What does it sound like when the pilot bearing is going out? I have a 99 a4 2.8 quattro 5spd. I have this problem in my tranny. There is sound in the transmission only in first gear like a really bad bearing sound. It is loud! I am trying to figure out if it is a bearing that can be replaced or if it is something in just thta gear.

 

Don't worry about it too much ...I have had the same noise for 3 years now...lol
I have the money saved up to replace it but the damn thing just keeps chuggin along. The only problem is the loud noise only on acceleration only and only in 1st gear. I'm thinking i'm eventually going to replace the whole tranny instead of having it rebuilt.... either way I was quoted 5 hours just to take it out of the car... I think this is going to turn into a weekend DIY project instead of bending over for some mechanic, and I'm sure as hell not going to the dealer to get it fixed. I have called several salvage yards and you can get a used tranny with 60-100km on it for under $800.00 (CAN). Either way you decide to go good luck!

 

Thanks for replying! That makes me feel alittle better about it. Do you know what specific thing is making the noise by chance? My car has 249,500 miles on it. I was hoping it would something i could have fixed for cheap if I pull the tranny out.

Good luck with yours

 

I'm not sure what exactly is making the noise, I have taken it to a few specialists and they all end up scratching their heads. I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up doing the clutch myself so I will figure it out while I'm in there. Some people say chipped gear, others say a bearing, others are stumped... Ive never actually done any transmission work myself so it will be a learning experience. When I get around to doing it I will probably do a DIY thread on the subject.