So I just bought a 97 a4 with 1.8T Quattro. I have noticed that when I take off in first gear and turn onto a street I get a sound from the rear end that sounds like limited slip ratcheting kind of sound. It happens more when I turn right, but it has happened once or twice going left. Sometimes it doesnt do it at all. I can feel it and hear it. It doesn't sound like metal on metal, but it does sound and feel like my lifted jeep with a locker in it? Just curious if this is normal on these cars? Do they have any sort of limited slip in the rear? If they do, but it's not a normal sound....has anyone rebuilt theirs and is it a big job?

 

Well, I guess I am going to start by changing the diff oil and replacing it with some royal purple. See that happens after that.

 

its not normal... there shouldnt be any noise while ure turning or driving.... maybe its just a rear bearing or both rear bearings...

 

I will have to pull the cover off and have a look. May be a pinion bearing. Both wheel bearings are not making any noise at all.

 

The rear diff looks like it has the oil fill and drain plugs on the pass side of it. Am I looking at the right plugs? Does the cover come off the back of it like any other diff. I am going to have a look at it tonight if time permits.