Service items- things that will fail

[amer6R]

Hi,
I would like for us to make a topic about some maintenance items - items that often fail.

So far for me I had two issues that are contributed for this model 6R:
-power steering pump
Note: Check the connectors on the power steering pump. Under the main connector ( thick wires) there is a hole, under the hole electrical pcb is located. Also the battery drain hose should be attached so it doesn't dump any water on to the pump. Engine belly protection is a +
-rear disc brake
Note: Water intrusion from the handbrake mechanism into the calliper body, and heavy oxidation.


-If rusts forms on this shaft and cause pitting damage, it will leak. - The rubber gasket wont form a good seal. The rebuild kit with rubber parts costs as low as 8EUR ( preventive swap every 5 years should avoid pitting damage on the shaft.

I would appreciate if you would list problems that you experienced. Maybe it would be a good database for new users.

[mirceaculita]

1.2TDI

The plastic housing of the oil filter cracked after the gasket somehow expanded and pushed against it.

Auxiliary water pump stopped working shorty after.

My climatronic started to act up. It would start 5 minutes after I turned it on and the speed would fluctuate a lot. Sometimes it would not start at all. Had to change the fan control unit to fix it.

[spartacus68]

This is relation to 2015 1.4 TDI model 90bhp, 6R.

Brakes
Echo what's been mentioned before regards rear disc handbrake. Pointless going down additional return spring route. Caliper suffers from aluminium oxide corrosion, especially on the rubber shroud where handbrake plate connects. You can fix properly with a full caliper rebuild. I really rate Budweg caliper kits. If you go down this route invest in right angle long nose needle circlip pliers. Also don't use copper ease when replacing discs and pads. Red grease for caliper 'o' rings and sliders, and a little ceramic brake grease for discs and pads to seat.

Coolant
Well documented and lots of videos, get that Silica bag out out of the G13 reservoir.

Oil change
Potentially unforeseen, but I've been using genuine Volkswagen oil filters. The screw on metal filter sits at the front of the engine and can only be replaced with filter wrench cap tool. I made the mistake of buying a Mahle one, which although I'm sure quality is excellent, the filter housing is completely different so your tool won't work. Pretty sure Mann filters are just rebadged genuine Volkswagen which fit fine.

Bearings
Something about this car and bearings. I've replaced both rear and a front wheel bearings and only on 44k miles. Fitted genuine FAG bearings. Front only possible with bearing tool. Tell-tale whine at 50mph tells you all you need to know.