2010 A4 2.0t FWD with CVT...scraping noise when applying gas??

**Chard** · 11-11-2016 11:49 AM

Hey all,

I'm considering purchasing a 2010 B8 A4 2.0t with CVT and the car is great except I noticed an odd noise when I was test driving it.

When pulling from a stop or even at low speeds, when I apply the gas, I can hear kind of a faint scraping and/or grinding noise. Not loud, faint, and it seems like it could be rotational because it's sort of a rhythmic sound instead of constant.

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

Thanks in advance!

**Chard** · 11-11-2016 11:57 AM

Also, the car has had the pistons changed as part of a recall due to oil consumption. That was about 27k miles ago. Currently has 47k on the clock.

**bakedziti** · 11-11-2016 12:03 PM

Does it sound anything like the noise in this thread?

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ame-this-noise

**Chard** · 11-11-2016 12:19 PM

Hmm, I didn't listen to it from the engine bay, just noticed it while driving. I wouldn't say it's a knock like that though, more like a scraping noise that increases in frequency as the revs build.

**19birel** · 11-11-2016 01:15 PM

Was the fluid changed at 30k? If not, the CVTs get really unhappy when you let the fluid go especially if it's possibly 15k overdue for service. Ours was right at the 30k mark when we took it in for it's second change and it still had hesitations when getting on the throttle (which was remedied by the fluid change).

CVTs rely heavily on being well lubricated as the metal belt in the transmission actually makes contact with the discs that move in and out to change the "gearing". If the fluid is old and has broken down, both the chain and the discs can start wearing down, neither of these parts can be purchased separately for a repair either, so at that point you're looking at a transmission replacement.

If that one is making noise, I would run. In general i would avoid buying a CVT as well, getting a Quattro car 2011 or newer with the ZF 8-speed auto is your best bet (or a car with a manual gearbox). Even the 2009-10 cars with the ZF 6-speed auto are a more reliable choice than the CVT.

Hope that helps

**Chard** · 11-11-2016 02:50 PM

Yes, transmission fluid was changed at 30,645 miles.

The rest of what you're saying is kinda scaring me away from the car though. If it's as simple as a fluid change, that might not be so bad, but I'm not sure if this is the root cause.

Is this noise typical of a CVT transmission that's wearing out?

**elscotto80** · 11-11-2016 03:16 PM

Don't waste you're time with a CVT. You will be missing out on Quattro. Keep searching and get a manual, if possible.

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**19birel** · 11-11-2016 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Chard

Yes, transmission fluid was changed at 30,645 miles.

The rest of what you're saying is kinda scaring me away from the car though. If it's as simple as a fluid change, that might not be so bad, but I'm not sure if this is the root cause.

Is this noise typical of a CVT transmission that's wearing out?

Yeah, if it was changed at 30k then it likely isn't the fluid. From what I understand, whining and/or grinding noises are indicative of failure; it sounds like a belt issue to me but that's just a hypothesis.

I worked at an Audi dealership and the service manager straight up told me they're the worst transmission Audi made and he would never own one. We have one, but it's under CPO warranty till 100k, otherwise I question whether or not we'd still have it. I feel like it's a big risk to own without a warranty.

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**forcefed7** · 11-11-2016 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by Chard

Is this noise typical of a CVT transmission that's wearing out?

Short answer is yes.
My girlfriend had an A6 CVT which failed and we had rebuilt, so as far as noises and behavior from Audi's CVT, we've heard it all.
I can say after the rebuild, the transmission was whisper quiet. No funny noises whatsoever.

So if you are hearing any metallic noise coming from the trans on this car you'd be smart to walk away. You don't need that CVT drama in your life.