Audi S3 FL late 2016- wheels “shudder/clunk” whilst accelera

[Char787]

Hi all

Just bought an Audi S3 2016 facelift- noticed when accelerating hard the wheels seem like they shudder/clunk-

It’s as if the traction control is fighting to stop the wheels spinning as once gained traction it stops however can do it at 30mph if accelerating hard also
So I am concerned it maybe something more sinister

Has anyone experienced this before? Still under warrenty so maybe worth a visit to the garage anyway.

[Jim the Sunderer]

I'm guessing there's either odd, bald or cheap tyres on at least a few of the wheels.

[Char787]

Car is shod with conti sport contact 5 which all have a very good amount of life left in them

[Char787]

Seems to just be the front wheels, as if power isn’t being sent back like it should when it starts to lose traction

[Cupramax]

Have you bought a 2wd S3? Doesn’t sound right to me...

[Tango222]

I saw something on the Golf forum where a Golf R was only running in 2wd mode due to a haldex issue so could be something similar

[Char787]

Cupramax- I sure I hope I haven’t.

Faulty haldex seems to be a common trend in any similar issues people have had! Best get to the garage before the warrenty ends

[Char787]

Thanks for the replies

Will get it booked it and see if it is haldex pump that has failed

[Dr G]

piston25m said:

It sounds like the Haldex pump has failed. It should be replacable under warrenty. Did you buy it from a main dealer?

Turn off the traction control, box in sport, boot it from a standstill.

That is the fastest way to diagnose a failed Haldex pump

[Char787]

Dr G said:

piston25m said:

It sounds like the Haldex pump has failed. It should be replacable under warrenty. Did you buy it from a main dealer?

Turn off the traction control, box in sport, boot it from a standstill.

That is the fastest way to diagnose a failed Haldex pump

I think I have just confirmed the knackered haldex pump! Above method and wheel spun almost into 3rd!

[Dr G]

It's a straightforward repair, fortunately. Saves you the cost of your 3 year Haldex oil change too

[Char787]

Car went into Audi eventually this morning.

took the "master" tech out for a road test to show him my concerns

"not seen this before, will start with the basics of plugging in it for fault codes" filled me with confidence

fingers crossed someone there understands what has been told to him and hopefully just a fault haldex pump

-next step will be to understeer straight into a kerb on a roundabout to whilst on road test to show them the issues

update to come later today - will update if anything different

[MattS5]

I'm surprised at this still being an issue with the newer versions.
Had one go on my previous MY2011 5 years ago and it wasn't unusual back then either.

Audi should really fix this stuff in later revisions.

[ashleyman]

Might be a failed or blocked Haldex pump. The dealers say the Haldex pump on these cars isn't serviceable but it is and it needs doing.

Your best bet is to take it to a specialist and ask them to remove the gauze/filter, clean it and replace the oil as the most the dealer will do is replace the oil but leave the gauze/filer dirty.

This is a filter with 14,500 miles / 3 years old.

Edited by ashleyman on Friday 9th November 17:46

[Char787]

As suspected, faulty haldex coupling pump is the issue! A week to wait for the part and then a day to fit!

Full replacement pump needed but warranty covered so fingers should have All wheel drive S3 soon enough!

[Cupramax]

Glad you got sorted and PH remote fault diagnosis spot on as ever. We should start charging