I am picking up a 2002 Audi Allroad 2.7T this week and I have a few questions regarding the drivetrain.

I did a bit of a search and didn't come up with much. I am wondering if anyone knows if the Allroad comes standard with a limited slip rear differential or if not whether there is one available for the car. Is it something I can get straight from Audi? I had one as standard on my AWD Volvo Wagon and it made the world of difference in the heavy snow we get here in Lake Tahoe.

I also don't know much about the AWD system on the newer Audis - is it a Viscous Coupling setup, electronic engagement, or something else? If someone has a diagram of the system that would be great!

Any information is much appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

John,

I am pretty sure that the limited slip differential is made obsolete by the sophisiticated Quattro power distribution system. From what I've heard, power can be routed to the only wheel with traction in many situations, which actually makes a limited-slip diff look relatively primitive.

That said, I think you can buy an Audi with high-performance AWD with no worries (other than expensive repairs).

john

 

Thanks for the response. My only concern is that it isn't a true limited slip. Mechanically how does power get moved to the one wheel with traction if the others are spinning? Anyone had any issues with his or her Allroad get stuck with the opposite wheels spinning?

 

My experience is that the traction control works with the ABS and brakes the spinning wheel(s). This allows the power to go to the wheel(s) with traction.

Regarding repairs - other than normal servicing, my 2004 has been very solid. I have 52k miles with a lot of off-highway driving, including mud, sand,and snow. No problems other than a few scratchs and rock chips. Just wish I had someone to valet the car regularly!

 

John,

The quatro works from braking slippage with ABS, no L/S diff carrier. Don't sweat any shortages of traction, I have had my unmodified AR for4 years in Denver w/ plenty of mountian winter driving... I have driven and owned plenty of 4wds,the AR's weight and quatro systemin mud/snow is very impressive (don't get overconfident at higher speeds)Do some research on tires and you'll be set. Enjoy the ride...

 

I plan on running Nokian Studded Hakka 2s or 4s as I did in my Volvo V70R - they worked great! Thanks for your help.

 

I run BFG All Terrains when I know that I will do a lot of snow/mud/gravel driving. Those tires a bulletproof and last forever. Also, they seem appropriate for the go-anywhere nature of the Allroad.