Denied coverage for sports diff leak because of TD1?

[FatalBert]

So I purchased my car last year and just noticed now that I have the sport diff leak.
This is a known issue with 2011's (as you all probably already know).
I haven't been to the dealer since December and my car is tuned.
If I get flagged for TD1 do you think they will deny the coverage for repairing the leak because of the tune?

How bad is this leak or what can it cause if I leave it uncorrected?
I've read the countless posts about it and could not find anyone answering that question, if it would actually cause damage if left unrepaired.

[Dr GP]

I don't think they can legally deny you coverage for a known issue. Especially since a ECU tune would have no bearing on the problem. They can try to deny you but the laws are on your side.

[KayS4]

Agreed they have to legally prove that it is because of your negliance that it is the reason or cause for what is going wrong. At least here in Canada you can push it that far or try to at least.

[FatalBert]

I don't think they can legally deny you coverage for a known issue. Especially since a ECU tune would have no bearing on the problem. They can try to deny you but the laws are on your side.

Thanks for the reassurance :).
I think I would much rather tune back to stock and potentially dodge a TD1 flag, than have to bring them to court though (even though I would probably win).
I would like to wait for it to pan out and see if the flash back to stock actually works. In the meantime I am wondering if the car will be fine if leaving the leak unaddressed.
It's been exactly one year (yesterday) that I have the car. Would a few more months make a difference?

[FourRingRider]

What is TD1?

[phillips2024]

What is TD1?

i dunno. lets start a thread about it

[sapsec]

The sports diff leak is a known issue with a registered TSB that has been issued/registered so to speak with the NHTSC. Audi knows the issue is a result of a manufacturing defect which is why the TSB was issued. If they (Audi, your dealer) refuse to perform the TSB, follow these steps:

1) File a complaint with the BBB in your locale against both your dealer and Audi USA.
2) File a complaint with the NHTSC stating you were refused coverage on your leaking sports diff.
3) Send copies of both complaint to the owner and/or general manager of your local Audi dealership.
4) IF you have the means, file suit in small claims court against both your dealer and Audi USA. YES, this would be a pain in the ass but you have rights. Audi has NO right to deny TSB coverage whether you have the TD1 designation or not. Just my opinion and .02. Good luck.

[mhs525]

How bad is this leak or what can it cause if I leave it uncorrected?
I've read the countless posts about it and could not find anyone answering that question, if it would actually cause damage if left unrepaired.

"How bad" the leak is depends on how much fluid you are losing. Is it seeping a bit just showing some dampness around the housing or are you getting stains/oil leaked onto the ground? I just replaced the gasket and fluid on my 72 Buick diff due to a slow leak.

The worst thing you can do is ignore or procrastinate. If the diff runs very low on fluid you could ruin the diff which would cause thousands in damage. An aftermarket LSD is $3k, not including gears or installation so you need to get it fixed.

[Boostrules]

Audi may deny the repair because of the tune & their blanket statement that all powertrain warranty work is now null & void. If you can get flashed back to 100% stock & Audi doesn't detect the tune was ever there, they will certainly fix it. Let us know how this all plays out.

[nhman]

Audi may deny the repair because of the tune & their blanket statement that all powertrain warranty work is now null & void. If you can get flashed back to 100% stock & Audi doesn't detect the tune was ever there, they will certainly fix it. Let us know how this all plays out.

+1

Also consider is it worth the time and expense to fight Audi in court vs. re-flashing back to stock. If the tuner states the TD1 flag will not be triggered (if returned to stock) this would be my route. If my vehicle, I would not take a chance on the TD1 flag being associated to my car. This will hurt in-terms of future warranty work, trade-in or even private sale. Perhaps the tuner would only charge a small fee for the labor as the TD1 could negatively impact future business.

As a side note, one of my local dealers is also an authorized Stasis distributor. For now their policy is to not sell the ECU tune until there is further understanding from both companies.

[zerinA4]

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...4&type=VEHICLE

Make / Models: Model/Build Years:
AUDI / S4 2010-2011
AUDI / S5 2010-2011
Service Bulletin Number: TSB-42-11-09
NHTSA Item Number: 10042394
Summary:
AUDI: VEHICLES WITH QUATTRO SPORTS REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS AT THE REAR AXLE SHAFT SIDE FLANGE OR INBOARD FLANGE. MODELS S4, S5. *PE

However you are not entirely correct about Audi having to reimburse.

There are two types of motor vehicle recalls. The first is when a vehicle has a safety related defect as determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). This would be a Mandatory Recall. A Voluntary Recall is when the manufacturer recalls vehicles for a defect not necessarily related to safety. Any repairs made under a recall is paid for by the manufacturer.

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is issued when a known problem or condition exists in a certain vehicle(s) and contains a repair for that problem. A TSB can also be issued to notify dealerships of diagnostic procedure changes, modified or improved parts or service manual revisions and updates.

TSBs are "Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty". This means if the vehicle is within it's warranty period, repair as outlined by the TSB is paid for by the manufacturer. If the vehicle is out of warranty, the customer is responsible for the repairs.

The sports diff leak is a known issue with a registered TSB that has been issued/registered so to speak with the NHTSC. Audi knows the issue is a result of a manufacturing defect which is why the TSB was issued. If they (Audi, your dealer) refuse to perform the TSB, follow these steps:

1) File a complaint with the BBB in your locale against both your dealer and Audi USA.
2) File a complaint with the NHTSC stating you were refused coverage on your leaking sports diff.
3) Send copies of both complaint to the owner and/or general manager of your local Audi dealership.
4) IF you have the means, file suit in small claims court against both your dealer and Audi USA. YES, this would be a pain in the ass but you have rights. Audi has NO right to deny TSB coverage whether you have the TD1 designation or not. Just my opinion and .02. Good luck.

[PsYkHoTiK]

i dunno. lets start a thread about it

I lol'd...

[gringoloco2000]

For what it is worth, I have Audi Care and got my oil changed in February and I am Revo tuned. I then got work done on the sports diff/CV leak and the front brakes TSB. This was before TD1 hit the forums, so I don't know how useful this is. They also fixed a bad oil leak that tunred out to be a cracked oil filter housing. Before getting tuned I had the TSB for the squeeky clutch and they found issues with the clutch components so they replaced it all including the flywheel. They have treated me right at Classic Audi. I have always put the car in "stock" mode which would not prevent the scan from seeing the tune. Who knows if I am flagged. I will talk to my service advisor next time I am in.

[earle2]

I've had the same (positive) experience. Stasis tuned by the dealer at 5K. Just took it in for my AudiCare 15K with a short list of concerns, one of which was a leaking sport diff. They addressed everything and continue to keep me a very satisfied customer.

[FatalBert]

I've had the same (positive) experience. Stasis tuned by the dealer at 5K. Just took it in for my AudiCare 15K with a short list of concerns, one of which was a leaking sport diff. They addressed everything and continue to keep me a very satisfied customer.

How long did it take for them to perform the sport diff fix?
Have you been flagged for TD1 and still got all that covered?

[apexit1]

Few weeks ago I took my tuned car in and mentioned I had noticed the leak. Replaced with no issues. Dealer had the car for 2 days and also did the 45k service.

[LYKUNO]

Few weeks ago I took my tuned car in and mentioned I had noticed the leak. Replaced with no issues. Dealer had the car for 2 days and also did the 45k service.

I thought that only the 2011 models had the diff leak issue. Perhaps I missed that 2010's also had the same problem?

[apexit1]

Thought so too, I noticed it and luckily had it fixed with no issues. From what i understand it's not a permanent fix. A few have had the leak come back after the fix.