Differential: Testing and Inspection

Gear oil in front final drive, checking

Special tools and equipment






- VAG1306 drip tray






- 3247 plug insert (8mm)

- Perform a short road test to heat up gear oil to approximately 60°C.
- Drive the vehicle onto a 4-column lift or over a work pit so that it is absolutely level.
- Switch engine off and let gear oil drip out for 5 minutes.
- Place VAG1306 drip tray underneath.






- Remove oil filler plug (arrow).

Note: Loosen locking bolt using an angled socket-head wrench, but do not use 3247 hex ball socket. For improved accessibility it may be necessary to remove the heat shield and drive axle and to set them aside.
If 3247 hex ball socket is used for loosening the bolt, it could be destroyed.


- Specification: Oil level should reach lower edge of oil filler hole.

- Let excessive gear oil drain or top up gear oil.

Specification: SAE 75W-90 Synthetic gear oil
Capacity: 0.82L (0.85 qts)

- Always replace O-ring for oil filler plug.
- Tighten locking bolt using 3247 hex socket (8mm socket) to 30 Nm.