A6 C7 whining gearbox

[gordon46]

Hi All

I am all new to this as I have ran out of ideas of what to do next. I bought a Brand new A6 Avant 2.0tdi ultra 190bhp back in December of last year. I absolutely love the car apart from one thing and that is a whining noise from what I have being told by a Audi tech is the Gearbox. This noise only happens when the car is warmed up and you are traveling along at speeds between 60 to 70mph. It only happens when you are just resting your foot on the accelerator to maintain your speed say at 70mph as soon as you lift off the pedal the noise goes or when you put the foot hard down it goes again. It happens with cruise control on and even 5th and 4th gears too. The car has now being back into Audi 3 times and they now say that as other A6s with the same engine as mine do it and they have apparently tested the gearbox oil there is now nothing I can do about this issue. On a long journey on the motorway it is a absolute nightmare as I know that the noise is there just whining away (and probably listen out for it now) and seems to get worse and louder as the car gets hotter. But Audi still claim there is nothing wrong with the car. I have never driven a brand new car with a whining gearbox before so for me it does not seem right.
So I was hoping someone could tell me if they have or have had the same problem with there A6 or heard of this problem at all? Appreciate in advance any help anyone can give me Cheers

[GrolschUK]

Is it a Manual or Auto?

I've got the Auto of the FL 2.0 ultra and can't say I've noticed any whine.

[zollaf]

so test some other cars and see if they actually do make this noise. if they dont then start kicking up a fuss.

[gordon46]

I have tested a car just like my one myself and it also makes the noise. The noise is to loud to be normal that's why I am asking about.

[gordon46]

Sorry forgot to say it is a manual.

[gireada2005]

My passat does that and that stopped for about 25k miles after changing the clutch-dmf,
Now its back again


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[A6S]

If it's a manual there could be a few things.
Clutch
Dual mass flywheel
Release bearing
Does it whine in every gear or just 4th/5th/6th?
If it's just certain gears then it could be selector fork.
It could be unrelated to gearbox as well. Things like injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulators etc could whine. Other thing is it could be electrical noise coming through the speakers.

How loud is it? Is it over powering the stereo?

I would try another dealership. Some are better than others. Regardless where the whine is coming from I wouldn't expect anything to whine from a car less than a year old.

[crazy4alfa]

Hello,

Did you ever solve the problem ?

I have the same issue with mine, gearbox was changed 3000 miles ago and it's whining again...

[philipmct]

Anybody had any joy with this issue?? Exactly the same happening with my 2016 A6 2.0 ultra 190 manual...in at audi just now for the 4th time after having new turbo seals replaced followed by a complete new turbo. Now being told it's gearbox related ��

[Paulsy1978]

I also have the same issue, I've only owned the car for a month, the longer the drive the more apparent it seems, unless I'm just listening more for it, mines a 2016 2.0tdi ultra, definitely happens around 60mph while just touching the accelerator, it's quite worrying

[Paulsy1978]

I'm a mechanic myself and it sounds like a differential noise in my opinion, I'd be interested to see if anyone has cured this or if it's just a characteristic of this car

[philipmct]

Exactly the same here mate. Happens just while fluttering the pedal, but seems to go away if I floor it. I love the car, but I'm seriously looking to change it if audi cant get to the bottom of it as it drives me and the wife bonkers. Constantly listening out for it and not what you'd expect from a quality car. I was pretty sure it was some kind of boost leak, but after having it in 3 times and turbo changed over it's looking like gearbox issue. All under warranty thankfully

[Paulsy1978]

I've got 2 months warranty left on mine too so probably better get it booked in soon, I've just driven from Edinburgh to Paris and it's drove fine but the noise is becoming a worry

[QuantumCheeseA6]

Hi, Has anyone got any further with this? I have a C7 A6, 3.0Tdi with the 6-speed manual gearbox and i am getting exactly the same (i think) noise, road speed dependant, between about 60 & 75 in 6,5 or 4th (not tried 3rd), while 'cruising'. Same as the OP, if you lift the noise goes away briefly then returns with a slightly descending tone, down to about 60 then is inaudible below that. build up the speed again to 70 and cruse its back and very irritating in such a quiet car
I have taken the car to my local audi dealer & they can hear the noise, but can't work out what it is. Every mechanic i ask says diff/gearbox, which is my thoughts too. it continues if you de-clutch, and it doesn't depend on steering angle so its not a wheel bearing.
I need to get this nailed before my warranty runs out. any help appreciated! and if you know of a good place to go in Cambridgeshire for a diagnosis please do tell. The message i got from my audi dealer is "we don't want to just go throwing parts at it".... Well, i would say, "you can diagnose it" or just start randomly replacing bits!!

