Never heard of it being a prerequisite for Haldex draining, sure - for engine oil it’s beneficial to drain when warmed up a bit so it less viscous, but cold draining should be fine.

 

Yes I always make sure engine oil is warm, obvious as you say, i think it was a garage that told me, anyway thank you.

 

Remember to pull the pump

 

Doesn't need to be but like any oil-based fluids in the car they tend to drain more quickly and completely when warm as opposed to cold, along with helping to "flow out" contaminants along with them. Especially compared to a "cold" alternative = winter temperatures. Indoor room temperature probably not a big deal, even for motor oil.

You should be fine TBH, I would try to make sure the temperature of the new fluid you pump in is at least a room temperature though. Of course it will cool quickly as it's pumped into a cold case but there's really no temperature specified to get a proper fill level (unlike say the DSG and also many ATs as well), but we can probably assume around 10-20C is probably good plus will make pumping easier.

 

I didn't warm up my Haldex, and didn't have any issues - though, admittedly, I did this in August in the Southeastern US.

If you have a Gen 2 Haldex, note that there's a tool specifically made for removing the filter that makes the job a lot easier. I did the service on my TTRS (Gen 4 Haldex), and am preparing to do it on my 3.2 Roadster (Gen 2 Haldex). The CTA Tools 8766 wrench is available in lots of places here in the states, and I imagine it must be available in the UK as well. I haven't used it - yet - but the guy at my shop recommended getting one.

 

I have gen 4 haldex so should be a very straight forward job 😊

 

Yeah - my Gen 4 was pretty easy. Though I did have to do mine twice because the first filter I got didn't seal well, and I had a leak around it. It may be that I just didn't seat the first one well, but since there isn't much "flexibility" in how it fits in there, I assumed it was just an iffy part and replaced it. No problems after that.

 

There are a lot of counterfeits out there and even some of the aftermarkets (like the Vaico) are not correct. I've no idea if you got a fake one or poor aftermarket but just a heads up to all on the Haldex filters.

All the recommended places tend to be in the UK and probably where I've bought most of the filters for my various changes over the years--even shipped overseas the prices and availability seem to be better.

The usual good places to get them:

OEM parts for Haldex and other vehicles parts - pumps, oils filters

Genuine car parts - for haldex system sets, oils, pumps and filters. For Ford, Audi, Land rover, Saab, Volkswagen, Skoda, Opel, Volvo, Seat, Opel, Vauxhall

haldexparts.co.uk

Haldex Parts and ECU Repairs by Auto Fault Finder Ltd – Haldex Mail order parts and ECU repair services

www.haldexrepairs.co.uk

Also awdcarparts (located in Poland) BorgWarner - oficjalny sklep are very good. As per this thread I made earlier had a really good experience with them and they actually gave me the pump o-rings I didn't even order. I ordered from their eBay store but seems they have a website going now at the above link.

 

As @TT'sRevenge suggests, haldexparts is a great choice for sure, since you're in the UK. I wanted to buy their Haldex kit, but they don't ship to the US.

For what it's worth, the filter that leaked was a Febi part, and the one I replaced it with - which has been no problem - was Vaico.

 

As @TT'sRevenge suggests, haldexparts is a great choice for sure, since you're in the UK. I wanted to buy their Haldex kit, but they don't ship to the US.

Hmm seems like Haldex Parts does still advertise "worldwide shipping" but Haldex Repairs does say they no longer ship internationally:

Frequently Asked Questions – Haldex Parts and ECU Repairs by Auto Fault Finder Ltd

www.haldexrepairs.co.uk

We used to, but due to experiencing many problems with our international couriers, and the extra labour and time needed to prepare and dispatch these orders, we have decided to stop offering international shipping.
We do plan on offering international shipping again in the future, and when we do, we will update this page.

So they are out I guess, for ppl outside UK anyway.

For what it's worth, the filter that leaked was a Febi part, and the one I replaced it with - which has been no problem - was Vaico.

Ah I see. Vaico is often guilty of selling various versions of parts at the same time--like a discount tier usually made in China and then a better tier made in Germany/Europe, etc. I know the one they sell on FCP, the picture at least is indicative of the "incorrect type" (because they have the spring on them, at least as pictured on FCP's site). But yeah they may have either updated it or they have another version that is better.

Anyway good it's fixed either way. On your next change though, highly recommend getting a genuine one as it seems there really aren't great substitutes out there in general.

https://www.ttforum.co.uk/threads/fake-chinese-haldex-filters-pumps-how-to-identify-them.2043455/

 

Hmm seems like Haldex Parts does still advertise "worldwide shipping" but Haldex Repairs does say they no longer ship internationally:

Oops - yeah - Haldex Repairs is the one I wanted to use. I didn't know about Haldex Parts at the time.

Anyway good it's fixed either way. On your next change though, highly recommend getting a genuine one as it seems there really aren't great substitutes out there in general.

Agreed.