Having had the pinion bearings fail before on my 2003 six speed TDI Passat I am paranoid about a recurance of the problem. I have noticed recently a wirring sound, different to the last time, and hopfully just a wheel bearing, although it is not altered by cornering. Anyway, I thought I would check the gearbox oil level and feel for any roughness in the diff bearings when rotating the drive wheels. Thankfully the bearings at least feel smooth (unlike last time) and the oil level is ok. However I did notice there is some play in the drive flanges, they rock slightly, although I can't feel any radial play. Does anyone know if this is normal, or am I going to have to bend over again for my local gearbox specialist?
Best regards, Bob