DSG gearbox - what is it? Testimonials and videos
We have already paid quite a lot of attention on our portal to various types of car transmissions. Owners of Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat cars in the technical description for their cars in the transmission column can see the abbreviation DSG. What do these Latin letters mean? Let's try to figure it out.
The robotic transmission differs from conventional mechanics and from automatic transmission by the presence of a double clutch. Thanks to this design feature, smooth switching of speed ranges without jerks and delays is ensured. Well, it is robotic because the electronic control unit is responsible for shifting gears, respectively, the driver has the opportunity to switch to both automatic and manual control.
In simple terms, the DSG transmission is a successful hybrid of manual and automatic transmissions. But still, its main difference is the double clutch.
The device of the box is as follows:
- dual-massive crankshaft flywheel - provides uniform transmission of torque to both clutch discs, consists of primary and secondary discs, while a conventional flywheel has a monolithic structure;
- two clutch discs - for even and odd gears;
- two primary and secondary shafts for each clutch;
- cylindrical main gear (for cars with front-wheel drive);
- differential (for front-wheel drive cars).
If you have a rear-wheel drive car with a DSG transmission, then the main gear and differential are located in the main axle housing, although they are structurally connected with the gearbox and distribute torque equally to the drive wheels.
The device also largely depends on the number of gears. So, on a car with a 6-speed DSG gearbox, the clutch is of a “wet” type, that is, the clutch discs are in an oil casing, which minimizes friction. On 7-speed gearboxes, the clutch is of the "dry" type. It is subject to faster wear, however, in this way it is possible to obtain significant savings on ATF gear oil: in the first case, it requires approximately 6-7 liters, and in the second - no more than two.
The principle of operation of a robotic gearbox
The principle is quite simple. So, on conventional mechanics, the driver has to sequentially switch from one speed range to another by shifting the gearshift lever. On the "robot" DSG, two gears are simultaneously engaged - lower and higher. The lower one is working, and the second one is idling. With increasing speed, switching occurs in tenths of a second.
If you have reached the maximum speed, then a lower gear works in idle mode. The ECU monitors this entire process. Various sensors analyze the speed of rotation of the crankshaft, the position of the throttle valve and the gas pedal. Information enters the control unit and a decision is made to change gear. Pulses are sent to hydraulic actuators (solenoid valves, hydraulic circuit) and the optimal speed mode is selected on a particular section of the road.
Advantages and disadvantages of DSG
Unfortunately, we are forced to state the fact that, despite their innovativeness, double-disk robotic gearboxes have a lot of disadvantages:
- high cost of service;
- rapid wear of rubbing parts (especially with a dry clutch);
- motorists are very aware of these problems, so it can be very difficult to sell a used car.
While the warranty is valid, the problems are not noticeable. As a rule, it is the clutch discs that fail the fastest. Pay attention to this fact: if on the DSG-6 (dry type) the disc can simply be changed, then on the DSG-7 you have to completely install a new clutch, which costs almost like a new gearbox.
The electronic unit itself and the actuators are also quite delicate. When overheated, the sensors can provide incorrect information to the ECU, resulting in inconsistency in control and sharp jerks are felt.
The easiest way to quickly "kill" a robotic gearbox is to keep the car at traffic lights or in traffic jams with the brake pedal, and not by switching to neutral.
Nevertheless, such gearboxes continue to be produced, because they have a lot of advantages:
- more economical fuel consumption - saving up to 10%;
- minimization of emissions harmful to the environment;
- excellent accelerating dynamics;
- ride comfort, ease of operation.
The service life reaches an average of 150 thousand kilometers.
Based on the foregoing, the editors of Vodi.su recommend that you take a very responsible approach to choosing a used car with DSG. If you bought a new car, then follow the manufacturer's instructions so as not to face the financial cost of repairs.
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