Cracked Bell!!!

[sidzz]

Had an issue with vibrations and resonance for past 3 days above 3k rpm.
took the RS4 to the Audi dealership and they've come back with a cracked bell housing and will have to wait until they get the gearbox out to see what else is up!!!
I've had a look and a google search about this and it seems it might be the flywheel that has caused the crack and vibrations.
My main question is.... will the extra year warranty i took out with audi for 2k+ cover this???
Any insight will be greatly appreciated as i need to know whether to get my kidneys listed on ebay now so i got enough to cover a potentially LARGE bill.
Thanks
Sidzz

[sidzz]

Hi,
Have spoken with a technician and looked at the now removed gearbox. The bearings in the flywheel disintigrated causing the flywheel to smash into the beall housing and break it!
Has anyone ever had a similar problem and was it covered by warranty? The clutch was worn down but i hadnt notice any slippage, and the cluch plate had changed colour to a reddish colour, the technician said this is due to lots of full power launches... whilst i drive the rs4 heartedly i dont really do fast launches from standing. from the tone of the conversation, i get the feeling the warranty company might use this as an excuse for not paying...
Any advice etc appreciated
Sidzz

[paime]

Sounds like they're looking for a way out! They can't prove the damage was caused my misuse and i certainly wouldn't stand for it if they try it on. God knows how much it will cost to replace but it aint gonna be cheap!

[sidzz]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
I'm not sure if the cars ever had a new clutch as it had done almost 50k when i bought it. But is the metal 'clutch plate' replaced along with the clutch. The Tech at the Audi garage said he'd never seen one turn a reddish brown before and it could only be from thrashing the car. Whilst i drive heartedly my wife and daughter keep me in check so I haven't driven the car like a maniac. Am i right in assuming the 100+ point check before the car is sold between different owners at the Audi garage wouldn't check the clutch plate, and this could have been caused by a previous owner, if the warranty people try to wriggle out of paying for this?

[TimDogg]

He's trying to wiggle - just deny you ever did standing starts or drive (a performance?!?) car too aggressively. Then go and buy a Sachs clutch and promise yourself NEVER to deal with an Audi dealership again. I won't even buy from one again, I'll buy from an independent because of the poor service. I'd get my car serviced at MRC if they were closer - I might go to Revolution for it probably but just stay away from the dealers. In your case go to Audi UK and complain if the dealer messes you around, they are top guys.

[spikeyboy101]

How long have you had ther car and presume you bought from Audi as approved used ? Plus how many mile shave you done since you bought it.



Certainly looks like their trying to wriggle out of it.

[Doug_S2]

This is not that uncommon.

The dual mass start to stretch the strap inside and then the outer section of FW cahtters on the bell housing - and will break it. It feels like a misfire but doesn't sound like a misfire.

The gap is too tight from FW to Bellhousing.

[Doug_S2]

You wont get a new gearbox, clutch and flywheel for under 2k. You cant even exchange the box with Audi as the casing is damaged.

Solid FW, new clutch and weld the casing or source second hand replacement is the cheapest option.

[sidzz]

Hi Thanks for the replies,
Bought it at 50k, now has done just over 80k 18 months later. The problem occurred less than 24hrs. after the RS4 had been in the Audi garage for the emission light being on (split vacuum pipe), so i still have the avenue of asking which technician from Audi took it for a spin just before this happened. I will certainly take this further if the approval from audi warranty isnt granted straight away.

[sidzz]

Went to take a look at the damage. the flywheel bearings disintigrated, causing the fly wheel to crack right round the bell housing and even remove a chunk of it.
Audi warrany will cover the damage, though i need to pay for excess and new clutch as it was worn right down and now seems a good time to change it. So 9 monthis in to buying a new warranty for 2k and wondering if it was worth it, i am now convinced it was a good choice.
Will wait to see what the cars like when it gets put back together
thanks
for all comments/advice on this matter
Sidzz

[rs4blacked]

Am glad it worked out for the best for you