What are the remedial measures for a dry dual-clutch transmission after water exposure?
2 Answers
Solutions for water ingress in dry dual-clutch transmissions: 1. Clean water ingress: Avoid driving and running the engine as much as possible. In this case, the water will settle at the bottom of the gear oil in the transmission. Open the drain screw at the bottom of the transmission to release all the water and oil, then refill with new gear oil. 2. Dirty water or water with sediment ingress: The transmission needs to be removed and opened for cleaning. If sediment enters the bearings, especially the input shaft bearing, all components inside the transmission must be disassembled and cleaned. Below is an introduction to related content: Difference between dry and wet types: The torque transmission of a wet dual-clutch is achieved through friction plates immersed in oil, while the dry type transmits torque through friction plates on the clutch driven disc.
That's a serious issue. Dry dual-clutch transmissions don't have lubricating oil, and water can seep into the circuits and clutch after wading, causing short circuits or rust. I've been in the auto repair business for a long time and often see this kind of thing. The remedy must be quick and decisive: Step one, stop the car and turn off the engine—starting it even once could burn out the electronic unit; Step two, check for water marks yourself, remove the transmission cover to drain the water, and dry it with desiccant or a heat gun, but don't use high-pressure water; Step three, if the moisture is severe, change the oil, preferably within 24 hours. I once encountered a car owner who didn't deal with it in time, resulting in all the sensors being damaged and costing tens of thousands in major repairs. Remember, safety first—contact a professional shop immediately after wading to avoid turning a small problem into a disaster. When driving through puddles daily, keep your speed low.
