changed at some point during the life of the vehicle however this is not as critical as the wet clutch systems.
Not Sure if your gearbox is wet or dry clutch?
Contact us with the details of your vehicle and we can decipher exactly what gearbox is fitted.
DSG Gearbox Repairs
The double clutch Gearbox or (DSG) is now very popular in the VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat branded vehicles with the majority of vehicles being manufactured today coming with the DSG gearbox fitted at the factory.
These gearbox in the early stages had a Wet Clutch and needed to be serviced every 40,000 Miles due to the contamination from the clutch being in oil. These gearboxes suffer from some mechatronic issues along with the usual clutch wear/failure issues.
The latest DSG, the ‘DQ200’, is a 7 speed gearbox which has a dry clutch system. Some of the early gearboxes can have problems with judders and slipping clutches, we are now fully trained by LUK (the OEM manufacturer of the clutch packs) to replace these clutches using the latest tooling and software.
Contact us for advice and support on your DSG gearbox...
