StanA8L

Purchased this 2001 A8L in 2006 with 45,000 miles. Now has 189,000 and I'm not sure if should keep it or bury it. It looks and runs great and wife doesn't want to get rid of it. My questions.

1. What symptoms will show before a transmission failure? We have not had a failure and all I read is it WILL happen after 125,000 miles. It all seems fine, except there seems to be a shudder in 2nd gear under moderate acceleration. Feel a thumping from rear of car I think. (U-Joint?) Also a shudder/shimmy at 70mph when lifting off throttle. Feels like from front of car? What could these be? And how much to replace transmission?

2. The front suspension/steering makes a creaking/moaning/groaning sound when turning at slow speeds. Like in a parking lot. Has a minor fluid leak. Replaced front axles last year. Not sure if/when replaced wheel bearings/hubs?

3. Timing Belt. Belt/Water Pump/ Therm, etc replaced at 100,000+/- miles. Planning to let that go?

New fuel pump 2 years ago. Brakes replaced every 25,000 miles. Other than that, nothing major, just control arms, tires, battery, a couple sensors.

Any suggestions or ideas are appreciated!

Thanks!

nossisnave

Having a shop replace the transmission may cost anywhere from $3k-$5k depending of what is actually done, and warranty.

Has the transmission ever had it's fluid changed?

StanA8L

Yes, trans fluid changed at 70k and 125k. 1/2 bottle of additive (forget the name right now) at about 150K as torque converter was sticking on downshifts. Trans shifts very smooth up and down the gears.

MnFourRingFamily

My 2001 A8L just turned 200,774 miles and haven't had a tranny issue ever. I got it in 2008 with 111,000 miles and it's been great. Told I'm getting a leaking tran pan and filter service recommended, so I'll be doing this job soon. The guarantee is that you will have problems if you don't stay on top of them, but ridiculously nice cars require more effort. A4's have their problems, we had three of them at one time (one per kid), now it's just the mother ship in the fleet.