Vw Golf 5 Speed Manual Transmission Vs 6 Speed Manual Review
There is an ofttimes-repeated opinion that "real" performance cars are equipped with three pedals and a transmission that requires the driver to handle the shifting. It'southward debatable whether this is the instance since the ubiquitous spread of direct-shift gearboxes such every bit Volkswagen'south first-class DSG transmission. These have blurred the line of what an automated is. A drive behind the bike of a manual transmission automobile is undoubtedly a more involved and potentially more rewarding experience. This guide of Volkswagen's MQ350 transmissions cover the 02M manual, 02Q transmission, and the 0FB transmission. As client preferences and manufacturer offerings have changed, manual transmissions have go increasingly less mutual, simply they are very much still a staple ingredient for the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R. Manuals used to be offered as standard on nearly every entry-level Audi likewise as the bulk of VW's model range, but are at present trimmed to very select models, such MQB Mk7 GTI and Golf R. Both are available in either a DSG dual-clutch automated or a 6-speed manual manual trim level. Go onto whatsoever VW enthusiast forum or Facebook grouping, and the arguments of transmission superiority are both venomous and frequent. However, the 6-speed manual still wins the hearts of many electric current and would-be GTI or Golf game R owners. And then what's the dirt on the manual transmission Golfs still rolling off the factory production line at Volkswagen? Read and learn. Volkswagen and Audi have had some variation of six-speed manual transmission bachelor in their transverse platform vehicles since around 2001. The 02M 6-speed debuted in the Mk1 Audi TT 225 Quattro before beingness rolled out into college product models, much similar the DSG did some years afterward in the Audi TT iii.two Quattro, The 02M arrived for Volkswagen with the 2002 GTI and GLI 24V VR6 and GTI 337 ane.8t models. With the introduction of the Mk5 PQ35 platform and direct-injected power plants in 2006, the 02Q was introduced and utilized upward through the MQB platform. For the MQB platform, the 02Q received a pocket-sized update that featured diverse reinforcements. This update is designated as the 0FB and can exist institute in higher-output VW models such as the Golf R. One of the more confusing aspects of the VW transmissions is their naming scheme. You will often hear these transmissions called either 02M, 02Q, or 0FB, y'all might also hear them referred to every bit the MQ350. Technically either way is correct, as MQ350 encompasses all three of these vi-speed transmission transmissions. As a reference, MQ250 refers to the 5-speed manual transmissions found in base of operations model cars such equally the VW Golf game. The 02M is a compact gearbox specially adult to offer sporty driving characteristics and maximum efficiency in a small space. The same location designed for a 5-speed manual could then exist used for the six-speed manual without any other changes. VW achieved this by taking a standard gearbox blueprint, which features a single input shaft and unmarried output shaft, and split the output shaft into two separate units. This creates a slightly taller just significantly shorter in length pattern. Similar to all other modern manual transmissions from VW and Audi, such every bit the 02A, 02J, and 01E models, the 02M is cablevision-shifted, and power is sent through a hydraulically-actuated clutch. While the 02M has gradually been refined since its introduction, the fundamental blueprint and operation are unchanged since information technology was first introduced. The 02M is bachelor in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, with the all-bicycle drive models utilizing an outboard transfer instance driven by the rider side output of the final drive and differential. The 02M uses a 240mm flywheel and clutch assembly, up from 228mm on the 5-speed 02A/02J. Flywheels are either a 6-commodities or x-commodities design, depending on the engine. VR6 powered cars, such as the Mk4 GTI 24v VR6, GLI 24v VR6, and Mk4 R32, take a 10-commodities crank, while 4-cylinder 1.8t models such as the TT, 337 and 20th Anniversary GTI, and GLI 1.8t have a half-dozen-bolt creepo. The 02Q is primarily the same every bit the 02M, with a few small changes. Mechanically, at that place was a change in bearing design on the input shaft from taper bearings on the 02M to ball bearings on the 02Q. Some modest changes in the bellhousing pattern and spacing hateful that a clutch and flywheel kit for an 02M transmission vehicle will non piece of work on one for an 02Q. Despite the difference in clutch specifications, the identical clutch release begetting is used on both the 02M and 02Q. There is as well the inclusion of an access window for the input shaft in the outer case half. In guild to shim the input shaft on many older 02M transmissions, the transmission has to be removed, and the entire example has to be separate and disassembled to brand an adjustment. With the access window added in the late 02M and 02Q, the main case halves are untouched. This makes the 02Q transmission easier, faster, and more than cost-effective to work on than the 02M. The shift forks, which are the pieces inside the transmission responsible for physically engaging or disengaging gears