Have you ever wondered how the actions in your car cause the wheels to move? This is what the drivetrain does. It transfers horsepower from the engine to the wheels to aid your car in its movement. The drivetrain could, however, run into various problems, making it difficult to propel your car on demand.

Understanding the drivetrain and the common causes of its failure can help you take better care of your car, so below is some useful information to help you identify problems before they become major headaches.

Common Causes of Drivetrain Problems in an Audi

The drivetrain is made of every component between your Audi’s engine and its wheels. Hence, if any of these components have an issue, the drivetrain could fail to perform its functions. Some of the common causes of drivetrain failures are:

  • Fuel System Issues: The fuel system contains various parts like the fuel pump and injector that ensure that the engine gets a sufficient supply of fuel and also at the right pressure. If any part of this system fails, the engine does not provide enough power and so, the drivetrain fails to deliver the needed power to get the wheels turning. Hence, you need a working fuel system for an effective drivetrain.
  • Ignition System Failure: Just like the fuel system, the ignition system plays a vital role in ensuring your Audi’s drivetrain transfers power between the engine and the wheels. The ignition system has parts like the spark plugs and ignition coils that ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine for combustion. If any part of the ignition system fails, the engine does not supply enough power and so, the drivetrain fails to work.
  • Exhaust System Problems: Problems with the exhaust system in a car could also be a cause for drivetrain failures. If any of the system parts such as the oxygen sensors, manifold, catalytic converter, or pipes fail; then, the engine cannot properly dispose of its waste, leading to decreased engine performance and thus drivetrain problems.

4 Common Signs of Failure in an Audi’s Drivetrain

If you suspect that your Audi’s drivetrain could be faulty, then here are some signs you should look out for:

  1. Strange Noises: The first sign that alerts you of a drivetrain failure in your car is weird noises, especially when shifting gear or when accelerating. You may notice clanging. Whining, or grinding sounds that suggest that somewhere in between your car’s engine and its wheels, there is a problem. You may have to get a professional to make a diagnosis of the exact problem.
  2. Fluid Leaks: The drivetrain is made of several components like the transmission and differential, both of which have moving parts and need oil for movement and less friction. This means that some parts of your drivetrain may hold oil at various times and if any of these parts are worn out or damaged, they could leak oil. Hence, oil leaks are also a common sign of a drivetrain failure.
  3. Difficulty Shifting Gears: The transmission, as part of the drivetrain, controls the shift of the gear which in turn controls the speed at which the vehicle moves. A transmission problem means a drivetrain problem and you may notice this when it gets too difficult to change the gears while driving. The gear stick could become too hard or too loose or you may hear a loud noise when accelerating with an automatic transmission.
  4. Excessive Vibrations: Another sign that could indicate a drivetrain failure in an Audi is excessive vibrations. These vibrations could be felt in various areas of the car such as the steering wheel, seats, floorboards, and even the entire car.

Audi Fuel Injector Check

A Trusted Garage in Atlanta to Fix Your Audi’s Drivetrain Issues

Drivetrain problems in a car should not be handled with levity as it could affect loads of other systems and lead to more complex problems. European Service Center is always ready to deal with drivetrain issues and all other repair needs for European vehicles.

While we are located in Atlanta, GA, we are always ready to help vehicle owners from other locations such as Alpharetta, Chamblee, Cumming, Norcross, Duluth, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and Roswell. If your car shows even the smallest sign of a fault, bring it down to us and we will find a lasting solution.