I just bought a 2000 A4 1.8T Q manual (11/99 build), and I have some questions-

1. The fluid in the transmission is also used for the front differential, correct?

2. Is there fluid in the Torsen? I have a CD manual and I don't see any reference to checking the level, etc.

3. I have two unusual noises-both seem to be gear related. They're best described as a cyclical low frequency kind of 'growl' that seems to come from the front of the car.
a. It happens when decelerating. Any gear, if I take my foot off the gas and let the car slow, the noise is there.
b. It happens when turning. This one is pretty quiet, almost can't hear it if the car is in gear. But if I roll through a turn with the transmission in neutral it's there.

No other driving symptoms, everything else seems fine. I changed the rear dif fluid yesterday, and I guess I need the tool for the transmission, which may help with the previously mentioned growling noise. Ordered a set of Bilsteins, too. I'm missing some pixels on both the climate control and the information display, but I can live with that.

Thanks for the help (I did try to search for this stuff)-
Wayne

 

Have basically the same related problems in my 99 A4 quattro 1.8T. Just had the transmission fluidchanged@ 78k, thought that would have helped but no results. I will be checking all other drivetrain components as soon as the weathergets warmer. Hopefully it's a wheel bearing but I can almost pin point that low grinding noise to right under the center console from the interior of the car. The noise has recently became louder after I have traveled in snowy conditions for several days. Maybe an unbalanced driveshaft too? Gotta love a quattro...

 

could that be some thing like a roller bearing inside the transmission ??? Just a guess..