Buzzing/grinding noise from gear box area in low gears

[Kris12]

Car: 1998 Audi A6 1.8t front wheel drive.

When changing to low gears and releasing the clutch (I usually do that on steep down hills) theres a buzzing/grinding noise, it sounds like some rotating part is touching something else.

Its worse in left bends than rights bends. Could this be worn engine mounts? Any other suggestions?

[Rbhelle]

My first thought is to check for any leakage....and then change the fluid in your gearbox. Next also check front differential and fluid levels, leakage. But, a last question, when u go down hills, you do not brak a little bit do you? Because worn out brake pads make a grinding noise.

[Rbhelle]

And check wheel bearings on your right front side. Could be that as well since the sound as you describe it is more evident when turning left in hills. Turning when downhills puts a lot of stress on the wheel bearings and worn out will make grinding noises.

[Crasher]

I have been fighting this on an 88 5 cylinder GT coupe for a few years and eliminated it with a new front crank damper which I would have replaced years ago if it was available. What I used was a Fluidamper for a 1.8T and it has eliminated 95% of the buzz. It could be worth trying to investigate if the car is still running a Dual Mass Flywheel as a SMF conversion can introduce odd NVH issues in certain situations. I am so impressed with this 1.8T Fluidamper I am considering adding one to my Octavia 1.8 T.