Gearbox problems S8

[Tony82]

Hi, I am new to the forum and am looking for advice re my gearbox (1997 S8). Cutting to the chase I think that the gear box has had it (it still goes but it is not great), and the cambelt is also due for a change.

So what to do - the car is great, but I need to know if anyone knows someone to fix the box and sort the cambelt (and other odd noises coming from the front of the engine!) that is based in Herts or North London - the key criteria are knowing that they are doing ......and doing it for a reasonable amount!

If anyone has any thoughts or ideas I'd be v grateful to know

Thanks v much

Tony

[IT]

Welcome

Cutting straight to the point, it depends on what the car is worth to you. Cambelt at best is £500 unless you do it yourself, and you're unlikely to see a full gearbox refurb for < £1500 but you might pick up a 2nd hand one for around £500 (check out a8parts for example)

If its low mileage, high spec, sentimental or otherwise desirable, it might be worth the investment, but otherwise history has shown the older cars if they are suffering gearbox issues may be beyond economic repair....

[Tony82]

Thanks for this - I am happy to get it fixed - after all what other car can give this sort of performance for such little money - my problem is finding someone who really understands S8's somewhere local ish ....

Any ideas on good 'S' mechanics here (herts and London) or anywhere really!

Many thanks

Tony

[HPsauce]

Hi Tony,
What symptoms are you getting from the gearbox?

Mine was getting worse, but reading all the many & varied comments here I decided to just get the fluid and filter changed - it had been untouched in over 100,000 miles.
It's much much better as a result.

[Tony82]

Hi, usual sort of thing, clunking, slipping in and out of gear at low speed, engine 'vamping' when decelerating (torque converter I think), and dreadful mpg - the engine seems to be fighting the transmission - all bad, and suggest A clutch is going, and messing the whole transmission (for instance it reverses at 20 mph - v disturbing!).

My problem is finding someone to do it - esp the cam belt and associated rattles from the front of the engine!

Petty as it is a fine car - and I want to get it fixed!

Any thoughts on who may be able to help? (Unit 20 (?) seems to get a good reference but is miles away from me!)

Thanks

[HPsauce]

I wouldn't expect the cam belt to give rattles. How many miles on it?
I get odd noises up front but I'm pretty sure they're due to the aircon compressor and/or belts. Turn A/C off to check.

Gearbox fluid & filter change is maybe £250-£300 and is often kill or cure - might be worth doing that first?

I used to go to Fontain in Iver - not that far from Herts and a well-known Audi independent. Now using someone smaller and more local to me who seem pretty capable - have some ex-Fontain staff! HP8 area.

[briang9]

Geography is not one of my strong points so sorry if these are not near, used them to do a pre-purchase inspection of mine, they seemed fairly clued up, but stress I cant vouch for them as never had any repairs done, maybe worth an investigative phone call if geographically close to at least see what you think of their advice?

http://www.audi-specialists.co.uk/

[HPsauce]

Cambridge - not that far from Herts (adjacent county).

[ainarssems]

If you are willing to trust me and to travel (Rushden, Northamptonshire) I can do cambelt some Friday/Saturday when weather is good. I have 32V engine timing tools and have done couple of 8's before but I am afraid can't be much of help for gearbox.

[IT]

Originally Posted by Tony82

Hi, usual sort of thing, clunking, slipping in and out of gear at low speed, engine 'vamping' when decelerating (torque converter I think), and dreadful mpg - the engine seems to be fighting the transmission - all bad, and suggest A clutch is going, and messing the whole transmission (for instance it reverses at 20 mph - v disturbing!).

My problem is finding someone to do it - esp the cam belt and associated rattles from the front of the engine!

Petty as it is a fine car - and I want to get it fixed!

Any thoughts on who may be able to help? (Unit 20 (?) seems to get a good reference but is miles away from me!)

Thanks

Almost sounds like it could be just a bit low on fluid..... If you're actually getting into gear, but the torque convertor is slipping, then its quite possible, and a simple top up would be a very cheap fix.

I would always use a ZF specialist gearbox place, rather than a regular servicing garage for TLC on a gearbox. They will usually know far more about symptoms and remedies...