2003Quattro1.8T

2003 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro w/ Tiptronic
Automatic
102k

So my car is getting up there in mileage, but since i am planning on keeping it for another 3 years or so, im trying to maintain it as much as possible. Im the second owner and have had the car since 30k when i picked it up from the dealership off of a lease. So i pretty much have maintained this baby all it's life, and have all the records.

Recently i took my car in to an independent (and reliable) Audi Shop here in southern California. They showed me that my car had a leaky motor mount, and that my upper control arm bushings where shot. So im in the process of getting all of those replaced, but i was wondering...How do i know when to replace my transmission mounts?

I figured since i was replacing my motor mounts i might as well do the transmission ones, but i honestly dont know if they are in the same vain as the motor mounts of if it would be a completely whole different job? Or if its even necessary? Does my car take a specific mount since its a tiptronic? and how many mounts are there?

Sorry for the newbie questions i suppose, but i knew if anybody could help me with this, it would be the knowledgeable folks in this forum. Any information you guys can provide regarding this topic would greatly be appreciated.

lyleswk

I believe the tranny mount is identical to the motor mounts, but are not under as much load. I wouldn't replace until they leak, but that is me. You can see the same weeping of fluid as with the motor mounts.

edit: Just occurred to me to mention that since you have a tip, you will have 2 mounts...

As far as motor mounts and control arm bushings, those aren't atypcial for a car with your miles. I have 195K and watch for that stuff routinely.

2003Quattro1.8T

is there a way to test the mounts? outside of visual inspection?

lyleswk

Not that I am aware of. You first not visual indication would be excessive vibrations that you can't pinpoint. That would lead you to look at several things, one of which is tranny mounts.

turbo510

I don't know how real mechanics do it, but I would have someone shift between drive and reverse, brakes on, while you watch the movement of the rear end of the trans. We have a Passat that had both rear mounts broken, the trans would jerk up and clunk down when shifting into reverse. The Passat and early A4 trans mounts are simple rubber mounts, no damper. One mount broken would likely cause a twisting movement towards that side.

Apexmaster

a way to test the mounts/bushings is to go under car either jack it up, or go under, with a long pry bar. place it between the transmission and mount which sits between the transmission and sub frame, and apply vertical force.
if the mount is good, you will have very little play. if mount is bad you will have a lot of play. like over half inch of free play. also you can do a visual inspection,. if the mount is torn then it is bad,