when yous move the shift lever, were too changed during the production of the 02Q gearbox. On the majority of 02M boxes and early 02Q boxes, these were multi-piece units made of steel and brass. During the production of the 02Q, the jumpsuit steel units from the high-performance R32 were fabricated standard on all 02Q transmissions. Lastly, considering of vehicle electronics changes, the 02Q does away with the vehicle speed sensor in the transmission, as used in the 02M. Despite their similarities, the two transmissions are generally not considered to be interchangeable without several required changes. The 0FB is the latest and greatest 6-speed manual transmission on offer from VW in the U.s.. Since Audi is no longer offering manual transmissions in their entry-level and smaller sporty models, like the A3 and TT, nosotros only meet this on the 2015 and upwardly Golf game R in the USA. The 0FB remains more or less mechanically identical to the 02Q, fifty-fifty down to the same differential applying to the same gearboxes. Similarly to the 02M to 02Q, VW in one case once again refined the bellhousing spacing and design. The aforementioned clutch and flywheel packages are generally used on the 0FB as on the 02Q, just VW adds a bonded plastic shim to the clutch release bearing to ensure consummate disengagement of the clutch. There are a few issues that tin occur on the 6-speed manual 02M, 02Q, or MQ350 transmissions. Typically, these result from loftier mileage, heavy use or corruption, or related harm due to some other function failing. The clutch on 2.0t TSI models, roughly produced from 2009 and on, is undoubtedly the nearly mutual failure point on whatever of the 6-speed transmissions from VW. Early 1.8t, VR6, and FSI 2.0t cars, including the Mk6 Golf R, do non endure from these same faults. The clutch pattern on 2.0t TSI powered vehicles is more or less identical, except for an eight-bolt flywheel compared to the 6-bolt one.8t/FSI or the 10-commodities VR6 models. While the TSI clutch is typically able to cope with factory power levels, whatsoever increase in horsepower volition often consequence in a slipping clutch. Results can vary, only it is universally accustomed that the TSI clutch is a weaker design from the factory and tin't cope with anything much more stock power levels before slipping. The near typical result on virtually every transmission manual is worn or damaged gear synchros causing difficulty with shifting. A worn synchro set will nearly often result in a specific gear being hard to select or grinding when you make the change. Information technology'south most common to see issues with second and tertiary gear, and much more than rare to meet them with first, fourth, fifth, or sixth. Worn synchros can result from shifting without the clutch fully disengaged, either from non pressing the clutch pedal all the way to the floor, a mechanical clutch effect, or a hydraulic clutch upshot. Brusk-throw shift kits, a mutual modification for these transmissions, can advance synchro wear, but they are rarely plenty to crusade damage themselves. Most 02M and early 02Q transmission can endure from the soft brass shift forks angle due to ambitious shifting or a missed shift. This usually comes down to apply or driver mistake. When a shift fork bends, it feels similar you lot are trying to force the shift lever into the wrong gate. Information technology will move, but the transmission resists actually going into gear. Much like the gear synchros, the i-two and three-4 forks are the ones that meet all the damage. If you curve a shift fork, the only solution is to remove the transmission, open up the example, and supersede the faulty parts. VW manufactures all-steel versions of these shift forks, and information technology is a common upgrade for transmissions that came with the brass versions. In that location is rarely any way to tell what your transmission may be equipped with other than opening information technology up for repair or replacement. It is not uncommon for some to even have one brass and one steel version installed from the manufactory. A general rule of thumb is that all 02M cars except for the R32 volition probably accept brass forks, and nigh early 02Q transmissions in the Mk5 GTI and like models will have contumely forks. All variations of the VW/Audi transverse 6-speed transmission can suffer from excessive play on the input shaft, resulting in excessive noise in most cases, merely can sometimes lead to damage of the clutch pressure plate. As mentioned above, the 02M instance must exist fully torn down to adjust the bearing tolerance on the input shaft, while after 02Q and 0FB units accept an access window for this work to be performed. On a stock car, the factory dual-mass flywheel typically masks the noise associated with an input shaft with excessive play. Once converted to a single-mass flywheel kit, it is possible to hear racket at idle and to hear more racket from the differential and concluding drive while driving the car. It can also sound noticeably mechanical or harsh when engaging the clutch after shifting gears. Performance engine and transmission mounts brand the audio even more prevalent. In almost every instance, this noise is harmless and not an upshot, but if it does bother yous, re-shimming the input shaft volition remove much of this noise if you have a single mass flywheel clutch kit. Although it is