dukef

now, within 3k miles, two driveshafts have been replaced, wheels balanced, and rotors replaced. Yet the shutter, albeit less pronounced, persists. Again, only in 5th gear between 60-75mph. Does anyone have further suggestions? Do you think it is inherently a tire problem for which a force variance balancing may help? suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Donegal TDI

.......one or more CV joints.

How severe is the sensation?

dukef

if i accelerate while going uphill then the shudder, which is down the axis of the car, is quite noticeable. it is accentuate with heavy luggage in the car. if i accelerate on flat surface or downhill, then it is subtle. if the tranny shifts into fourth then it is a non-issue as acceleration is very smooth. no shudder at 45mph as other have complained about.

itacud

Not sure if this is something you've already investigated.

Donegal TDI

accelerating, luggage etc,
the problem is more pronounced, correct?

It sure sounds like driveshaft balancing problems,
but rear diff could also be a factor,
along with those cv joints.

Keep us updated, and good luck.

dukef

i hear that by late 2002, the automatic transmission was entirely reprogrammed. Is this wrong info the dealer is providing?

dukef

i am going to take it back in a month or so and request that they look at the rear diff and cv's, as you suggested. The driveshaft has been replaced twice; dealer thought it was at fault. Is this problem analogous to the 45mph wobble that is widely discussed?

dug01

Dealer replaced all 4 shafts--balanced 4 wheels, alighned all 4 wheels, replaced all 4 wheel and tires with ones from another car--I had the tires balanced on the Hunter load machine--no help..A complete Quattro assembly was shipped to the dealer--Then Audi decided to replace the car--now I have a '03 AR and so far all is good. Go for the trans computer next--worth a try. I was the second A6 at the same dealer with the same problem that got a replacement. Don't think an American manufacture would do that--but then you would probally just live with the shimmy figuring that its normal.

dukef

I was wrong, the shudder persists even in fourth gear; less noticeable due to more drivetrain sound and friction in lower gears. It is never felt through the steering wheel. actually, the steering wheel is very solid and stable. But tire inflation pressure really changes the nature of the shudder. Will try to find a tire shop with the force variance machine. Afterwards, back to the dealer for more testing...

drhaller

They replaced the front left drive shaft last time. Helped some but vibration still present.

I have the same problem on two sets of Hunter 9700 load force balanced wheels (stock dual spoke 16' w/snows, 17" AT Italia S5's with Dunlop SP 90000's).

/dan