How to Solve Transmission Noise Fault in an Audi RS3
Finding a high-performance sports car that offers great value for money can be difficult, but brands like Audi offer a variety of options that are worth considering.
The Audi RS3, for example, is a small, powerful, and visually appealing car that many prefer over competitors and other Audi models. The RS3 also offers the added benefits of German reliability, high-tech features, and impressive handling. But, what sets the RS models apart is the sound of the engine – it has a sporty and aggressive tone, especially when the engine is pushed. Quite simply, it’s an important part of the car’s sporty performance character.
So, when the sound of the RS engine is drowned out by heavy rotational knocking and whine on overrun coming from the transmission it’s time to get a professional to take a look.
Mr U brought his 2015 Audi RS3 to Links Automotive garage, reporting an unusual noise coming from the transmission. Understandably he was concerned that his Audi RS3 had developed a strange noise, but knew that Links Automotive would be the team to get to the bottom of the issue. We have built up a reputation in Macclesfield and Cheshire for being the place to bring your Audi or VW.
Our Audi specialist started his diagnostic evaluation by asking Mr U questions about the issue and the car’s history.
Faults Found
The first step in addressing the issue was to verify the client’s complaints and ensure that the proper area was being examined.
After hearing about the transmission issue, our Audi specialist immediately put the car on the lift to inspect the Audi – paying close attention to any loose objects near the gearbox.
He then started the car and listened for any rattling noises – there was no noise coming from the vehicle whilst it was stationery. Our Audi expert therefore determined that there was another internal issue causing the noise. A deeper inspection was needed.
Before proceeding, our Audi specialist also checked the car for relevant fault codes which can help in identifying the fault area by using the vehicle’s main computer.
No fault codes were registered on the car. Typically if there is an electrical issue at play the Transmission Control Module (TCM) will send a distress signal to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and cause a fault to be raised.
So, the Audi RS3 was making a sound, but only when moving, but the transmission system detected nothing wrong. The absence of any fault codes was leading our Audi specialist technician to think that there was a mechanical explanation to this unusual noise.
It was time to initiate the in-depth 15-step diagnostic procedure!
We follow this process to the tee, and all our technicians use the procedure to ensure they get a first-time diagnosis every time.
The Diagnosis
The first step in the diagnostic process is to verify the client’s complaints. Our Audi expert had already done that in the beginning and followed that up with an investigation of any fault codes being produced by the Audi. But neither of the initial steps could help our technician reach the bottom of the issue. So, he started the car and went for a test drive.
Our Audi expert did not have to drive too long as the clattering noise presented itself pretty quickly.
He couldn’t exactly identify the fault area, but he got a general idea. Our Audi specialist drove back to the garage and put the car on a ramp. He wanted easier access to the gearbox components this time, as the initial checkup hadn’t revealed anything obvious.
Our technician performed a detailed inspection, checking every component connected to the transmission, and he soon found the component causing all the trouble. It turned out that there was a collapsed bearing on the output flange of the 4WD bevel box. This part connects with the gearbox, and it only creates a sound when the vehicle is in motion.
To ensure this was correct, Dave also looked at the Audi technical information that we have access to as an approved Audi independent garage and found that this is a common fault in the Audi RS3. The solution is to replace the part with an updated version.
No wonder the clattering noise was troubling the client. If it had been left untreated any longer, the car could have also experienced a loss in performance. Luckily, Mr U acted quickly, and he brought his Audi RS3 straight to us.
Our Audi specialist did not waste time – he found the problem on the first try. But the car was still waiting for the fix, so our Audi specialist moved his attention to the part replacement procedure.
The Solution
Our Audi technician removed the troublesome part and replaced it with a new component. He had to be careful to select the part number since Audi changed it in 2017.
Once the new 4wd bevel box was in place, our technician checked the car for fault codes. Sometimes fault codes can materialise after replacing a component. However, that was not the case with Mr U’s RS3.
So, the only thing left was to take the vehicle for a test drive and check it again for the clattering noise.
Our Audi technician performed that test and couldn’t hear any unusual noise emanating from the gearbox. In other words, the repair was complete, and it was time for team to call the client and give him the good news. The client picked up his vehicle, thanked our Audi expert for the service, and went back home a happy man.
Summary
Mr U visited Links Automotive hoping that we would find the source of an annoying clattering noise coming from his car’s transmission. Our Audi expert took the client’s 2015 Audi RS3 under his wing and began formulating a plan for the repair.
He used his knowledge of cars, training, and our 15-step diagnostic procedure as his primary tools to tackle the RS3 repair. The in-depth process helped our Audi specialist cover all his bases and reach the issue’s core in no time.
Our Audi technician started with a complete vehicle scan followed by a visual inspection of the vehicle. But it was only after a short test drive that he found the main fault area. Once our technician was there, he quickly tested all the components and found the 4WD bevel box to be at fault. So, our Audi specialist replaced that part and retested the client’s vehicle.
Everything worked fine, and the car’s initial problem disappeared.
Although there was a delay while waiting for the warranty company to authorise, we were able to return the car to the customer just in time for Christmas. When we contacted the client, he expressed his gratitude for the excellent service, expertise, and value we had provided despite the unfortunate wait. Mr. U was impressed with the work we had done and appreciated our commitment to fulfilling our promise.
If you want to feel as happy and satisfied as Mr U, call Links Automotive now on 01625 402262 and get the service your Audi deserves.