not a common problem due to normal wear and tear, the open differential is a weak link for vehicles making substantially more than power than stock or driven aggressively. Drag racing and burnouts take the highest toll, merely very hard shifts tin sometimes issue in damage to the differential spider gears. Should you break a differential in a VW transaxle, it typically happens with so much forcefulness that it puts a hole in the transmission case and causes enough damage that repair is not an selection. If you plan on elevate racing, road racing, or making a substantial corporeality of horsepower, replacing the differential with a operation limited-slip type will prevent this from happening. For whatever standard vehicle or ones driven more reasonably, even when modified, the differential is rarely an upshot. Finally, all transmissions are subject to normal clothing and tear of use. Bearings tin can and will develop play and require replacement, but this is usually only noticed and addressed when the transmission is apart for more serious issues. Leaks tin can develop from the differential output flange seals or from the input shaft seal, only this is generally not common on modern VW transmissions. These leaks are typically simply seen on very high mileage (over 200K) units or ones that haven't seen proper service and care. The near important service for your VW or Audi 6-speed transverse transmission is to go on the oil service upwards to appointment, with the correct specification and weight of oil. The 02M/02Q/0FB, transmissions known as the MQ350 are listed as having a 'lifetime' gear oil fill up from VW. Typically, this means that in that location is no call for service of the fluid for the duration of the warranty period. However, depending on how and where y'all operate your automobile, you volition see the best results changing around 50,000 miles. Failure to service the gear oil tin outcome in excessive or premature synchro article of clothing, wear to the physical gears themselves, or accelerated wear to the bearings. Some shops or individuals may recommend a higher or lower interval, simply 50,000 miles is the about frequently-quoted mileage for the nigh part. Outside of the gear oil, all of the service surrounding the 6-speed VW transmission is related to accessory components. Replacing a clutch that is slipping or not operating as information technology should is the near important related service component. A bad dual mass flywheel can potentially damage the bellhousing itself, in the almost extreme examples. Finally, keeping the shift cables aligned and addressing whatever related issues will ensure smooth shifting and help avert bent shift forks and difficult shifting. Like all transverse transmissions from Volkswagen and Audi, the family of half dozen-speed manuals is a transaxle design, which ways the gears, synchros, bearings, and final drive components such as the differential share lubrication oil. VW specifies a GL4-spec oil for this application, which means it is approved for contumely synchronization components to avoid harm or wearable. GL5 oil, which is usually found in the same weights every bit its GL4 cousin, is generally not recommended for synchronized transmissions every bit the additive package can damage more sensitive components. GL5 is designed for differential or other hypoid gear applications but not for use in a gearbox. GL5 does take higher shear and shock resistance than apparently GL4, so purchasing a high-quality GL4+ oil, such every bit LIQUI MOLY 75w90 model 20012 , ensures maximum protection without unwanted side effects. VW specifies a direct 75W every bit factory fill, just both 75w80 and 75w90 are popular replacements, especially in hotter environments or performance applications. The oil service procedure is a simple drain and make full procedure. Depending on how warm the oil gear oil is and how long it is immune to drain, a refill will typically take around 2.five liters of fluid. Servicing your 6-speed transmission will require bones hand tools and a specialized 12-bespeak socket to remove the drain and fill plugs. A fluid transfer pump will help to brand the filling process faster and easier. In that location are a huge number of performance upgrades available for the 6-speed manual VW and Audi transmissions. They range from simple accessories to major components, but all are designed to better the feel, reliability, or operation of the transmission for street or track use. The almost basic and oft well-nigh beneficial upgrade is to remove the factory rubber shift cablevision bushings and supervene upon them with solid brass, Delrin, or similar bushing inserts. The manufactory rubber bushings have a certain amount of slop designed into them, resulting in a more comfortable but more rubbery shift feel. Solid shift bushings event in a more than crisp, direct, shift-experience, more akin to a Porsche GT3 or other sports cars. Replacing the related condom shift subclass bushings furthers the straight feel. A brusque-throw shift kit will shorten the range of movement necessary to motility gear to gear and has a side benefit of farther improving the shift feel. Exact kits can vary, with some replacing just the front-to-dorsum lever while others will replace that and the side to side lever. Well-nigh are adjustable, and some, such as the kit from April, as well includes adjustable stackable