Rear Differential Bearing needs replacing .. really?!

[Rupert49]

I took delivery of my brand new S3 Saloon (manual) in November 2014. It's now into its eighth year and has just clocked up 25,000 miles.

After the last service in November 2021, I noticed a strange turbine-like humming sound most noticeable on smoother road surfaces which, after some experimentation, I deduced was not engine related but possibly something to do with a wheel bearing. The local Audi dealership diagnosed that the noise was not a wheel bearing but that the rear differential bearing was worn.

I took a call from the dealership this afternoon to advise me of the repair cost: £5,288.26 inclusive of all parts, labour and VAT .. !

I'm told that the rear differential comes as a single unit and that if it is not replaced, the quattro functionality probably won't kick in as it should .. which rather defeats the object of having 4WD in the first place.

I'm posting this in the vain hope that somebody might advise me if I have a case for some form of compensation from Audi for the sizeable cost of this repair, especially in light of the low mileage and that the car has been immaculately maintained by them from day one.

 

[AlS3BE]

On an 8 year old car I doubt they would entertain it. I had issues with a car just outside warranty before.
I would get a second opinion from a specialist rather than from dealer as they aren’t mechanics/technicians anymore. They are just fitters.
there was someone on here and on the golf r forum that had no oil in the diff and Audi didn’t warrant it.
will try and find the post on here as that had details of getting second hand car bits and revision numbers.

 

[Rupert49]

I've discussed the situation with my Audi dealership, who approached head office and was told there was nothing they could do (gee, thanks guys!).

However, as a gesture of goodwill, the service manager has agreed to knock two grand off the total bill, which I thought was a very generous gesture. I will also get 2 years parts and labour warranty.

Not a bad result but still an unexpected hit to the old wallet!

 

[Martinbanshee]

My MY15 S3 saloon (55k miles) also has a bad rear diff, I’m currently looking at options for replacement.
I’ve owned since new and always had it serviced at Audi but I’ll be getting an Indy for this job once I find a replacement diff. Anyone know what VRS Northampton charge for supply & fit of a reconditioned diff? I believe they stock them.


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[Damo S]

Dunno, but they look to be about 350 quid or so second hand. That would be my choice. Quite a few of them on ebay from what i can tell (varying price though)