Noise on engaging first gear

[jonno1]

I have started hearing a metallic whine occasionally when engaging first gear. Just as I let the clutch pedal up I hear a hollow metallic whine which sounds ominous. Anyone any ideas as to what this may be? The car is under warranty for another 2 months so I am keen to get it sorted asap.

Thanks [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[jonno1]

47 viewings and no replies! No ideas anyone? [img]images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img]

[snbS4]

Jon
If the S4 had a traditional 3-piece clutch I would be looking at maybe the release bearing (having checked all gearbox fluid levels etc).
However, my understanding is that the S4 has the benefit of a double mass flywheel type clutch similar to 964's and possibly 993's. I think the idea is that it is smoother and dampens some of the inherent drivetrain forces.
Quite how it can be checked without actually removing it I have no idea! [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]
A trip to a decent dealer beckons very soon as a replacement clutch won't be cheap (assuming a part has not actually failed).
Has it covered many 'townie' miles? Mine has 50K and still on original clutch.
If it was an RS4 for sure it would be knackered by now! [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
HTH, Simon [img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[jonno1]

Thanks,

It has done 54k miles most of which were motorway miles. Its going back to the dealer I bought it from next week under warranty. Its not an Audi dealer and I am not sure how thorough they will be in trying to sort this out for me. They seem a decent bunch but would they want to replace a clutch on an S4 under warranty where there is nothing in it for them.....call me cynical!

[Nige_RS4]

They seem a decent bunch but would they want to replace a clutch on an S4 under warranty where there is nothing in it for them

Most non-franchised dealers offer 3rd party warranties, therefore the warranty company would pick up the tab for the replacement parts and labour (but probably not the costs associated with diagnosing the problem).

Nige [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[jonno1]

Its actually the garages own warranty - they offer a no quibble warranty for 3 months after purchases - anything goes wrong, anything at all and they sort it - including blown turbos - all parts and labour included. I could have taken a warranty out through Warranty Holdings etc and probably will do once the garages warranty expires. Here's hoping the garage are good for their word.

[snbS4]

Jon
I still think that you would be better off taking for an 'independent/expert' view at a main dealer - one that has experience with S4's! Of course you do not have to instruct them in their findings/report so should be no, or little, cost to you.
Three months is not long and garages have been known to effect temporary repairs - long enough to last three months. The sooner the better I think for the avoidance of any doubt as to when the problem started to show. Clutches are very difficult to establish under warranty from expensive personal experience (on another make that has family ties with Audi) and once the dealer has your money..." they all do that Sir"..."wear and tear"...
Just my 2p
Simon [img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[jonno1]

Thanks [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img], I'll see how I get on with them. If I dont think they have really addressed the problem I'll take it to Fontain. The garage I am taking it back to is a big outfit, specialises in Audis, BMW, Alfa so I hope they will have adequate experience and not muck me around or fob me off.

[jonno1]

From a quick call around a few S4 specialists it seems as if the thrust bearing on the clutch is to blame which may mean a new clutch. At least now I have an idea as to what it may be in case the garage try to fob me off with "a bit of grease will sort it out". I was quoted £700 for it by one garage so here's hoping the garage coughs up and fixes it properly. Only had the car for a month.........have I made a mistake? Not much you can do - its a 4 year old car and these things happen I guess. Hopefully I won't be out of pocket at the end of all this.