weights to alter the amount of effort needed to shift. Shortening the throw too much can result in worn shift synchros, so be wary of cranking everything to the max and letting it ride. You will demand to readjust the shift cablevision alignment after installing or adjusting any item related to the shift cables, including shift bushings or a short-throw shifter. Information technology's a simple process and of import to practice for the best performance. An upgraded operation clutch kit is a popular modification, especially for tuned vehicles. There are many options on the market, some of which will utilize a dual-mass flywheel for a more factory feel, and others that offer a unmarried-mass flywheel for quicker response and more. The best kit for use with a dual-mass flywheel is undoubtedly the line of Sachs Performance clutches, the original manufacturer of many of the OEM VW and Audi clutches. Popular unmarried mass functioning conversion kits include South Bend Clutch, Blackness Forest Industries, and Clutchmasters. A popular and easy upgrade for cars with either a stock or aftermarket clutch is a stainless steel braided clutch line. The factory line is standard reinforced rubber and offers some flex on engagement, specially with an uprated clutch. A braided stainless steel clutch line runs from the chief cylinder to the release bearing slave cylinder and provides a more positive feel with a more consistent engagement point. Replacing the mill open-type differential with a limited-sideslip design is the best style to improve the power handling of the VW vi-speed transmission. A limited-slip differential works to equalize the commitment of power evenly betwixt the two front wheels. Pop brands include Wavetrac, Peloquin, and Quaife, all of which are planetary gear torque-biasing type designs. These have the advantage of having no major serviceable parts or clutch plates and are commonly regarded as beingness most indestructible when properly installed. Torque-biasing differentials take the added benefit of transferring ability from the tire with the least traction to the one with the near traction, which results in a huge positive transformation on how these forepart-cycle drive cars handle. A downside of a torque-biasing differential is that in a zero-traction condition, such every bit on water ice or when a wheel is in the air, it acts similarly to an open up differential and has difficulty managing ability. The Wavetrac combines a planetary gear torque-biasing design with elements of a ramp-type differential to help mitigate this consequence in zero grip weather condition. From there, modifications tend to become less common and more specialized in nature. Power handling of the six-speed manuals is not as low every bit the 258 lb-ft rating from the factory might propose, but there is a limitation in terms of how much ability and torque you can safely put through these gearboxes. It is not at all unheard of 02M, 02Q, or 0FB transmissions easily treatment 350-400 lb-ft, provided that the driver is not unnecessarily rough. In that location are some upgrades for elevate racing and extreme ability applications to help increment reliability in these less-common applications. Hardened or direct-cutting gear sets can reduce the likelihood of gears breaking or stripping teeth in extreme power applications. Other modifications aim to reinforce or fix problems related to the gearbox casting itself, such equally the 4th gear input shaft support and gearbox reinforcement kit from Darkside Developments UK. All of these modifications are for torque figures well above the rated 258 lb-ft of the Volkswagen 6-speed transmissions, and not a requirement for the vast majority of these cars, fifty-fifty when modified with performance software, larger turbos, and other engine modifications. Thanks to the constant refinement of the latest generation of 6-speed manual transmissions from Volkswagen, enthusiasts can still choose to have a rewarding and refined driving experience in the Mk7 GTI and Golf R. With relatively low maintenance costs and a high "smiles per gallon" ratio, a manual VW could exist the all-time choice for many enthusiasts looking to take fun behind the bicycle. If you lot accept whatsoever questions about the VW/Audi MQ350 6-speed transmission options or experience that any additions should be made to this article, please exit them in the comments department below. 
Audi VW half-dozen-speed transmission details & transmission codes
VW 02M Gearbox
VW 02Q Gearbox
Image Credit: Darkside Developments UK VW 0FB Gearbox
Cars equipped with the Audi VW six-speed manual transmissions?
Volkswagen
Audi
Common issues of the VW/Audi 6-speed manual transmission
Clutch
VW Mk7 GTI Clutch Replacement DIY
Synchros
Shift forks
Input shaft begetting
Differential
What common maintenance should be performed on VW'due south 6-speed manual transmissions?
VW/Audi vi-speed transmission transmission oil service information
Parts & tools needed to perform a VW/Audi 6-speed manual transmission oil service
VW/Audi 6-speed manual transmission performance upgrades
Shifter Bushings
Short Throw Shift Kit
VW/Audi Brusk Shifter Upgrade Options
Aftermarket Clutch
Limited-Skid Differential
Image Credit: Wavetrac Differentials 
Source: https://blog.fcpeuro.com/definitive-guide-vw-audi-6-speed-manual-transmissions-mq350-02m-02q-0fb
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