manhattanbeach

I've got a 97 2.8 Quattro Automatic with 91K miles and have been experiencing transmission problems lately. As I slow down, I feel a jolt or thud coming from the rear part of my car as the car downshifts. The feeling is similar to being lightly rear-ended. It seems as if this occurs during the downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. The problem occurs after driving in stop and go traffic for a few minutes and is especially prevelant when driving aggresively (accelerating and braking quickly). The same thing occurs if I've slowed to around 10 mph and then accelerate quickly. Has anybody else experienced this or know what could be wrong? I've read about similar smpytoms, but haven't heard any diagnosis. I'd take it to the dealer, but I'm afraid they'll either tell me that its not a big deal or that I need a new tranny. One way or the other, it probably won't be the answer i'm looking for. I'd like to nip this one in the bud before it becomes a more serious and costly problem. Any advice would be appreciated.

JAFO

get the drive shaft joints checked!

BattlefieldA4

When I changed by tranny fluid on my 96 quattro, I didn't get enough in to reach the proper level (car wasn't level). It acted very much like you are describing, especially when cold. Stopping fast would result in a solid kick in the rear just after the stop. Adding some fluid fixed it. Have you had the fluid changed? Or do you have a leak? I would recommend checking fluid level, which is really a PITA.

manhattanbeach

Thanks. I will check the drive shaft joints when I service the transmission. Thought that it could also be a loose mount...we'll see.

manhattanbeach

the culprit. Had the transmission serviced yesterday and it appears to have taken care of the problem. I asked the dealer to check for leaks and they didn't see any. I'll just have to continually monitor the system and levels. Thanks again.