Gearbox woes

[B5 BIKER]

Got the A6 serviced today and asked them to check a droning noise coming from the front, thinking maybe wheel bearings.
they tell me that the differential bearing in the gearbox is gone and a new box is the way to go!!!
i have no experience when it comes to gearboxes and wondering if anyone on here has a better idea.
the car is a 2003 A6 2.5tdi sport with a 6 speed manual box
cheers

 

[Iceash]

I'd look to get it recon'd

 

[foxymk1]

whats the cade ? iv have couple of 6sp box's i may sell

 

[adamss24]

It's a little unusual as the quattro had the good Getrag gearbox, i would get a 2nd opinion but it could be still diff bearings, 2003 is well past the switch when they started using in-house made gearboxes...with poorer bearings !

 

[B5 BIKER]

It's a little unusual as the quattro had the good Getrag gearbox, i would get a 2nd opinion but it could be still diff bearings, 2003 is well past the switch when they started using in-house made gearboxes...with poorer bearings !

This is a front wheel drive, but deffo think I'll have to get a second opinion.
They quoted me 2k€ for a replacement box. I only paid 3k for the car 6 months ago

 

[B5 BIKER]

whats the cade ? iv have couple of 6sp box's i may sell

I think the code is FRF

 

[myth]

Just go for 2nd opinion!

Don't tell to investigate the gearbox, just ask to troubleshoot the noise. Don't tell them to check the gearbox for problems.

 

[B5 BIKER]

Got the 2nd and 3rd opinions. All the same as the first. Main pinion bearing probably shot.
Seems that it is reasonably common according to the 2 gearbox specialists I spoke to.
So much so one of them keeps a replacement bearing and seal kit in stock for the frf box.
250€ to take the box out and put back in, and 650€ for the recon & probably aswell to fit a new clutch while in there

 

[Broken Byzan]

pinion bearings are common failure on these things. Makes a horrible whine all of the time when they go

 

[B5 BIKER]

Does anyone know if there is another option gearbox variation other than the FRF suitable to use, or does anyone have one in good running condition available to haggle over
Finding it hard to source a replacement and the repair option seems very expensive

 

[B5 BIKER]

Well finally decided to get the box recond.
650€ for that and 250€ for the labour and a new cv joint while it was out.
All I can say is WOW, what a difference
Slick easy change and smooth too. Glad it's done now
I have the part numbers available if anyone needs them to get a box done.