VORDERACHSQUERSPERRE (VAQ) - Electronic Transversal Front-Axle Locking Differential (eLSD)
Seat Cupra R 300 Orange Pack
VORDERACHSQUERSPERRE (VAQ) - Electronic Transversal Front-Axle Locking Differential (eLSD), CEH activating the multi-plate clutch
About:
Launched in 2013 on the VW GTi, Borgwarner and VAG produced the worlds first Front-Wheel Drive Electronic Limited Slip Differential.
This Torqtransfer system optimises traction and reduces understeer providing performance and handling of an AWD vehicle, without carrying the extra weight of the running gear.
The above figures show the huge improvement in performance, the drivability is massively improved without the as many interventions from the stability braking control system.
Essentially this system allows the driver the ability to oversteer to compensate an understeer movement without intervention, putting fast cornering in the driver hands.
You can launch with improved acceleration both through a bend (Reduced Understeer) and powering off out (Reduced Oversteer).
The VAQ eLSD system is based on the GEN 5 AWD Haldex Coupling and uses a multi-plate clutch to control the lock on the front axle differential allowing power to be moved from left to right wheel for aggressive cornering.
We deal with many customers with Leon Cupra's & VW GTi's fitted with this eLSD system and they love how their cars handle.
Service Interval for the VAQ eLSD:
The below vehicles from VAG are fitted with the VAQ eLSD:
| 1st Oil Service | Oil & Filter | Oil Capacity /refill Quantity |
| 10,000 - 20,000 Mile or 24 months | Every 10,000 Miles or 24 months | 600ml / 400ml |
| VORDERACHSQUERSPERRE (VAQ) - Electronic Transversal Front-Axle Locking Differential (eLSD) |
| Seat Leon Cupra 5F 2013- onwards |
| Skoda Octavia vRS 5E 2013- onwards Saloon/Estate |
| Volkswagen Golf 5G 2013- onwards Saloon, GTi, Autobahn |
Service Guide & Parts for a VAQ eLSD:
Required Parts for Service:
| Front Differential Oil (VAG-G060175A2) |
| Pump Gasket Kit (HAL-0CQ598305) |
| 2x Drain Plug & Seal - (VAG-WHT007168) |
VAQ eLSD Service Tools:
- 8mm Hex or 8mm Allen Key –Drain Plug
- 8mm Hex or 8mm Allen Key –Fill Plug
- 10mm socket – pump bolts
- 3/8 Torque Wrench
- ¼ Torque Wrench
- Syringe into the fill port
- Diagnostic Tool – VCDS / VAGCOM / ODIS & VAS TOOL / Other tool Capable of reading the oil temperature in the VAQ eLSD
Diagnostic Guide for Checking Oil Temperature for VAQ eLSD:
Using your diagnostic machine, you can check the Temperature of the Oil in the VAQ eLSD:
- Connect Vehicle Diagnostic Testing Machine
- Select - 32 – Differential Locks
- Select - 01 - Self-diagnosis-capable system
- Select - Electrical components
- Select - Oil temperature
- The oil temperature must be between 20 and 40 °C before you empty the oil from the VAQ eLSD
Top Tip – the oil will be close to the right temperate if the vehicle has been driven/idling before you start the process
Procedure for Emptying the VAQ eLSD:
Once you have checked the oil is at the correct temperature with your diagnostic tool, you can now start the process of emptying the oil from the VAQ eLSD.
- Make sure the vehicle is level and safely placed on your ramp
- Remove Fill Plug (See arrow below. 5mm Hex/Allen)
- Check oil level before removing the drain plug, the oil level is correct if filled to the lower edge of the fill plug
- As the drain is located above the subframe you will need a funnel to redirect the oil
- Place Oil catch under the oil drain plug (8mm Hex/Allen) and remove
- Allow the entire contents to empty (Dispose any oil legally and be environmentally friendly)
Removing a VAQ eLSD Pump & cleaning the strainer basket / gauze:
The VAQ pump is fitted with a Strainer Basket/Gauze that often becomes clogged (Pic) and leads to the pump failing. As part of our general service, we will always remove the strainer and clean it.
- Using a 10mm socket remove the Centrifugal Electro-Hydraulic (CEH) Actuator/ VAQ Pump(located behind the controller)
- Remove right hand electrical plug (use a pick/small flat to lift tab and remove safely)
- Using a 10mm socket remove the pump bolts
- Using a large flathead split the pump, there is a slight tab to insert and rotate the screwdriver blade
- Remove pump
- Clean area inside where the pump sits (normally some debris stacked up) (PIC)
- Using a T10 remove the strainer basket/gauze
- Use some brake cleaner to remove the build-up of debris (dry off before replacing)
- Make sure all debris is removed from the top of the pump
- Use new seals, crush washers or bolts and replace the pump
- Remember always lube your new O-rings before inserting the pump – use the fresh front differential oil (1,2)
- New 10mm pre-charge pump bolts need to be replaced to a torque setting of 9nm
Note: The pump when removed loses some oil, therefore you will be required to undertake the pump relearn process using your diagnostic tool. This will prime the pump and therefore allow the evacuated space to be filled with fresh oil.
Filling the VAQ eLSD with Oil:
This is quite a simple process when using the right tools for the job.
- Replace 8mm Hex Drain Plug + new crush washer - 15nm torque
- Use syringe to suck up around 375 - 400ml of your Differential Oil (VAG-G060175A2)
- Remove and check oil level, proceed to continue until the oil reaches the lower edge of the fill plug hole
- Replace the 5mm fill plug + new crush washer to a torque setting of 15nm
How to perform a pump relearn on a VAQ eLSD:
Using your diagnostic tool:
Select - 32 – Differential Locks
Select - Basic Settings - 04
Use the drop-down menu and select - Pump Motor
Select – Go
Once selected you should be able to hear the pump cycle itself for around 30 seconds to a minute while it relearns its cycles.
When the process is completed, you should see a message advising – finished correctly
Common Faults for a VAQ eLSD:
The modern VAG vehicles are very clever and in most cases the faults related to these unit will generate an illuminated engine warning light.
| Fault Code | Possible Cause | Solution |
| P 16668 – Pump for VAQ Clutch C1112 07 [008] – Mechanical Failure Intermittent
|
Pump Fault
|
Replace Pump
|
| P 16671 – Pump for VAQ Clutch – C1112 04 [008] Internal System Fault
|
Faulty Pump + VAQ Controller Fault
|
Replace Pump / Repair VAQ Controller Unit
|
| P 16670 –Drive System – C1113 07 [008] – Mechanical Failure
|
Pump Fault and/or Transfer box
|
Clean Strainer + Prime Pump / Replace Pump / Replace Pump & Differential Unit
|
If none of the above codes are present and the vehicle is still struggling with traction using the eLSD, it may be worth removing the pump to see if the build-up on the strainer basket/gauze is making it difficult for the multiplate clutch to engage.
