Automatic transmission whine

[pimpdriver]

Hi,

Picked up the 100 auto on Sunday (eventually - someone got killed on the M5 and a 2 hour journey took 6 hours).

Got a whine on the auto box, which was there on the test drive (so I knew what I was buying).

It seems related to road speed rather than engine speed.

It sounds like a "diff whine", and is present when you are cruising steadily (i.e. the power is being transmitted to the wheels), when you back off the accelerator (i.e. on the overrun or freewheeling), the noise disappears.

I had to top up the ATF yesterday, as it was leaking onto the ground at work.

Is it worth getting the final drive oil changed, and add some "additive" (molyslip or similar) to quieten it down???

Regarding the leak, it may be the gasket that is around the autobox sump????

The gearbox apart from that works fine, it kicks down when required, and changes smoothly, so hopefully it isn't a major problem.

Any ideas?

[Ringmaster]

G'day mate,

Sounds a bit like the problem on my 80, except all the noise (a low rattle) only seems to occur around 2nd gear when accelerating. It's fine when cruising and in every other way.

Do check the final drive oil. Topping mine up cured my noise problem by 90%. No whining, just a little rattle now.

[SteveCat]

Agreed-sounds like Diff to me.

I used Lubegard additive for 80k on my previous car and its still running well now.

Steve

[Steve Hope]

Just check the diff oil first to see if theres any atf oil mixed with it, I seem to remember that these boxes were prone to the seal between the box & the diff leaking, causing a high pitched squeal when driving under load due to thinning of the diff oil, Hope this helps

[pimpdriver]

Hi Steve, Steve and Bruce

I'll pop it into the garage, probably friday, or read the Haynes to see how hard it is to change the diff oil. I ave done it before on an 80, and it as quite easy.

I'm not goonna touch the ATF fluid change, as that needs scrupulous cleanliness, as well as knowing what you are doing.

The pink fluid I put in 2 days agi is still pink, I think the fluid in before was green?????

WHen I test drove it, there was ATF fluid on the dipstick, after 150 miles, there wasn't. But I've done 150 miles since topping up and it's fine.

I used Castrol D which Halfords says is the right one (being compatible with Dexron II standard).

I bought some from the VW dealer, but I need to check it is the right stuff, they weren't overly confident.

Steve

[Nigel Conniford]

BEFORE YOU DRAIN ANYTHING PLEASE CHECK THAT THE FILLER PLUG CAN BE REMOVED FIRST

You might find that the filler plug on the diff or gearbox is stuck, these proberly havent been touched from the day Audi filled them, ALWAYS make sure that you can remove these before you drain anything from the Diff or Gearbox, as once youve drain them and you cant get the filler plug out, YOU ARE BUGGERED

[pimpdriver]

good tip!

[ChrisG]

probably not a problem you have but the A8 guys have had problems with their boxes. Noises, slurring, thumps on upchanges etc. Audi answer is to replace !! Smart option is several changes of fluid and a clean of the filters each time. Seems that filled for life ensures a short life! Average costs seem to be very cheap compared to a new box ! A few gallons of fluid.
I wonder how many have drained off only to find the filler stuck?

[pimpdriver]

Originally Posted by Steve Hope

Just check the diff oil first to see if theres any atf oil mixed with it, I seem to remember that these boxes were prone to the seal between the box & the diff leaking, causing a high pitched squeal when driving under load due to thinning of the diff oil, Hope this helps

Steve Hope was the winner!

The seal has gone between the ATF and the diff oil, causing the diff oil to thin, which has caused the diff to wear.

2 choices:

pay hundreds of pounds and get it fixed

turn up the stereo

I will choose the second choice!

The car cost me £320 and I sold the radio for £20, so it owes me £300. So far I've driven 1000 miles, no problems apart from the noise. Well apart from the leaky PAS pump (which I got changed today, I had a spare pump).

I will keep it as a spare car for when the 100 quattro needs work doing to it (quite soon, actually!).

Cheers,
Steve