Can a Wet Dual Clutch Get Water Inside?
4 Answers
Wet dual clutches do not get water inside because the wet dual-clutch transmission is a fully sealed structure. Here is more information about wet dual clutches: 1. Overview: A wet dual clutch is an oil-immersed friction plate clutch that requires a hydraulic coupler or torque converter to work in conjunction with a flexible power connection. It is expensive and has low mechanical transmission efficiency, but its advantages include ease of operation and low failure rates. 2. Cooling method: The wet dual clutch relies on oil for cooling. Transmission oil is added to the sealed clutch device, supplemented by a radiator, preventing premature clutch wear due to dry friction of the clutch plates.
I've run an auto repair shop for over a decade. Wet dual-clutch transmissions actually have waterproofing designed in from the start. Look - both the transmission and clutch assembly use sealed aluminum housings, plus there's triple-layer rubber sealing at the oil pan connection. Regular rain or road splash can't penetrate. But last year's flooded car case stuck with me - when water rose above the wheel hub covers, it backflowed through the transmission's top vent hole, rusting the clutch plates solid. Here's the key point: Never exceed the underbody protection panel's wading depth! Especially for modified exhaust vehicles - always check if the vent valve rubber rings have deteriorated. Last time I repaired this failure, just disassembling the transmission cost $8,000.
Fellow modders, let's share some experiences. In our track group, wet dual-clutch overheating is common, but water ingress is rare. Once during a mountain run in heavy rain, with water just above half-wheel height, the transmission held up fine. The key lies in the cooling structure: although the clutch plates are immersed in transmission fluid, the entire module is sealed like a pressure cooker. Just be cautious when modifying the exhaust to avoid blocking the factory vent holes. A buddy relocated the vent valve but didn't secure the seal properly – even a high-pressure car wash spray could force water in. After the transmission fluid emulsified, gear shifts sounded like a clunky tractor.
When I first bought the car, I was also worried about this. The 4S technician drew me a diagram to explain: the clutch plates of the wet dual-clutch are immersed in about 7 liters of specialized oil, which is much more viscous than engine oil. The entire module has a cast aluminum shell with multiple layers of oil seals, far exceeding the waterproof rating of a phone. However, they advised avoiding deep puddles during heavy rain, especially for older cars where the oil seals might have aged. A handy tip is to monitor the water temperature: normal operating oil temperature is around 90°C. If the oil temperature suddenly drops below 60°C after being submerged in water, there's an 80% chance water has entered. In such cases, never step on the accelerator and call for a tow truck immediately.
