A DSG Gearbox (direct-shift gearbox) is a special type of semi-automatic gearbox that has two clutches, instead of a torque converter. It behaves like a manual gearbox, but works automatically. While most manual cars come with one clutch, the DSG gearbox uses two, the second clutch pre-emptively works out which gear you’re likely to want next and gets it ready, so in theory, this means that the gearbox is always prepared for your next move. This means that the gear shifts are noticeably quick and smooth. DSG gearboxes are sometimes referred to as dual-clutch gearbox, twin-clutch or DCT Gearboxes. However, many manufacturers also have their own name for it.

In most cases, both the earlier six-speed DSG gearboxes and seven-speed DSG gearboxs will be just as reliable as any other gearbox. As with any new technology, there were some teething problems with the earlier six-speed DSG gearboxes. Common DSG gearbox repair problems we see in our Hampshire Garage include:

• Noisy Bearings
• Juddering
• Going into ‘limp home’ mode (where the engine’s computer limits power to a minimum)

However, the newer seven-speed DSG gearboxes have largely overcome these issues.

Of course, just like any other piece of machinery, all mechanical parts can wear down over time if not properly maintained or replaced. Trouble free ownership of a vehicle with a DSG gearbox will be greatly improved with regular oil changes and adjustments, which can all be done in our Aldershot DSG gearbox repair garage.

With proper maintenance a DSG gearbox will give trouble free motoring for well over 100,000 miles.

A DSG gearbox will give you better fuel economy, up to a 15% improvement over a conventional geared automatic transmission or manual gearbox.

There’s no loss of torque through the transmission of a DSG gearbox from the engine to the driving wheels during gear shifts.

There’s a very short up-shift time of about 8 milliseconds when shifting gear to a gear that has already been preselected by the DSG gearbox.

A DSG gearbox has extremely smooth gear-shift operations. When changing down a gear the DSG gearbox has consistent down-shift times of only 600 milliseconds, regardless of throttle position or operational mode.

DSG gearboxes can be unreliable. It is simply not possible to make a DSG gearbox as reliable as a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. The slipping clutch mechanisms, for example, have a limited lifespan.

The mechanical efficiency of a DSG gearbox is a little worse when compared to a conventional manual transmission, especially on wet-clutch variants. This is due in part to the electronics and hydraulic systems of a DSG gearbox.

To have a long lifespan and to work efficiently, expensive specialist transmission filters and fluids or lubricants that have dedicated additives are required. These need regularly changing, to avoid costly DSG gearbox repairs, every 40,000 miles. Replacing the oil and filter in DSG gearbox’s is one of our most requested vehicle repair operations at Sycamore autos in Aldershot.

Compared to ordinary automatic or manual transmissions DSG gearboxes are relatively expensive to manufacture, and therefore increase new vehicle purchase prices. If you select a gear that the DSG gearbox had not anticipated you need it can lead to a relatively lengthy shift time of around 1100 ms.

DSG gearbox design is closely linked to the vehicle model. Therefore the torque handling capability of the DSG gearbox put a limit on after-market engine tuning modifications. Although having said that, later DSG variants have been fitted to more powerful cars, such as the 300 BHP VW R36 and the 272 BHP Audi TTS.

A DSG gearbox is a lot heavier than a comparable Getrag conventional manual transmission 75 kg vs. 47.5 kg ,thus affecting fuel economy. Although other aspects of the DSG gearbox balance that out. Vehicles with older DSG gearboxes often have 15% worse fuel economy than one with a manual gearbox. However, the newer second generation 7-speed DSG gearbox gets better fuel economy than the manual transmission.

The DSG gearbox was developed by VAG and was the first dual-clutch transmission seen in the UK when Audi fitted it to the TT in 2003. Since then many newer VAG models use a seven-speed version, rather than the six-speed system which was fitted to early cars.

If you don’t fancy a VW, Audi or Skoda, many other manufacturers now offer DSG-style gearboxes, with their own unique names and acronyms.

These include:

• BMW (DCT) 3 Series Coup, M3, Z4
• Citroen (DCS) C-Crosser
• Ferrari California
• Ford (Powershift) C-Max, Focus, Galaxy, S-Max
• Mitsubishi (SST) Evo X
• Nissan GT-R
• Peugeot (DCS) 4007
• Porsche (PDK) 911, Boxster, Cayman, Panamera
• Volvo (Powershift) C30, S40, V50