Unusual ur transmission noises

[ChrisD]

Hi all,

Recently, on my Ur 20v, I have been experiencing strange whining/rotational noises.

These noises seem to be linked to road speed, but are not at a constant note!

The noises seem to be emanating from mid to rear area of the car, though I have not had anyone in the back of the car yet to pinpoint the noise.

The noises are especially apparent at low speed and at 40 to 45 MPH. It sounds almost like an automatic gear box changing gears. On the motorway, at about 70ish, the noise almost became a high pitch noise like metal being shaved on a lathe! Yes – It sounded horrible.

I’m not convinced this is a final drive issue as when you alter the gas pedal setting, or in over-run, there is no change in pitch.

Coming off the motorway, or going into a slower bend, the noise became more noticeable.

It does not sound like a wheel bearing drone/whine.

I had the front wheel bearing replaced last week, as there was excessive play in it and I was thinking this was the cause of the strange noises – but it wasn’t.

The car has covered less than 90,000 miles.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[markrs2]

Bearings on the center diff?

[GT500]

Prop centre bearing?

[ChrisD]

Thanks guys.

Is failure of the centre support bearing common?

Sort of makes sense, as someone noticed the spacers (compensation washers) had not been replaced after a clutch change, therefore putting extra strain on the propshaft?

Just been looking on the ISHAM research website - It mentions about replacing the centrre bearing with a BMW part, as the prop shaft is only available as a whole unit fro Audi
Has anyone replaced this?
How do-able is it with car on axle stands?

Thanks again

[Azman]

You can get a replacemnet one from 034motorsport for about $50 IIRC. Not an easy job but not too har either.

[GT500]

Yes you can get a rubbish bmw one from 034 or the correct Audi one from http://www.propshaft.co.uk

Don't get me started on BMW ones!

[ChrisD]

Hey, thanks for the info GT500. The car has been on a ramp and prop shaft rotated, and sure enough, the centre support bearing is noisy!

Have contacted the guys at propshaft UK and was told I needed the part number of the rubber, in the bearing housing and it would be around £100 all in, for the part.

Soooooooooooooo, back in the air again to get that part number.

Cheers

[S2central.net]

VAGparts can do that centre bearing also...

[GT500]

VAGparts can do that centre bearing also...

Nothing showing on their site, used to have the BMW ones I seem to remember...

[S2central.net]

Mmmmmmm - WTF - they used to have them listed... Was / is there big problems with the beemer ones ?

[GT500]

They are very soft in comparison, also very weak mouting legs. It causes the shaft to sit lower than it needs to be, so out of alignment.
I would only ever fit the Audi one. They last for about fifteen years. No brainer for cost/quality.