"Catastrophic" Drivetrain Failure

[billschusteriv]

This issue has been fixed/resolved.



Okay here's the stats:

02 Xi touring
172,409 miles
Replaced F/R diff fluid in the last 5k miles
Unknown maintenance history on transmission

So driving to work today, the car came to a screeching halt - on its own. I went from driving 25 miles an hour to stopped with a little cloud of dust forming behind the rear wheels. Luckily I wasn't driving at highway speeds yet.

The car seemed to lurch to a stop, almost as if I was standing on the brake (I felt sorry for the ppl behind me). So I pulled over to the curb and "parked". As I neared a stop, the car seemed to shake violently and make lots of noise. Put it reverse to "parallel park" and the same thing happens.

No warning lights on the dash. I popped the hood and checked underneath, all the belts were on the pulleys. I don't today and haven't recently seen any fluids under the car. No drive or half shafts laying on the ground. The wheels and brakes weren't hot.

I'm stumped - and as this was over my head I called my indy mechanic. He said he doesn't have any WAGs and it sounds like it could be catastrophic drivetrain failure - diff, trans, shafts, etc.



This issue has been fixed/resolved.

[danewilson77]

What were the fluids/methods used when performing the maintenance? This really sux Bill. Glad no wreck ensued.

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[kayger12]

Sorry to hear, Bill.

Let us know how you make out. Fingers crossed for you.

[pyreguy]

Wow sorry to hear! Keep us posted.


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[Marcus-SanDiego]

Bill, we're hoping for the best. I know you'll keep us updated as you learn stuff.

Good luck!

[mimalmo]

Bummer.

Transfer case, diff, guibo...?

Does the engine seem fine when it's in Park or Neutral?

[danewilson77]

Bummer.

Transfer case, diff, guibo...?

Does the engine seem fine when it's in Park or Neutral?

Diff bearing?

[billschusteriv]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the kind words.

No issues with the engine in park or neutral. No noticable issues when the car was pulled up onto the flatbed in neutral.

Got the car to my indy mechanic. Tow truck rolled it right into the garage. I stuck around for a few minutes and we moved the car front to back in gear. At about 2 mph there was a noticable shake coming from the drivetrain - under my seat, shifter, steering wheel. Almost like the car was bucking.

Bummer.



Transfer case, diff, guibo...?



Does the engine seem fine when it's in Park or Neutral?

Diff bearing?

At first the symptoms seemed like trans. Now this ^ is more like what we're thinking now. First order of troubleshooting is to disconnect the front/rear and check the diff/transfer case.

All great thoughts gentlemen. I'll keep everyone posted.

[mimalmo]

Good to hear. The parts I listed are all cheaper than an engine replacement.


Though it would have been fun to see you swap in the engine from that crashed ZHP or an M3.

[jjcools]

Good luck Bill, car problems are the worst. I had our Audi die in Tahoe this weekend during a crazy storm. I hope it works out ok for you!!