T6 DSG knocking

[Adyr]

Potential DSG issues.

I have a T6 with a DQ500 in it.
I have a knock coming from underneath the van which sounds like metal on metal and it occurs when I release the accelerator.

I’ve had an engine mount changed which needed replacing and a driveshaft on the passenger side which had some play in it but so far, these haven’t fixed the problem.
All mounts, bushes etc have been ruled out as the cause at this point and have all been checked.

I did have a garage tell me it was the DMF and clutch in the gearbox that needed changing, which turns out was completely wrong. The DMF and clutch have also been ruled out.

A camera was set up underneath the van and you can see that the gearbox moves to a side when the noise happens rather than moving forwards slightly as it should do.

This has been diagnosed as a drive train issue which is one of the things that led to one of the driveshafts been changed.
I’m now being advised to change the other drive shaft (which may or may not be the issue) to see if that sorts the problem out.
If this fails as a remedy, then I’m told I may need to change the gearbox as it may be the differential.

Has anyone had this?
Also, does anyone know if you can repair the differential alone rather than change out the entire gearbox?

This is becoming pretty expensive at this point for what is mainly guess work without anyone (including VW) being able to give me a definitive answer to what it is or how to fix it.

The van’ done 133k. Had it since new and all servicing is done when it should be so it’s always been looked after.

Any help or advice is welcome.

 

[Dellmassive]

Suspensions drop links?

 

[Dellmassive]

Fyi VW only do a new DSG.

But other 3rd party's will do a recon box in exchange.

Have you done a oil service on the box and redone the defaults? .... Learn settings?

Dsg service is every 40k miles.

 

[Dellmassive]

Drive shaft and cups are a know thing.

@Deaky recently needed a new DSG box as his splines had worn..... He had a knock too.

 

[Canyon100]

I think we are in the same boat. T6 DSG 2016 115k. It’s an aggressive clunk engaging either fwd or back. Through the gears perfectly. Also been serviced. So looks like the driveshaft goes straight into the diff so gearbox needs to be opened in order to change it. And whilst it’s open they want to change clutch and DMF which yes makes sense it’s just eye watering the cost!

Anybody else that’s done it, is this quote way off?

 

[Canyon100]

There’s another main dealer option to switch for a reconditioned box, quicker I just don’t know whether it’s cheaper yet…. Waiting on a quote.

 

[Canyon100]

There’s another main dealer option to switch for a reconditioned box, quicker I just don’t know whether it’s cheaper yet…. Waiting on a quote.

Ah £9.999999k! Well back to square1

 

[manfrotto]

That sounds a bit extreme.

Depending on where the issue is in the driveshafts and CV joints, you may not need to do as much as suggested in the quote ......see this thread

Thread 'Diagnosing bad driveshaft components?'

16 Apr 2025

Hi My t5.1 has a clunk when starting and shifting from 1st to 2nd hard or when shifting to reverse. I’m pretty sure it’s the drive or stub shaft. I jacked up the front wheels today the right side has huge play it feels like it’s 5cm or more, left side has half maybe 2 or 3. I tested on another t5 the play on the left and that was like 1cm. I know inner and outer cvs are replaceable. What part is most likely bad? No other noises or split boots, is the play from spines or the cv usually? I could pull everything out and test play and examine splines? Or is everything most likely shot? I don’t...

• AhrnNilsson
• drive shaft
• Replies: 7
• Forum: Engine, Gearbox, Exhaust, Drivetrain

• 

It sounds like a quite a few on this forum have changed driveshafts and can probably weigh in with their opinion.

 

[pematthe]

Having searched the forum for drive shaft issues, it seems there's a lot related to DSG boxes. Mine failed last Sunday and I had to get recovery to make the last 6 miles of a 1000 mile journey. Went to pull away at a roundabout, clunk, grinding noise and no drive. Just managed to coast to the kerb and keep out of harms way.

VW diagnosis: spline failure on drive shafts at the gearbox. I don't know if it is both or just one (I will know that when the bill comes in). It is a gearbox out job to replace the final drive parts and a bill of approx 4K.

VW have also 'advised' on corrosion of the DSG sump (£100ish) and play in the flywheel (£900ish).

If this is so common, is there a workshop notice for this common issue or any kind of recall? Or has anyone challenged VW to get them to cover some of the £££?