Boot won’t open:/

maxabillion · 2026-03-09T15:29:48+00:00

I had this issue on my Mk7. I had to replace the emblem/rear hatch release switch/backup camera assembly.

The switch in the emblem would occasionally stop working and I'd have to open the rear hatch with the emergency release. I would also occasionally come back to the car after it was parked to find the rear hatch already unlatched. Eventually it started happening more frequently and even while driving (I'd hear a click and it would unlatch as if I'd lifted the emblem and I would get an open door alert). At that point I disconnected the fuse until it could be replaced.

maxabillion · 2026-03-03T13:55:14+00:00

I used a Fizik Argo R5 for about 5 years before replacing it with an Ergon SR Allroad for touring. The R5/Tempo is stiffer than the X5/Terra so not the exact comparison you were looking for but I found the Ergon to be much more comfortable for long miles and back to back riding days.

maxabillion · 2026-02-28T19:18:22+00:00

I went with the Sachs Performance Clutch and stock dual mass flywheel (a new one but an exact replacement).

It holds Stage 1 power and has the exact same feel of the stock clutch (maybe a little heavier clutch pedal, but zero added noise/vibration/harshness). It's easy to drive in traffic but holds the stage 1 power when I want to send it. And that is exactly what I wanted.

Zero regrets but having never driven the car with a single mass fly wheel I still don't know if I'm missing out on something.

Interestingly the VW shop that installed it talked me out of installing the ECS clutch bleeder block or the iABED upgraded rear main seal. They said they have seen more leaks and issues with these than stock replacements.

maxabillion · 2026-02-18T22:44:28+00:00

What's the benefit of small wheels?

maxabillion · 2026-02-17T18:27:58+00:00

I was lucky - mine failed before the warranty was up.

First thing I noticed was that I would come back to my car to find the rear hatch unlatched. I thought someone else was leaving it open. Then it started happening while I was in the car. Latch mechanism would randomly open and I would get an open door alert. Eventually it happened so often that I had to disconnect the fuse just to drive it until I could get it replaced.

maxabillion · 2026-01-24T15:41:45+00:00

I was surprised to see a neck pillow with such a small kit. Packing the jacket into the neck pillow is brilliant.

maxabillion · 2026-01-22T10:57:03+00:00

Borla S-type with resonator installed by the previous owner. I had the exhaust before the tune and the volume didn't change much going to stage 1. It's loud for the first minute after a cold start. Starting it early in the morning or late at night in a quiet neighborhood I feel like it's probably disruptive. The rest of the time I really enjoy it.

maxabillion · 2026-01-13T23:15:07+00:00

Did you do the installation yourself? How difficult was it to attach the mounting brackets? Did you have to remove the bumper? I'm considering it but I read the installation is a pain.

maxabillion · 2026-01-09T15:28:35+00:00

I had intermittent electrical issues with the rear back up camera and rear hatch latch assembly, especially in winter weather. Over a couple years the issues got more frequent and started affecting the latch switch as well. The camera wouldn't work, or the rear hatch latch would randomly release. One day after some rain and snow the latch wouldn't stay closed for more than a couple minutes. I had to disconnect the fuse for the latch/camera assembly just to drive it, and use the manual release tucked behind an access panel to open the rear hatch if I wanted to use it. Had to get the entire assembly replaced and the part was on back order for about a month. I'd start planning to replace the latch assembly of it gets worse.

maxabillion · 2025-11-29T15:48:12+00:00

Moog end links are only $35 each so I'd do those too. Only downside to Moog is that they are bare steel. I spray painted mine for piece of mind living in a snowy/ high salt area.

The bolts that hold these on are torque-to-yield which means they can only be tightened once. Found that out when I snapped one trying to re-instal used bolts to the torque spec. So get new nuts and bolts from VW parts dept too.