2013 A6 (C7) 3.0Tdi V6 6-Sp Manual Avant 30000mi on the clock

[philipmct]

Hi mate...I had nine it at audi for a fortnight and got it back last week. Basically told me it is a characteristic of the manual boxes and the noise is "normal"! They techs agreed that the noise is there and narrow narrowed it down to transmission. It's the fourth time I've had it in. Cant say I was very chuffed over the phone and equally raging when I went into collect the car. Asked to have it raised with audi uk as an official complaint. Not great to thi k they have designed an executive car that you want to drive into a tree every time you get up through the gears. Warranty on mine is up in a month but looks like I either live with it or sell it on...

[QuantumCheeseA6]

Hi Philip, I'll be spitting feathers if i get told that!!! Mines going in next Thurs to have this 'investigated' again, in the mean time i've booked it in with an independent VAG specialist for next Tues. They are going to provide a report for me, i'll update here with details when i get them. I have also been for a drive with a friendly mechanic today and he quickly came to the same conclusion - transmission/diff. No way is this a "normal" sound for any car/gearbox, especially as you say, it is an 'exec' car, its just unacceptable mate! i hope you get some progress. I elevated it today already with audi uk warranty, have you tried them yet direct yourself? 0800 699888 (option 5)
Cheers,
Carl

[Gazwould]

Sounds like a viscosity issue as the oil thins .

What's the VW gearbox oil spec ?

[philipmct]

Hi Carl...I haven't elevated it with Audi uk yet..I'll be getting in touch tomorrow though as the Audi dealership I used are clearly not interested in helping and have failed to get back to me..cheers for the info. It would be great to get a solution to this as, it's been dragging on for 2years odd now :(

[philipmct]

Gaz....definitely sounds worse when there's a good heat in the car. Not sure what oil spec is for the gearbox on these

[cjmcb]

If you are still having issues with it, speak with the motor ombudsman as they were able to help me resolve an issue with my other car. As soon as I informed the main dealer thee car was in that i was raising a case with them, things started to happen and work in my favour.

[will325]

I’ve got the same issue with my 2015 2.0 A6 ultra, it’s happening for me between 55 & 70 mph in 5th and 6th gear. It’s been into an independent garage and to the dealer and both have said it’s the characteristics of the gearbox/engine.
Ive been told they will ask Audi uk technical for feedback but I am not holding my breath.
With the car only having 16000 miles I was told at the start it needs run in or it might be because I am driving it differently from the first owner.
If I get any feedback I will be sure to share it

[DerekF]

I have a 65 plate a6 avant ultra tdi stronic black edition I have noticed the whine from what sounds like maybe the gearbox diff on light throttle on the motorway 60mph plus. Is this a common issue?
Never notice sir before as radio was on but kids were unwell on a trip so radio was turned down and I noticed it now I can hear it all the time as tuned into it when on motorway.

[HollisA6]

Evening All.

I have a 2015 (15 Plate) A6 Avant, 2.0 TDI 190 Ultra C7 Auto (2WD) with just over 48,000 miles and have this exact issue also.
It's pretty much as you hit exactly 60mph on the speedo. That's when it's at its loudest, but it seems to get quieter over that speed.
I'm booking it in to the local VW Dealership over the coming weeks so will let you know how I get on.

I don't buy the 'characteristic of the car' thing for one second. I'm no expert, but i'm pretty sure a gearbox/diff shouldn't be whining to the extent you can hear it in the cabin.

Cheers.

[HollisA6]

Evening All.

I have a 2015 (15 Plate) A6 Avant, 2.0 TDI 190 Ultra C7 Auto (2WD) with just over 48,000 miles and have this exact issue also.
It's pretty much as you hit exactly 60mph on the speedo. That's when it's at its loudest, but it seems to get quieter over that speed.
I'm booking it in to the local VW Dealership over the coming weeks so will let you know how I get on.

