Bad day driving my newly purchased used AUDI. (Pics below) Only had it going on 3 months now and had catastrophic transmission failure. The rear output transfer case housing is all busted to pieces and being on a budget Im debating two options. One is to order parts and do the repair work myself, or buy a parts car and do a transmission swap. I know it's a few variants of transmission models in these cars and I'll need an ECF model. Parts cars are going cheap, like 700 to 1000. And a used transmission in salvage yards are going for about the same price as buying a whole parts car, so its kinda a no-brainer going that route. If I do consider buying parts, can the repair job be done without removing the transmission. Looking at it, it looks like if I drop the exhaust, I may have plenty of working room, but not certain. Im curious, has anyone had this happen to them, and what route did you take to repair it? Where can I find the rear output housing case and parts?
Here is a pdf on the transmission and parts view diagram http://www.zf.com/media/media/docume...a_4/5HP24A.pdf
The housing is on page 21 part number 1058 336 203

 

I so love this forum, Its full of spectators, but no support... Where are the professionals when you need one?

 

Be patient, there are not as many 4.2s out there as there used to be and not a lot of DIY transmission repairers. Your sad story is another reason I prefer manual transmissions (yep, I know they are not available on the 4.2 and on newer A6s, which is why I bought the A4). Good luck, man.

 

Thanks ppgoal, for the encouraging words. But the time has come to were I take matters on my own I guess. I did purchase a used transfer case off eBay. The donor car is the same year 2000 , model A6, engine ART, and transmission code ECF. It comes with a warranty, and looking at the users eBay store it looks pretty reputable, I see they mainly specialize in Audi/VW salvage parts. Ive just ordered the part over the weekend. While it's in transit, Ill go ahead and drop the exhaust, drive shaft, and pull out the transfer case. Ive got the car up on jack stands already, The Elsa Audi Manual is showing that I can get all the bolts out to remove the transfer case without having to drop the trans. But if anyone has any insight or experience doing this job please, I'd love some advice on anything that might make this an easier task. BTW anyone have a suggested fluid type and viscosity weight in this transfer case? Anyone know? Wish me luck!
-Doug

 

Coming along nicely...