Not just RS3's!
Although this website is mainly Audi RS3's, the transfer box and other common problems are across an array of the Audi Group.
These include
Audi TTRS
Audi RS3
Audi S3
Audi RSQ3
An introduction to the Audi RS3
The Audi RS3 is a high-performance variant of Audi's A3 compact car, designed to deliver exceptional driving dynamics combined with the brand’s signature luxury and technology. It sits at the top of the A3 lineup, emphasizing sporty performance, advanced technology, and a thrilling driving experience.
An introduction to the transfer boxes
The Audi RS3, with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system, relies on various components to ensure optimal performance, including the transfer box (also known as the transfer case/ bevel box). The transfer box is responsible for distributing power from the engine to both the front and rear axles in an AWD system, helping to provide better traction and stability, particularly under performance driving conditions.
To find out more scroll down
Transfer Box Failure
What causes this?
Worn out bearings are the cause of the transfer box failure.
As the bearings become worn, this allows movement on the propshaft which in turn allows the gears to become out of line and eventually the gears collide causing the transfer box failure.
How To Prevent Transfer Box Failure
Service, Service and Service!
One of the main reasons we see transfer box failure is lack of maintenance.
Audi have the transfer boxes on a 40,000 miles service schedule, from our experience, the majority of vehicles we see are between 40,000 - 50,000 miles.
In our opinion, at 40,000 miles with no servicing the damage has already started.
We advise to service the transfer box every year or maximum 10,000 miles whichever is sooner.
Once the bearings start to deteriorate there is no reversal process.
If caught early enough we can prevent the transfer box failure.
Symptoms of the bearing failure
Listen and Look!
Whining noise - A noise which will start very subtle but will become louder and more prominent with miles covered.
Most vehicles, BUT NOT ALL, give a loud growl noise on deacceleration - this is when the bearings are really bad.
If caught earlier than above, a wheel bearing type noise will be present, may appear to be coming from the centre or rear of the vehicle, this is down to the noise resonating down the prop shaft.
The transfer box whine is very easily mistaken for a wheel bearing noise. We urge anyone with the noises above to have their vehicle checked by someone competent, the difference cannot be diagnosed by a test drive only.
If you are able to get underneath your vehicle, you can also check for play on the prop shaft, where it enters the transfer box there should be no vertical movement.
We do not wish to mislead anyone in their own diagnosis on this issue, this is why we do not share videos of noises from within or outside of the vehicle.
An early diagnosis on the transfer box failure is paramount, the earlier you catch this issue the better.
Scroll down for complete transfer box failure symptoms.
Complete Transfer Box Failure Symptoms
Grinding / Banging Noise
Unfortunately not all transfer boxes can be refurbished. If this is the case, the only option is to replace the transfer box.
The transfer boxes which have gear damage will give a grinding and maybe even a banging noise on slow speeds, they will also give a grinding and howling noise at higher speeds.
Haldex
A Haldex system is an on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD)
It’s designed to provide the traction and stability of AWD while maintaining the efficiency of front-wheel drive (FWD) when extra grip isn’t needed.
Let’s break it down clearly 👇
⚙️ How It Works (Basic Principle)
Normal driving (dry pavement):
The vehicle mainly drives the front wheels. This saves fuel because the rear wheels are only lightly connected through the drivetrain.
Loss of traction (slippery road, hard acceleration, cornering):
The Haldex coupling detects that the front wheels are slipping.
It then engages the rear wheels by activating a hydraulic clutch pack, which transfers torque to the rear axle.
Result:
The system instantly balances power between the front and rear wheels, improving grip, stability, and handling.
Servicing:
On all Haldex services, the pump is removed, the gauge and the pump housing is thoroughly cleaned out. The Haldex is drained, but also a device is inserted to suck out all of the remaining sludge/slurry from the bottom. Ensuring that the fresh Haldex oil isn't contaminated immediately with old oil.
We aim to turn around any transfer box refurb / replacement in 1 day. A courtesy car is available whilst we get to work.
This is a drive in, drive out option to get you back on the road enjoying your vehicle as quickly as possible.
We also do transfer box refurbs for boxes which have already been removed from vehicles. This normally is very helpful for garages as our turn around is only a couple of days.
Conclusion
If you have the noise described above or any noise on your RS3 which doesn't sound familiar, park it up, get advise.
The website is being updated as frequantly as possible. There is lots more information to be added regarding servicing and maintenance on your RS3s so please head back every now and again and follow us on Facebook, it will be announced on there when we have updated.
Gallery
Some of the vehicles that have visited us. We will update these periodically - so check back to see if yours is here!
