Buying a '14 Lux Touareg

[mech644]

Dropped off in my yard today, have had the deal in place for several months, was just waiting for my a3 return date to be settled. a3 goes back net Thursday, bucks in hand soon after and can pay for the Touareg.
It has 93k miles, prior owner had very regular maintenance. Driving it around today, everything feels tight, no clunks, going to put it jack stands this weekend and do more thorough inspection.
There is an odd rotational noise though, akin to a dry gear. Definitely road speed related, not influenced by loading/unloading suspension on one side or the other.
Does the driveshaft support bearing issue produce a noise of any particular distinction?

In addition any specific things I should look at or inspect for wear? (Prior owner just had new brakes and tires done).
Thanks for any and all feedback.

 

[Yeti35]

You will feel a knock under the center console and you will know when it lets loose. I would check it out. All you do is grab it and see if it has any play. It should have none if the bearing is good.

 

[NoobyT]

Drive shaft issue only significantly relates to T1s and T2s up to 2010.

I'm only aware of one possible replacement in later cars.

Are all 4 tires IDENTICAL - same make, same model, same size, same tread pattern, same tread depth?

Have you driven it up to 80 mph and checked no Steering Wheel Shakes? SWS was a problem on quite a few T3s but the forums have gone quiet on this now.

 

[KITEWAGON]

Congrats on the purchase. We just got the same as a dieselgate replacement. Its quite a vehicle. My wife loves it.

 

[mech644]

Tires are all same, same, same, same, same. Michelins.
Is a bit of SWS +70 mph. I'll try to get on I95 tomorrow, no roads around here to sustain 80 for long periods of time and not get busted.
If you put trans in neutral and coast noise stops, which I think indicates it's gear related.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Dropped off in my yard today, have had the deal in place for several months, was just waiting for my a3 return date to be settled. a3 goes back net Thursday, bucks in hand soon after and can pay for the Touareg.
It has 93k miles, prior owner had very regular maintenance. Driving it around today, everything feels tight, no clunks, going to put it jack stands this weekend and do more thorough inspection.
There is an odd rotational noise though, akin to a dry gear. Definitely road speed related, not influenced by loading/unloading suspension on one side or the other.
Does the driveshaft support bearing issue produce a noise of any particular distinction?
In addition any specific things I should look at or inspect for wear? (Prior owner just had new brakes and tires done).
Thanks for any and all feedback.

I had a similar noise and it ended up being the front differential carrier bearing, which required replacement of the front differential unit.

You'll want to try to pinpoint the noise. Is it coming from the front or rear of the vehicle? Is it different under acceleration vs. deceleration vs. neutral power delivery? You mention no noise when coasting in neutral, which leads me to believe it's driveline related rather than something like a wheel bearing.

 

[mech644]

Front differential.
Dealer has agreed with my suspicion and is sourcing a new assembly, still under warranty.

 

[compu_85]

Nice!

Let this be a warning to all Touareg owners.... check that front diff oil level! If it goes low it nukes the bearings in a hurry!

-J

 

[mech644]

I'm pretty neurotic about changing differential and trans fluids. Usually do it twice as often as maintenance schedule calls for. I'll be doing the transmission and rear diff immediately.
Though with 5k left on drivetrain warranty wouldn't hurt my feelings if either of them died in the next 7 weeks.

 

[JBell]

What's the service interval for the diffs as it is now?

 

[compu_85]

Like the transmission and transfer case, they are "Sealed for Life".

IMHO, a trans fluid change at 50k (which will get all the wear in material out), and a differential oil change at 60k wouldn't be uncalled for. The front differential uses readily available, inexpensive oil.

-J

 

[mech644]

No front differential in NA, one had to shipped from Germany. It's stuck in customs in Kentucky, dealer is providing regular updates.
So next week I have to take a road trip to Maryland, taking daughter to visit colleges, leaving Wednesday evening. Front diff is definitely noisy, wondering if sustained operation at +75mph is going to make it seize up and leave us stranded.
I'm considering draining the oil and refilling with some Mobil 75-90 and hoping that forestalls a complete failure.

Also wondering what general sentiment is on trans fluid.
I can buy Pentosin ATF1-LV locally for $13 a liter or $50 for a 5L jug. I'd parts has VW fluid at $23 L and Rowe at $19, + shipping.
Is the VW or Rowe that much better then Pentosin?

Thanks for any info anyone is willing to share.

 

[Radman]

Pentosin is usually right up there with OEM spec. I have used their fluids extensively in most VW applications for the last 15 years no issues.

 

[compu_85]

No {touareg specific part} in NA, one had to shipped from Germany.

Heh. We just had to wait a week for a fuel temp sensor / hose combo

-J