Greetings! I've recently posted this, but haven't recieved any input. About one month ago I was backing my 96 A4 Quattro out of the driveway andheard a clunking / grindingsound. The car jerked and stopped.I haven't heard any clicking sounds from the CV axle(s) that would indicate a pending failure. Sadly, now I can only move the car in forward or reverse for a few feet before shejerks and stops. This syptom occurs in any gear, or not in gear at all.I took some advice from a local import shop and removed the drive shaft to see if the rear differential was jacked - that did not seem to be the case as I could spin the wheels freely while is was on the jack stands. In addition we spun the transmission while the car was out of gear, and met with no resistance.This sux and I miss my car.... so do the people in my carpool [:'(]. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks again!

 

Most likely just a broken CV or axle. Once something breaks in the driveline the car will do exactly what your car is doing.

 

That's rules - and is really what I was hoping for. Thanks for the response - a ton. The passenger side spins, but it seems as though the driver side is giving me some resistance.... once again thank you!!!

 

Just put the car in gear and I can still spin the front wheels, how odd? Does this indicate the CV axle diagnosis?

 

It's an open diff, so no. If you try and spin both wheels in the same direction at the same time with the car in gear and there is no resistance, you have an issue.