Bad wheel-speed sensor damaging rear diff?

[dantheman762]

Had an interesting read about how our Quattro systems work; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quattro..._drive_system)

But then realized that I've been driving with a bad rear wheel-speed sensor for 6 months. Didn't think it was a big deal (except for the temporary loss of ABS), but after reading this, I'm wondering if I've been doing any damage to the rear diff? Since my B5 has the Generation IV Quattro with the EDL, does this mean that the system has been applying the brake to the one rear wheel with the good sensor, thinking that it's spinning and causing a traction loss? I guess I better check my rear brake pads/rotors for any discrepancies?

Also, am I correct in assuming that, despite the bad rear wheel-speed sensor, I'm still getting the benefit of a 50-50 torque-split front to rear?

Suddenly, this wheel-speed sensor/ABS problem has moved up the priority list!

[lookaught]

that is an excellent question and Im very interested to hear the answer myself. the metal ring on my brothers rear axle broke off from rust so he's in the same boat.

[dantheman762]

Which metal ring? Do you mean the tone ring gear?

[Audi0s]

Quattro is a strictly mechanical AWD system. The wheel speed sensor is ok to leave as is, of course no ABS. You dont have traction control in your car,the wheel speed sensors are used the newer systems to check wheel speed to determine slip, but this information is only for the traction control. It only effects the quattro when it clamps a caliper, which redisributes the torque bias. On the newer systems, Im not too familiar with, so im sure its constantly monitoring the wheels, and bias, etc. The TT isnt a traditional quattro system, it has a Haldex I believe, which doesnt house the trans and front diff in one case. Correct me if Im wrong. Or PM for more info

[dantheman762]

Quattro is a strictly mechanical AWD system. The wheel speed sensor is ok to leave as is, of course no ABS. You dont have traction control in your car,the wheel speed sensors are used the newer systems to check wheel speed to determine slip, but this information is only for the traction control. It only effects the quattro when it clamps a caliper, which redisributes the torque bias. On the newer systems, Im not too familiar with, so im sure its constantly monitoring the wheels, and bias, etc. The TT isnt a traditional quattro system, it has a Haldex I believe, which doesnt house the trans and front diff in one case. Correct me if Im wrong. Or PM for more info

Okay, got it. Thanks. I was assuming that EDL is traction control, but now know that it isn't the same thing. Thanks for your help.

[Audi0s]

EDL is elecronic diff lock, like the wiki says. I think their traction control is ESP right?

[Scotty@Advanced]

I'm wondering if I've been doing any damage to the rear diff?

It's highly unlikely

EDL is elecronic diff lock, like the wiki says. I think their traction control is ESP right?

Yes but the diff isn't actually locked. The locking action is controlled by actuation of the brake calipers on the slipping wheel.