Hey guys...First post, so go easy on me. I wish it could be dealing with a different issue, but here goes. I bought my first Audi (2002 A4 1.8T MT5 Quattro) last night. Gave it a good look all around and a couple test drives, pushing it hard enough to test well, but gentle enough to not **** off the current owner. I've got to say that little engine is really impressive. I know it's not a monster, but it feels way better than expected. No issues except for some worn 17 in. sport tires. Pulled strong and smooth.

Problem: Today, while driving home for work in the rain (moderate), noticed a highly unusual vibration and rumble. This occurs in 4th and 5th, when accelerating from 2k-3k under medium pedal pressure. The rumble comes in with the turbo "surge". What are the chances it's the transmission, differential, or related? The only other thing I could think of is that maybe with the torque factor, wet roads and worn tires, the wheels were loosing traction??? Don't know if it's possible, but I hope it is. What is the Quattro track record? I'm hoping I didn't just get royally screwed. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Tire out of balance. Take a look and make your wheels and look for your wheel weights. it could be tire with a buldge in it too. I've had several tires that had bulges, manufacturing defects, this can some time show up at specific speeds or rpm levels.

It could be ESP coming in and out possibly.

 

Hopefully its not the same vibration I have, but it kinda sounds like it. I have a low hum around similar RPMs@gear...

Replace the tires or at the very least make sure the pressure is the same for all four tires, ASAP. I think this was a possible cause for my vibration cause there was less when I fixed the tire pressure (had a fast leak in rear). I'm also going to change the tranny+diff fluids and other scheduled items next time in the shop (85k miles). Might throw in some additive too.

 

This rumble is not slight...it is loud. It happens only when the RPM's are lower and I put the pedal down pretty good in 4th or 5th. It quits as soon as I let up. Nevertheless, it happens instantly, not gradually...and is very noticeable. Man, I hope it's poor tires slipping in the rain. I will lose sleep. It's got 51k miles and was inspected by Audi, with a clean bill of health, at 48k.

 

worn tireswill have the tread seperate some times this is what creates the bubble. This kind of thing can create that kind of symptom.

Tie rods possibly (ive never hand any go out)

Also it could be your airconditioning compressor going out. I have had that happen on two of my cars, low rpms, mid throttle, goes away as the throttle is let off or tapped. Happens more offten in high heat.

Turn your AC off, fans everything. then drive around if it still does it.. that is not the problem. If it does stop, have that looked at.

 

motor/tranny mount maybe

 

did plowman ever get the answer to this sound? The noises I have been posting according to the dealer are related to the transmission " bad bearings" I don't believe them!

 

Thanks for digging this out of the grave. I was about to make a search for this issue again. I beeter have the wheel bearings changed along with a tranny flush and new tires.

 

Well if it is the trany 5K parts and labor!