2003 Transfer Case Failure
06-16-2015, 02:24 PM
#1
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2003 Transfer Case Failure
New to these forums and Audis generally, so forgive any stupidity revealed below.
About 2+ weeks ago my wife purchased a 2003 A4 for her daughter "as is" and naturally on Saturday it appeared the transmission was blown. Engine revved, but wouldn't go forward or in reverse. My mechanic told me today it was the transfer case and the nature of the part meant the whole transmission would need to be replaced, a fairly pricey repair from what I've heard. He recommended getting a salvage one to keep costs to a minimum (quoted me ~$2200, including labor).
A family friend who is also a half-assed mechanic said a cheaper alternative than that would be to remove the transfer case altogether and essentially convert the car from AWD to RWD (or FWD, not sure which).
First, is that even possible? And, second, is it a good idea? The reason I ask is that we have no money at the moment for the salvage repair (let alone a rebuilt), which means the car would be a piece of driveway art for a bit. The second option is probably doable, but it sounds awfully ghetto and I'm not sure it's feasible.
Other than severe mockery for the suggestion, input from more experienced members would be appreciated. Thanks!
About 2+ weeks ago my wife purchased a 2003 A4 for her daughter "as is" and naturally on Saturday it appeared the transmission was blown. Engine revved, but wouldn't go forward or in reverse. My mechanic told me today it was the transfer case and the nature of the part meant the whole transmission would need to be replaced, a fairly pricey repair from what I've heard. He recommended getting a salvage one to keep costs to a minimum (quoted me ~$2200, including labor).
A family friend who is also a half-assed mechanic said a cheaper alternative than that would be to remove the transfer case altogether and essentially convert the car from AWD to RWD (or FWD, not sure which).
First, is that even possible? And, second, is it a good idea? The reason I ask is that we have no money at the moment for the salvage repair (let alone a rebuilt), which means the car would be a piece of driveway art for a bit. The second option is probably doable, but it sounds awfully ghetto and I'm not sure it's feasible.
Other than severe mockery for the suggestion, input from more experienced members would be appreciated. Thanks!
06-17-2015, 05:35 AM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
By "transfer case", do you mean Torsen Unit? If so, I believe you can replace just the Torsen, but I could be wrong.
Having said that, I would recommend you go to a reputable Audi specialist. For instance, what you describe, no forward or backwards movement, could be caused by a single axle popping out and because of the design of the Quattro system, all the engine power goes to the one axle and spins it which is disconnected, but not the other 3. Or if it's internal tot he transmission / differential, it may be something simple.
As far as modifying to fwd, I have never heard of that being done. It isn't as simple as not putting the torsen in and may cost you more to get working.
Having said that, I would recommend you go to a reputable Audi specialist. For instance, what you describe, no forward or backwards movement, could be caused by a single axle popping out and because of the design of the Quattro system, all the engine power goes to the one axle and spins it which is disconnected, but not the other 3. Or if it's internal tot he transmission / differential, it may be something simple.
As far as modifying to fwd, I have never heard of that being done. It isn't as simple as not putting the torsen in and may cost you more to get working.
06-22-2015, 01:03 PM
#3
1 Find an Audi mechanic. Get an accurate diagnosis of the drivetrain problem.
2 Pay a hundred bucks and get a *thorough* list of everything that needs to be done. Drive boots, leaking seals, tranny maintenance, everything. You didn't say if it is the turbo 4 or the six, but the 4's are prone to sludge issues and so I'd get a scope and check for sludge on the oil pickup, or look on the crankcase breather tube. I assume you know about timing belts?
3 Once you have the list, sit down and take a hard look at whether you want your wife's daughter in this car instead of a Honda. It's not a vehicle for those without bucks or the skills to fix it yourself. Do this now, instead of when you're into it for another couple of thousand. My sense is you should dump it and go Asian. Let the daughter buy her own Audi when she has the resources to keep it up.
2 Pay a hundred bucks and get a *thorough* list of everything that needs to be done. Drive boots, leaking seals, tranny maintenance, everything. You didn't say if it is the turbo 4 or the six, but the 4's are prone to sludge issues and so I'd get a scope and check for sludge on the oil pickup, or look on the crankcase breather tube. I assume you know about timing belts?
3 Once you have the list, sit down and take a hard look at whether you want your wife's daughter in this car instead of a Honda. It's not a vehicle for those without bucks or the skills to fix it yourself. Do this now, instead of when you're into it for another couple of thousand. My sense is you should dump it and go Asian. Let the daughter buy her own Audi when she has the resources to keep it up.
06-25-2015, 05:56 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Im pretty sure you can separate the torsen from the transmission and replace it. I have never needed to replace one, but I have seen people take them off and weld them up and put them back so its a locker. See if a place has a core blown trans they would sell you the transfer unit off of. If you do replace the trans, 1.8T auto transmission are much much easier than in a V6.
And screw getting a Honda or some stupid crap, these cars are plenty reliable, Hondas can be bad cars too, not every Japanese car is perfect and wonderful, maintenance and repairs are as expensive as Euro cars. Parts for Japanese cars are insane!
And screw getting a Honda or some stupid crap, these cars are plenty reliable, Hondas can be bad cars too, not every Japanese car is perfect and wonderful, maintenance and repairs are as expensive as Euro cars. Parts for Japanese cars are insane!
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