S Tronic ATF leak

[Chris24]

Hello guys,

i recently bought a 2013 Q5 2.0tdi. I went into Audi for a recall a few weeks back.. they done there 'safety check' and after trying to get 2 tyres and wipers out of me they said I had a noticeable ATF leak. They couldn't tell me where from just that the undertray had signs of fluid on. After removing it I could see a tiny amount of fluid on the pan and visible signs around the gasket. I cleaned it all off and for 4 weeks of the misses pottering 7 mile to work and back there was nothing. We done a 40 mile drive at the weekend and after checking I noticed another drop and signs round the gasket again. Today I've just had it in a garage to get it up on the ramps for a good luck. There is signs round the gasket on the side where the diff bolts to the box. Now there was also a bit on the bottom 3 diff bolts. My reckoning is as I've not had the under tray on the wind has blown it up and around that area.. fingers crossed anyway. Worst case diff to box but you'd have to drive around in reverse for the fluid to reach where it is. Is the pan gasket failure a common problem or could I just be unlucky? It's only on 28k. Previous owner just pottered about in it. I'm thinking that us getting it and using it more may have caused things to expand. It drives great, no issues with gear changing, no knocks. 

Has anyone else had issues with the pan leaking? 

Cheers

[Trevor]

Hi Duncan...welcome to the Forum

Sounds like a 'weep' rather than a 'leak' and in my opinion, if it is not huge losses of fluid and it stays as a weep then it is not too much to worry about.

However, if it gets to the stage where it is a constant leak then that's another issue.

Keep us informed on the progress

Cheers,  Trevor

[Chris24]

I've had another look today and cleaned round, the main area is drivers side to rear where the diff bolts on. I've got it booked In on Saturday to get the gasket changed and the gearbox service, but I've spoke to a gearbox specialist who's said leave it and monitor it as the pan gasket will be changed on its service anyway. That's another 10k though, not sure I'm confident enough to leave it that long. 

Today I also emailed audi customer service and basically asked them if they would investigate the leak free of charge as although it's out of warranty by 6 month, it's still 30k miles under what there warranty covers. If it's a failed gasket at 28k, to me that's a manufacturing fault. Not hoping on this like, but it's worth a try... 

[Steve Q]

Hey Chris, I have to agree with you and I know if it were me I'd have it looked at. 

But as Trevor has pointed out a weep isn't as bad thankfully but I would say it's not appropriate on a 3 and half year old car with 30k on the clock. 

Whereas id expect a weep on my 15 year old a6 that's done 327,000 miles! 

youve done right speaking to Audi customer services but I agree that I wouldn't hold out much hope for anything from them. 

However when the car goes in to Audi, mention to the service advisor that your not happy and that this should have happened. 

I say this as they may be able to get money off for you. They can even contact Audi directly to try and get manufacturers good will. 

I tell you this as the turbo blew on my a6 (my dad bought it new) just out of warranty and Audi paid some towards the cost of the repair. 

But I have also worked at a Volkswagen service department and have done good will for customers when I worked there. 

Hope iv helped 

cheers 

steve

[Chris24]

So today I got a reply from Audi.. basically they want me to take it to me local Audi garage to have it investigated. They've agreed a £60 investigation cost, not worth arguing over to be honest. Although if it comes down to a manufacturing fault/issue, I will be refunded the £60. Then Audi U.K. Will liaise with my local Audi to get the issue sorted. So it's booked in next Thursday, lets await the outcome. 

[Steve Q]

Glad it's booked in chris :) Let's hope it gets sorted soon :) 

keep us posted :) 

cheers

steve 

[Chris24]

Quick update.. car has been into Audi for 2 days whilst they investigate the weep. The cause or location has not been identified. They have put some oil leak detection spray on all gearbox seals in hoping it shows up. I have to leave it for 500-1000 miles and take it back in. On the plus side there’s been no charge due to them not being able to find anything. Also the box is still within the 5 year drivetrain warranty so that’s a bonus, I thought I would have to beg and plead for a good will gesture. The technician seems to think it’s possibly where the diff bolts to the box which is a silicone seal and not a gasket as such. The box has lost minimal fluid, it’s still on it’s full level. Stress and panic over, I thought it would be a get shot situation. I’ve just grown to like this car after coming from big bhp hot hatches. 

[Steve Q]

Well I'm glad you've had some sort of result Chris :) 

let's hope it's just that silicone seal :) glad Audi didn't charge you anything :) and it's good to know spout the 5 year drivetrain warranty :) 

please keep us posted :) 

cheers

steve