gear whine help
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
gear whine help Hey guys, I could use a bit of help here on a gear whine problem on an A4 2.73 geared car. I have done some reading and searching, which has made me consider other possibilities, but I am not experienced at troubleshooting this. I have a loud gear whine that started all of a sudden on a hard acceleration (this is bad, I know). I pulled the cover off the rear. Fluid was low. I saw no damage to ring gear teeth, or pinion as far as I could see with the carrier installed. No metal shavings/pieces in there. The first thing I thought of was that things got too hot and I warped things. But, the whine does not pulsate. I have never had pinion or wheel bearings go bad, so I am not sure quite what they sound like when bad. Could the axles themselves be damaged, with chipped/broken teeth? The whine is constant and gets louder and increases in pitch as speed increases. The whine is less noticeable under initial acceleration from a stand still, then whines at all speeds (proportionally). Thanks for any advice.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
so, I went out and drove the car again after putting the cover back on and adding lube, this time at higher speeds (~45mph). The noise is not anywhere near as pronounced as it was. Still a very noticeable whine. I drove it immediately after filling it yesterday, and after hearing a whine start at 20mph, I brought it straight home. I cannot tell any difference in turns. At times, the whining noise starts to cut out, like it wants to stop. It keeps going of course.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
The problem with living with it is that I am worried about something breaking and leaving me stranded. I'll probably wind up changing gears and everything, but I would like to know what the actual problem is first. When I say the noise cuts out, it is more of a sputter. Thanks for the input.
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Why was it low on lube, axel seals or cover plate? Either way, it got quieter when you added lube and the damage is done. You might want to check your limited slip as well for wear? I wouldn't write off the 10 bolt if you are close to stock and not on the track BTW.
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Launching!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
yes, I know - 2.73's have to buisiness being in a sports car like this, but that is just my opinion. 2.73's are for caprice classics and such. So, it was a matter of time for a gear change to occur. I was just not quite ready yet - wanting to do some other things first. I still want to do some suspension upgrades. Looks like the rear comes first now, though. Seeing as how I do not have the money for a 9" or a 12 bolt, I'm going to get some motive performance gears, a girdle, and maybe some new axle shafts. This car does not see the track hardly at all, so I think I'll be alright. As long at things are set up properly of course.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,358
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From: Michigan
with an a4 you'll be fine with the 3:73s and love them for dd, I never track my car, but it's one fun dd... I'll get a 9 or 12 when my rear brakes, no need to fix what isn't broke, I take it pretty easy for dd so I'm sure my 10bolt will hold up just fine for a few years...and yes, pair the gears with alittle suspension..
