Audi launched the 2nd generation of their popular A3 model in 2003, and the run continued until 2013. Designed by the legendary Walter de Silva, this automobile built prodigiously on the A3’s already stellar reputation and gave consumers a much larger interior and a new fuel injection system. Also available were several different sports-oriented sub-models that potential buyers could choose from if they wanted something a little different but with the soul of an Audi. It is not uncommon for A3 owners to report a failure of their flywheel.
The flywheel is an extremely important part that connects the clutch to the engine, transmitting the necessary power signals through your car. When it stops working, the car will no longer change gears, and some serious damage may result to the engine. The worst possible outcome is that a fire will start due to the friction.
Thankfully, there are several signs that the flywheel isn’t working properly that can alert you to the fact before a major disaster occurs. The idle should always be smooth, and when it begins rattling you can guarantee that something isn’t doing what it should. While driving, if the transmission is producing a lot of noise, and if the clutch begins to slip every once in a while, you should start thinking of that flywheel. Keeping your eyes and ears on these sorts of telltale symptoms will save you from some serious headaches later on.
While Audi has issued a recall on the faulty flywheel, it is always a good idea to have the car checked over beforehand to make sure that this is indeed where the problem originates. Making a stop at a specialized German import maintenance garage will give you a chance to hear a second—qualified—opinion, and they can help you decide on an appropriate course of action.
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