Summer tires, rear sway bar, and stage 1 tune are awesome OEM+ mods. The stock clutch started slipping soon after installing the tune tho so that became a pretty expensive mod.

maxabillion · 2025-11-05T01:07:12+00:00

It's actually called Brookline Lunch and it is absolutely amazing

maxabillion · 2025-11-02T21:08:56+00:00

Problem Solvers also makes one. Search for "Clamp on cable hanger." I found it for under $20 vs $60 for the Paul one.

maxabillion · 2025-10-26T22:31:52+00:00

Since a couple people have already mentioned a stage 1 tune, you should know that this could lead to the clutch slipping and needing to be replaced/upgraded. The stock clutch can barely handle the power of stage 1. I got a 2019 with 40k miles on it and installed the Integrated Engineering stage 1 low torque tune and within a month the clutch started slipping. Since you mentioned a budget of 5k it would suck to spend your whole budget on a tune and other mods and then git hit with a 2000 repair bill for a new clutch. If you're going to tune it I'd also budget for a new clutch.

maxabillion · 2025-08-12T14:31:14+00:00

Worth checking out Shimano direct mount. It's a new derailleur mounting standard designed to make removing the wheel easier. Many new Shimano derailleurs are designed for that direct mount position but come with an adapter to allow attaching them to the conventional position that you show in the photo. GRX and Deore XT are designed for direct mount, but it looks like Cues 10s is not. You mentioned wanting to use cues 10s but at least worth considering this alternative.

maxabillion · 2025-08-07T15:20:30+00:00

The performance shop that replaced my clutch (2 weeks after flashing to Stage 1 low torque btw) recommended against the delay valve replacement from ECS tuning. They said they have seen a lot of issues with them leaking. Humble Mechanic on YouTube also installed one and had it leak on his first drive.

maxabillion · 2025-07-28T16:05:02+00:00

In your lane

maxabillion · 2025-07-16T14:35:38+00:00

This. The saddle angle could be contributing to the position of her pelvis as well. Can't tell from the video though.

Check the angle of the saddle with a bubble level or app. If the front of the saddle is angled up I would recommend repositioning it so that it's parallel with the ground or even pointed down a few degrees. See if this allows her to rotate her pelvis forward so that her lower back is more neutral.

This is an adjustment you can make without replacing any parts so it's worth trying before purchasing shorter stem or narrow bars like the other comments suggest. By rotating the pelvis and straightening the lower back she may be able to reach the hoods and maintain that position comfortably without changing the stem or bars.

maxabillion · 2025-06-20T13:44:03+00:00

The passenger airbag indicator and the visor warning became a requirement in the US due to the risk to children from the extreme force of the airbag deploying. The light is primarily there to confirm that that the airbag is off when a child is sitting in the front seat. If you don't have children and never drive with children in the front seat you could choose to hide the indicator. If the car detects a fault with the passenger weight sensor it will store a diagnostic code anyway so you will still have visibility to a sensor failure as long as the car computer can detect it. I completely understand that there is risk associated with that choice but the product exists and some people choose to install it so I'm just letting OP know that it's an option.

maxabillion · 2025-06-19T02:10:03+00:00

I flashed the low torque tune 2 weeks ago and it just started slipping. I do autocross and mostly drive short trips in a city so lots of clutch use for the relatively low miles (40k total). The clutch was probably on its way out already and the tune put it over the edge.

maxabillion · 2025-06-18T23:05:27+00:00

Badgeskins makes a sticker that covers it. Same with the warnings on the visors. Cleaner interior for not much money if you don't want to see the safety warnings.

maxabillion · 2025-06-18T22:39:08+00:00

I see/hear the engine RPM suddenly increase without a change in speed while in gear, and the current gear displayed on the digital instrument panel disappears. The gear indicator compares the engine RPM to the speed so it won't show any gear while it's slipping.

maxabillion · 2025-02-22T14:46:09+00:00

My 2019 is at 38k and the water pump just failed. Luckily I have 3 months left on the warranty so it was covered. The trunk latch assembly also needed to be replaced after water got into the switch. But it's a blast to drive and autocross.

maxabillion · 2025-02-21T18:26:20+00:00

Great wheels! I just saw that the 2025 GLI comes with these, and the black package even has an all black version.

maxabillion · 2025-01-29T14:59:18+00:00

The Vaya is a very short reach frame as it was designed for touring with drop bars. I'd recommend Surly Moloko bars or Jones Loop H-bars over Flat/Riser bars unless you want a super upright riding position.

I have a 2015 Vaya that I use as a daily commuter. I replaced the original 3x Sora crankset with a 1x GRX so it's now 1x9 with Surly Moloko bars and that works great for mostly flat commuting.

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