I don't buy the 'characteristic of the car' thing for one second. I'm no expert, but i'm pretty sure a gearbox/diff shouldn't be whining to the extent you can hear it in the cabin.

Cheers.

I'm still no closer to getting this sorted. Any of you guys had any luck?

The local VW Dealer said they couldn't find a fault as they "couldn't drive the car over 50mph due to local speed limits" (I kid you not).
They're now saying it could cost £1000 to sort/diagnose if they can't claim under warranty.

I had a pre-facelift that has no issues whatsoever - wish i'd never swapped it now!!

[monty9120]

Tell them to take it elsewhere then


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[Flat4Roar]

I've been looking at buy a 2016 A6 Avant 190 for a last few months, spending some time looking at potential problems and keeping an eye out for good deals.

This gearbox whine is pretty ridiculous for a luxury car, I started to think the diff is just not set up correctly, like the backlash tolerance is wrong, but highly unlikley from factory on multiple cars.

This does remind me of my Subaru Impreza though, almost all models WRX & STI, certainly up to 2007 (probably after as well) they all have a harmonic diff whine at 62mph... all of them, it's just how it's worked out, nothing wrong with it, just a little annoying. wonder if that's what is happening here...?

Just my 2 cents.

I'd still be wanting an answer.

[DerekF]

Hi Guys I’ve had the car into another specialist and they say characteristics of it. But I’m convinced the pinion bearing is failing. Today once warm on the motor way . My 14 year old daughter says to me what’s that noise on accelerating she can even hear it with radio on. I’m a technician myself and think it’s the pinion. But no one else seems to be able to hear it.
Have you guys had anymore luck on this issue.

[Whippy53]

Part of the problem may be that once you're aware of a noise, any noise, that all you can hear. For me it's the neighbors bloody washing machine. Wife can't even hear it. #drivingmemad (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=drivingmemad)

[NeroRapid]

Hello everyone,
I own Audi A6 (C7) 2.0 TDI Ultra S-Tronic from 2016. I hear whistling/whirling sound when accelerating slowly or harder from 60 mph/70 mph at 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th gear even if I drive slower and want to accelerate this sound is hearable from front of the car. The sound comes from left/centre/front side of the car and is noticeable behind the dashboard. When I switch gear on neutral when driving is quiet also if car is stationary on parking gear to do revving nothing is happening as well. The sounds appearing only when accelerating not when revving. I have 2 videos as a proof. Thank you

Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI Whistling/whirling sound when accelerating - YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=26&v=mQiqWx8-C1M&feature=emb_title)

Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI Ultra whistling/whirling when accelerating part 2 - YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5j-Uv33G4ak&feature=emb_title)

[danclyon]

Having had major issues with my A4 (Multitronic) and being in Cambridge - if you are using Vindis (Cambridge or Huntingdon Audi) I've not had good experiences (even with my current A6!) - though I only had excellent support from Bury St Edmunds Audi (Marriott Motor Group) who were very supportive with the A4, and when it nearly got me broadsided by an HGV they took the car off me and replaced the whole gearbox and dealt with Audi CS whom had said that all the behaviours were normal - whereas all the other dealers have insisted (which I didn't pay for in the end) that I start by paying for a gearbox oil change to "fix the problem".

That said, if you want an independent, Chris @ VW Technics in the village of Willingham has got most of a lifetime on VAG cars and knows his onions......VW Technics | VW,AUDI,SKODA & SEAT CAR SERVICING AND REPAIRS BASED NEAR CAMBRIDGE. (www.vwtechnics.com) - he looks after my and several other A6 Ultra's from friends near/around me and if nothing else might be worth a call to ask?

HTH,
D.

[johnro79]

My turn to stir it up a bit

When I'm stopped/parked and engine running, car shakes and it clings every 5-10 seconds.
I was told its the dmf , about £1700 to replace it from TPS.
Looking under the bonnet, the noise is coming from left side , sort of from under the steering wheel side

Mine has done 260k miles though and only starting shaking a year or two ago and it went into clinging noises for a year i guess.
It even slips and shakes if I force it to quickly to move from stop.

Anyone replaced a dual mass flywheel on a cvt transmission recently?