[s-cars] 92 transmission+prop shaft

[serge]

Jack,
Just make sure that the Prop-shaft that connects the tranny to the rear diff
is up to snuff. Two CV joints, universal joints, and carrier bearings, lotsa
stuff to cause some lumpiness/notchyness to the rear, but not the front. I
have recently (yesterday) had the prop-shaft "refurbished" by a very
trustworthy mechanic (Bruno's quattro center). After a couple of back to
back 1,000 mile trips in the slush, I was getting some very pronounced
noises under load. In first at WOT it was like a loud banging/vibrating, not
unlike an engine miss, but more metallic, and coming from below rather than
from the front. I thought it was a definite CV joint problem (BTDT many
times with 84 GTI) but did not see any torn CV boots.

The prop shaft is tough to see, and to service, exhaust removal is
necessary. Both of my CV joints were in sad shape (moly grease turned thick
and hard). But universal joints and carrier bearings can be a problem too.
Scroll to see some pics at the bottom of the page with this link:

http://www.urs4.com/technical/transmission.html

Like it says, I don't think audi has parts to service this prop shaft,
either they think its a lifetime part (I think this is possible with regular
service such as greasing the U-joints and checking that the grease in the CV
joints has not turned into coal, but who the hell is going to drop their
exhaust system just for a look-see) or they just don't care what happens
after 100,000 miles. I don't see how this part can go without sevice for
more than 100,000 miles or 7-10 years. Though, depending on the climate
where the car is used, it seems this is something that should be done
between 75,000-100,000 miles, or when you ditch the factory exhaust system
in favor of a Stromung.

By the way, I recall some listers complaining of a metallic "clunk" that
makes the car skip slightly sideways during full-lock steering maneuvers
(not just when you tackle a curb, Joe). I believe the thought was that it
was Torsen related. I also had this noise, but since the prop shaft service
I have  not heard it, though I have not had much time with the car since
then, will keep posted.

HTH

Serge Filanovsky

95 S6 Avant




> Hello,
>
> My 92 S4 developed a whine in the transmission a few weeks ago.  I put it up
> on a lift and there is a definate notchyness on the rear output.  It is
> lumpy as it turns and is not smooth.  I suspect it is the dreaded pinion
> bearing failure.
>
> I have been looking around or a replacement and am not sure what is the best
> solution.  The six speed would be freat, but I cannot dish out $3,000 plus.
> I have ound a few used transmissions.  One is a 93 with 126K, the other is a
> 95 with 87k.  The 95 is about $400 more.
>
> Is it worth the extra money for the 95?  What years were prone to the pinion
> bearing problems?
>
> Thanks everyone,
>
> Jack
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