Gearbox etc...

[jockthedog]

theres a seal which commonly goes i think.

f clutch seal rings a bell. might be updated.

[blm70]

I phoned AmD again to ask what parts they uprate but the chap wasn't sure. However, he told me they use Autotech Services to refurb the 'box. I did a quick search and found their website (Erith, Kent) but on phoning them they then advise me actually they use JT Automatics (also in Erith) to carry out the work.

JT appear to have decent reviews, the price is several hundred less than AmD - link here http://www.automatic-gearbox.co.uk/audi-s6avantrs6/, plus they are on the right side of the Dartford Tunnel!

I have pinged them an e-mail for more info inc. what they actually do to the 'box, any hidden costs, turnaround time etc. and will update this thread when I hear.

Makes more sense to go straight to the rebuilders and save some ££.

Anyone have any experience with JT?

Best case scenario: £3500 for the 'box fitted minus £500 from those nice AA people when I submit a claim under the parts scheme. Hmm...

[seaneb]

So Autotech Services get a cut of your money for doing nothing at all?

[blm70]

Appears that way doesn't it?

[seaneb]

If that's the case then shame on AMD.

[blm70]

Yep

I also noticed on JT's website (link above) they refer to the ZF5HP19FLA rather than the ZF5HP24A. Bit of digging on this splendid forum turned up this thread HERE which appears to state the '19 has been strengthened.

Whether JT do any additional work is something I'll find out shortly.

Sounds promising though...

[Shoppinit]

Where does it state that?

[blm70]

Um, here...

[lswing]

Um, here...

Yes, that's what was done to the ZF5HP24A...and it didn't help worth shiite

Never once heard of the RS6 trans referenced as anything else...and it still needs upgraded VB pressure, updated clutch discs, and multiple pins and seals replaced to be better.

[blm70]

I spoke with JT Automatics today who asked me to bring the car in so they can hook it up to their diagnostics gear before I start throwing money at gearboxes.

If it does need replacing (almost certainly) then their one comes with a 2 year warranty.

I do <5k/year and don't rag the c**p out of it so this should help longevity.

Dropping it off Saturday morning...

[blm70]

Update:

Nice AA man came out and plugged in his laptop. Two fault codes reported: 1.) Torque convertor clutch stuck off / no power transferred, 2.) ecu checksum error.

The errors only appeared with the engine running, not with the ignition in position 2.

He gave me a hard copy and I drove to JT Automatics where they also read the codes on their laptop. Chap then explained that it wasn't as simple as a 'box rebuild because it could be a faulty ecu throwing out invalid codes i.e. the 'box might be fine.

I also learnt that the ecu performs a three stage check: 1.) ignition on where it checks the solenoids 2.) engine on where it adds pressure checks and 3.) car in motion where speed-related checks are added. An ecu fault could indicate a problem at any one (or all) of these stages making it tricky to diagnose.

Apparently repairing them is not an option (unreliable) so it would have to be a new one. I phoned a stealer who wanted £1076 inc. vat plus 5-7 days shipping from Germany-land, assuming Germany have them in stock, otherwise longer...

Whilst this would be cheaper than a rebuilt 'box, there is always a worst case scenario of replacing the ecu and then finding that the 'box is also goosed.

I asked him about general auto 'box longevity, inc. the RS6 but in his 37 years experience rebuilding transmissions he'd seen them go in as little as 20k and last over 200k, including cars pushing out massive torque. He also said regular oil changes wouldn't hurt but if it was on its way out, no amount of oil changes would cure it (contrary to the advice given by stealers.)

Anyway, they're going to hook it up to their VAG gear on Monday and investigate further.

[Shoppinit]

ECU or TCU?

[blm70]

Sorry, transmission control unit not the main engine ecu.

[Shoppinit]

Checksum errors are rare. Not sure I've heard of one before. Has it been modified?

Would be interesting if you could post the actual codes.

[blm70]

Only mod is a stage 1+ MRC map.

Unfortunately I didn't write the codes down although I'll see if I can get them from JT.