Topic: Transmission Advice - B6 A4 1.8T Quattro 5-Speed

[srpittman]

Does anyone have some good feedback on rebuilding or replacing an B6 A4 manual transmission.  While it is expected to be an expensive repair, I'd like to continue to own my car and get my money's worth rather than trade for another pile of debt.  I've invested plenty in the car with mods & maintenance so right now I think its worth it.  My thinking right now is that I'd do the following:

- Upgrade clutch to Stage 2 or 3 level as part of the repair
- Repair or Replace Transmission perhaps strengthened for higher performance
- Identify work to either do myself or the best shop to work with.  I'm familiar and have worked with (AoRH, FLAudi, Steve's, Motorwerks)

[jaustin]

the transmission is bad? or the clutch went out?

[srpittman]

The clutch is ok and I'm still driving the car everyday.  Without tearing it apart, the problem seems to mainly just be 1st gear.  I'm not having trouble shifting and don't feel any resistance in shifting.  I don't know what synchros are exactly so I can't comment on their health.  Dealer rough-estimated about $6,000 to fix (clutch, tranny, labor)

I found some information from JH Motorsports I'm reading through now but not sure how likely I'd take on the challenge of rebuilding myself considering experience, time, and expense.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/213259-JHM-01A-5-speed-%28B5-B6-A4%29-Manual-Transmission-Rebuild-kit-and-VIDEO-now-available!

[jaustin]

maybe try swapping out the fluid first to see what that does?

whats the problems in first? it wont go in or you have to force it in more?

[srpittman]

maybe try swapping out the fluid first to see what that does?

whats the problems in first? it wont go in or you have to force it in more?

Neither - It makes an annoying repetitive sound when I accelerate in 1st gear only and doesn't go away until I shift to 2nd gear or higher.   No problems otherwise.  The sound is easily heard and repeats faster as the car accelerates.  It sounds kind of like a knocking/clicking sound.

[jaustin]

I dont think its your clutch/trans. Hows your suspension? maybe you just hear it in first and not the others?

[srpittman]

I dont think its your clutch/trans. Hows your suspension? maybe you just hear it in first and not the others?

I'd like to believe it's not my trans and determine that it's something less expensive to fix...  My suspension seems to be all good.  I'm running a Koni FSD setup that's probably only about 1-2 years old now and hasn't had any issues thus far.  I just had an alignment done and that dealer told me they heard the noise.  They said it was my right wheel axle and noticed it when the car turns right.  I didn't have any confidence in that assessment however due to the fact that the car makes the same exact noise no matter which way you turn and when driving straight, but only in 1st gear.  The folks over at Raxles also didn't believe so.  The noise is very prominent in 1st gear and would be easily detected in other gears.  If your in the area, I'd be more than happy to let you hear it.

[jm]

I would just get outta first gear quickly (you should be anyway) and keep driving.  Anything that invovles the words trans and fix or repair == money.

[ken]

I would also be tempted to get a lower mileage trans and just swap it in instead of rebuilding it.  Unless you're keeping the car for another 100k.

[jaustin]

I'm located in whitehall.  have you looked around for anything that might be rubbing? wheel bearing maybe?

[Castle]

We have a member here that drove on a chipped tooth in first gear for years.  I'd agree with Ken, swap out the trans.  I've never had good luck with rebuilt, they just never seem to be the same.

[Rex Karz]

I had my Dodge Ram trans rebuilt by this guy.  Did a fantastic job.  313 477 4941.  His name is Greg.

[srpittman]

I would also be tempted to get a lower mileage trans and just swap it in instead of rebuilding it.  Unless you're keeping the car for another 100k.

Any quick suggestions on where to find one from a reputable place?  I do intend to keep the car. 

[srpittman]

the transmission is bad? or the clutch went out?

Two professional opinions out of three believe I have at least a chipped tooth in 1st gear.  I concur with those opinions and my clutch is also near end-of-life.  I'm on the OEM clutch at 192,000 miles.  The two opinions for those curious have come from Dealer AoRH and Stefan @ Moterwerks. 

Current plans are for Stefan to open it up and fix/repair/something on Jan 3rd.  I'm going to replace the OEM clutch at that time with a DXD Stage 3 clutch and flywheel from APR...

[jm]

Two professional opinions out of three believe I have at least a chipped tooth in 1st gear.  I concur with those opinions and my clutch is also near end-of-life.  I'm on the OEM clutch at 192,000 miles.  The two opinions for those curious have come from Dealer AoRH and Stefan @ Moterwerks. 

Current plans are for Stefan to open it up and fix/repair/something on Jan 3rd.  I'm going to replace the OEM clutch at that time with a DXD Stage 3 clutch and flywheel from APR...

No reason like a broken anything to upgrade