Best breakers/Parts source for S3 8P? (Rear diff)

[Kiwi79]

Hi, I'm getting a whine from the rear diff on run down so looks like it needs replacing according to the garage. The garage (a decent Audi indy) have told me a new one is £2-3k apparently from Audi. They are more than happy to fit one but obviously wont source used parts. Where is the best place to look and how can I ensure I don't get my trousers pulled down or end up with a mechanical lemon of a diff?

Thanks

 

[Daveyonthemove]

When my transfer box failed a couple of years ago I found a used one in the sales/wants area on this forum.
Worth looking in there and also posting a 'Wanted' post as someone may be breaking one.

Are you 100% it is the rear diff? Before my TB failed there was a whine that sounded like it was coming from the middle/rear area so it must have been the grinding from the TB resonating down the drive shaft.

 

[William McGougan]

I have a spare rear diff...I removed as the diff was binding when turning corners but only when haldex was plugged in, I disconnected the plug and it was cool, so I suspected the pump or clutch pack had gone, but the actual diff is fine, you could always try your own pump it use it for parts if you are struggling, I paid £350 for a used diff but I would let this go for £100 as a spares unit, it may be an easy fix like fitting your own pump to it I never tested to be fair, it's a gen 2 haldex btw hit me a message if interested

 

[paddy]

I just bought anew one , £3600 with VAT + fitting. The problem is with used the chances are you will be back to square one in no time.

 

[Kiwi79]

Guys, thanks for the replies. The garage are 100% sure it's rear diff and I trust them as they have a good reputation. Will, thanks for the offer but I'm not that technical so I just need to find one ready for install.

Paddy you spent how much? How much is your car worth? I'm not sure I can justify sinking £3.5k on a car worth at best £7.5k although the value is a bit debatable as with a whiny diff what would it be worth...

 

[paddy]

Audi's are expensive. You cant base what you spend on what its worth, you have to base it on what it will cost to replace and the chances are the replacement will have it own problems anyway. Better the devil you know. It costs £4k just to get it to Stg 2+ and you will not get a penny of that back and remember it only matters what its worth if you are going to sell it. I bought mine new, i know it inside out, it might be worth 7-8k now but i couldn't buy another car with a known history from new, faster than a Porsche 911 and comparable for under £25k.... i know i am constantly looking ;-)

 

[Kiwi79]

Audi's are expensive. You cant base what you spend on what its worth, you have to base it on what it will cost to replace and the chances are the replacement will have it own problems anyway. Better the devil you know. It costs £4k just to get it to Stg 2+ and you will not get a penny of that back and remember it only matters what its worth if you are going to sell it. I bought mine new, i know it inside out, it might be worth 7-8k now but i couldn't buy another car with a known history from new, faster than a Porsche 911 and comparable for under £25k.... i know i am constantly looking ;-)

This is a good point I suppose it's all about what is the car worth to ME not necessarily market value. What kind of power is stage 2 I'm guessing 370ish?

If I replace it contenders are M140i + map, S4 3.0 Avant + Map/pulley, Golf R Estate + Map or even S3 8V + map. Not sure on the BMW wondering if I will miss the 4WD out of corners and especially when roads turn to mush but kind of feel the 3.0 engines in the S4 and M140 might feel more special when just cruising along than the 2.0 TFSI