All DSG Gearbox Explained
In this Article, Genesis Autoworks – Brisbane’s Leading DSG Service & Repair Expert are here to explain all the inner and outer workings of a DSG Gearbox, the components and special requirements to owning a DSG Gearbox. We will first discuss the 7-speed dry clutch DSG from the Volkswagen Group range commonly referred to as 0AM or DQ200 Gearboxes, in our next article we will discuss the other popular VW Group DSG – the 6 speed wet clutch commonly referred to as the O2E or DQ250 Gearbox.
The DSG Gearbox design is not a new concept or production, in fact the DSG gearbox was first derived from Porsche in house development for the Porsche 962 back in the 1980’s!
Essentially a DSG Gearbox is two induvial or separate manual gearboxes and clutches contained in one conventional housing working together as one unit. These two units are connected through the dual clutch which allow gear changes to be executed without any negative effect or reduction in traction as there is no traditional interruption of the gear change.
There are many advantages to using a DSG transmission such as;
Smooth gear changes, consistent and reliable power delivery
The DSG Mechatronic (the brains) of the DSG uses various inputs and outputs to analyze and adapt to your driving style, thus allowing it to seamlessly and effortlessly predict the type of driving and shifting you as a driver require, by doing so, it can adapt and overcome any challenge you set to it, thus in turn making the gear changes smoother and always more consistent.
Efficiency
The DSG Gearbox is traditionally lighter than a conventional torque converter automatic, thus reducing fuel consumption, not to mention the seamless activation of gears allow the gearbox to select the highest appropriate gear for the speed in turn saving you fuel. The DSG transmissions clutches transmit power with essentially no waste or ‘overrun’ thus allowing each gear to be the true power of the engine and not overdrive causing the engine to rev out more.
The DSG Gearbox uses a traditional floor mounted gear lever* comparable to a automatic transmission, the lever is a traditional ‘fore and aft’ plane without any ‘dog-let’ offsets and uses a button with a shift lock device to prevent any mis shifts or selections, just like a traditional automatic.
In P position, the transmission is set into park, both clutch packs at this time are fully disengaged and in turn all gearsets inside the DSG transmission are thus disengaged. Traditionally like a normal torque converter automatic the transmission lock or park paw (a solid metal jaw) is engaged to the crown wheel of the DSG Gearboxes internal differential, forcing the gearbox into a ‘locked position’.
DSG Gearboxes are not without their flaws, the DSG Clutch Pack has a limited lifespan – approximately double that of a traditional manual clutch, approximately 230,000-300,000kms, however earlier problems have been noted and documented including DSG Clutch Shudder, DSG Clutch squeals and mis-shifts. Luckily the DSG Brisbane Specialists @ West End Service Centre / Genesis Autoworks West End can help.
The DSG Gearbox is equipped in many Volkswagen and Audi Group models across many countries and states, in Australia it is a very prominent gearbox that required due care and skill to maintain.
DSG Gearbox Servicing should be carried out every 60,000kms / 4 years irrespective of one of the other. Your European Specialist Workshop (Such as Genesis Autoworks West End / West End Service Centre) can ensure your DSG Gearbox is Serviced, maintained and repaired to factory level accuracy and efficiency without any downtime!
Give us a call today – 07 3844 7494.