[A8] A small list

[Vincent Gelinas]

Hi, all!

I am the new-ish owner of a 1999 PF D2 A8Q, 4.2L V8, 5spd tip.

1) Can the ABS sensors from a b5 a4 be used on a d2 a8?  There's a massive
difference in price and they look like the same thing.

2) How restrictive is the stock exhaust system on the a8?  I know it's much
too quiet for my tastes, but is it wicked restrictive and built to a price
point like a normal car's is?  If it's pretty free-flowing as it is, what
muffler would you recommend to replace the massive back muffler to give me
a better tone but not hurt the flow or sound rice-y?

3) Are the HID ballasts 55w or 35w?  I can't seem to find the answer
online.  One of my bulbs has dropped in color temp (gotten warmer, more
towards 3500-4000K instead of the 5,000K like the other one) and flickers
out more often than not.  I can usually get the light to come back on by
flicking my switch on and off, but only the AudiGods know how long the bulb
will stay on after that.  Occasionally the other one will go out, too, but
not as often.  A headlight switch may be a good idea to replace along with
my bulbs as it seems that it's the same part from the a4/a6 that likes to
melt because it's non-relayed.

4) I've noticed when decelerating lately that I will occasionally get a
shudder through the drivetrain, almost like it binds for a second and
releases.  Could this be the EDL screwing up because of a faulty ABS
sensor, or is that indicative of tranny problems?  I know the torque
converter lockup issue at low rpms and steady speed is telling me I need a
fluid and filter service (at least from what my research has told me), but
I haven't heard of the driveline jolt while decelerating.

5) What's involved in these beasts in servicing the rear diff fluid?  Mine
has a leak and I would like to fill it up before winter to make sure it has
enough fluid to last till I can crawl under the car in spring and replace
the seals.

6) Is there any way to fill the gear oil that leaks from the output shaft
seal without dropping the exhaust and driveshaft?  I'd like to keep it
topped off until I can get the 3-400 to fix it properly.

Thanks in advance,

Vincent