S4 Avant - 5K miles & needs a new rear diff !!!!

[niallcut]

Just wondered has anybody had a similar problem to mine. I've got a 2004 Audi S4 Avant with only 5k miles and it seems I need a new rear differential. I noticed a whine from the rear of the car at about 50-60 mph when driving on a good road surface. Took it to the dealer who immediately heard it also even though it's not particularly loud. Put it up on the ramp and could see the rear diff covered in oil. Took almost a liter of oil to top it up. Seems the seal is gone on one side. Dealer is talking about a new seal but I think a new diff might be needed.

Anybody here have any similar experience or advice ?

[yertis]

niallcut said:

Just wondered has anybody had a similar problem to mine. I've got a 2004 Audi S4 Avant with only 5k miles and it seems I need a new rear differential. I noticed a whine from the rear of the car at about 50-60 mph when driving on a good road surface. Took it to the dealer who immediately heard it also even though it's not particularly loud. Put it up on the ramp and could see the rear diff covered in oil. Took almost a liter of oil to top it up. Seems the seal is gone on one side. Dealer is talking about a new seal but I think a new diff might be needed. Anybody here have any similar experience or advice ?

Insist on a new diff, simple as that.

[JonRB]

Presumably if it is a 2004 car then it is covered under warranty?

Not sure if you can insist on a new diff. I would imagine they only have to make good.

[yertis]

Just putting on a new seal is closing the gate after the horse etc. Running a diff with no oil isn't going to do it any good at all, hence the whine, Having said that, Audi transmissions are generally incredibly strong, so it might be OK.

[yertis]

Just putting on a new seal is closing the gate after the horse etc. Running a diff with no oil isn't going to do it any good at all, hence the whine, Having said that, Audi transmissions are generally incredibly strong, so it might be OK.

[NiallCut]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
Just spoke with the dealer and he feels that I should get a new diff also but Audi are grumbling saying I must have been off roading it or similar. They've already seen the underside of the car and it's perfect so I don't really know what they're playing at. Apparently it's "Never happened before" !!
The dealer says he's on my side .... we'll see