Hi, guys new to the forum and obviously my first post. Seems that my TT is having a problem when the car first pulls out of the driveway. The car acts as if it has a locking rear differential in that when you turn the car you can feel and hear one wheel skipping accross the concrete. The car also stops itself without touching the brakes. Both directions do it, and it can last up to 30-40 seconds of slow driving. And then after a brief period the car pops, and drives like normal. I did a search and started thinking this is possibly a Haldex issue. Any ideas?

Regards,

Rick

Mobile, AL

 

I hope your not driving with the parking brake on.

 

Nope, not that easy of a fix. Car does it regardless of whether the ebrake has been on all night or not.

Regards,

-=Rick

 

Makes me think the brakes are maybe binding, e-brake or not. Odd if it only happens when you first start out in themorning though.I'd keep an eye on your pad wear just in case. Also, if your pads are well worn, the piston that pushes the pad agaist the rotor extends far enough that theres a chance it gets a little ****-eyed in the caliper. AKA, your brakes stick on.

 

It could be a problem with the Haldex controller or as simple as the brake caliper hanging up.

Follow the instructions here on how to test your Haldex system to eliminate that as a possiblity.

 

We covered some questions about faulty haldex systems not long ago, while I can't say its impossible, I believe its highly unlikely. The system is designed so that it cannot engage the rear wheels if theres a problem.


BTW, good to see you're still around XCLR8TT, hows the orange controller treating you? I did my firstfluid change since installing the blue controller, and I noticed the oilwas much darker than before the blue controller.Have you had a chance to inspect your haldex fluid since swapping controllers?Eitherthe clutches are working more/harder with the new controller, or I'm paranoid. : )

 

I hardly put enough miles on it to warrant a change. These days my TT sits in a garage in NorCal and I am working down here in San Diego. I get up to visit her once a month. Had to go so far as to put a trickle charger on the battery to keep it juiced up between visits.

As for the Orange Controller, I am still loving. Playing with it at the track is a hoot. I last had it out at Infineon for the AudiClub Nationals. Next test will be at Laguna Seca in March.

How are things in your world?

 

Thanks for some ideas, let me add a bit to my description. The wheels will turn, it can be driven and when going stright it just feels as if the back brakes are dragging for a brief period. It is really notable when turning. If you have ever driven a vehicle with a locking rear diff, you notice when you make a turn on concrete that you feel a skipping on one wheel...that is exactly what is doing. I have searched through recalls etc... and cannot find anything.

Regrads,

-=Rick

 

Could be a bad ABS sensor or ESP problem. They both work by applying the brakes on one corner. Get it scanned with VAG-COM and see if any codes come up.

 

Alright, after our most recenttrip to the dealer, it has now been decided that the Haldex unit needs to be replaced...at least they think. Now that the car is out of it's extended warranty, the dealer Dean McCrary in Mobile, AL is not covering the repair.They were generous enough to offer to cover 50% parts and 20% labor per the service manager. Our cost would end up about $1400. WTF? This is a well documented problem that has been going on for a couple of years starting early in warranty, only to have gotten much worse recently.Is the offer to offset repairnot admitting fault? I find it odd that they all of a sudden found the problem now?

I am disgusted withthis dealer. Having owned many VW's and Audi's all the way back to Rabbit's I washed my hands of VW/Audi a few years back when i got the run around by this dealer onmy Jetta 1.8t. I actually had plans to pick up a A4wagon or Toureg when my family expanded, until my falling out with them. Unfortunatley,my mother already owned her TT when she moved here from central Florida and has had nothing but a hassle with them each visit.

So much for my trip down memory lane...on to the solution. I am planning on calling Audi customer care this am. Has anyone had any +/- expereinces with them? Any advice on communication that would lead to my solution? Would a call to the regional BBB aid in any resolution? Why does this have to be such a pain. I have never had problems like this with my Honda or Toyota dealer?

After this repair, I am going to urge my mother to let the TT go and look towards a Toyota. Anyone in the market for a silver 2003 TT coupe 225hp? What's the going rate on one of these things?

Regards,

-=Rick