TRDA

Hi all,
In the A8/S8 buyers guide at Audipages it says:

"Stop the car and with your foot on the brake, open the door, and shift from drive to reverse and back again (without the car moving, keeping your foot on the brake). Listen for clunking and feel for smoothness. If you hear a large clunking, try to determine where it is coming from and have your mechanic inspect further".

Well, I did this yesterday in an A8 4.2 from '99 that I test-drove, and yes, I heard a clunk every time when doing this and you could clearly feel it hump. Now, my question is: what can be the cause (tranny or diff.?) and to what extend is it a serious issue?? Hope anyone can be more specific...

Many thanks!

ryoung

Shifting back and forth between D and R also tests the half shaft's CV joints and the drive shaft's universal joints. Minor wear is not uncommon, but even if one or more of these is severely worn, it's a relatively minor issue compared to a tranny problem.