Vipervnm said:
Haha, thanks. I'm a structural engineer/woodworker so I'm a little anal about check lists and making sure I've got everything I need before I start anything. About the tool, I've read threads on here about a DIY tool that could be made for way less. Oilhammer, I've been taking your advice for a long time now (reading your comments on threads) and respect your opinion. Is the DIY tool made from parts from a hardware store inferior to the point that it's worth the $100 to buy the official tool?
I service these cars for a living, so a $100 investment is peanuts for me. I have much more invested in tools than that. Personally, seeing how a shop such as ours charges only $90 labor for this, I cannot see how anyone who can afford a newer TDI can justify the time and aggravation and mess to try and do this yourself especially with a home made tool working on something as complex as the DSG that is in most cases still under warranty. Yeah, that is a mouthful I know.
To me time is money, and the time you'd spend to try and "make" this tool would be poorly spent. Ask yourself how long do you have to work to earn $100. Then weigh that against what you need to do to make a tool that threads into the bottom of the DSG's case, and has a nipple with a hose that can be brought up higher than the level of the check tube inside the bottom of the trans, and that can attach to a funnel or container of DSG fluid. Then ask, will this contraption I made leak this $13/liter or whatever fluid all over when I go to use it?
Not to mention getting the car raised up so it is PERFECTLY level, running the engine up to temp while watching the appropriate measuring block, then gently draining the excess fluid out... and possibly making a mess...
So yes, I'd either buck up and get the proper tool or just let someone who has one do the job. What might work is if there are a few of you that need this done, and there is a reputable shop closeby you trust, offer to buy them the tool if they will service your car(s) for you the first time or two around. Just a thought. Everyone could pitch in $35 or so, shop won't make any money off of you but they will gain a specific tool that they can use in the future to earn money and you will have found a place you KNOW you can take your DSG to for service!
