[tomshirah]

A6 Allroad 2001 auto transmission. I get a click or snap noise when I put it in reverse or forward while on a hill. This happens when I park and release the brake to get out of the car, or when I get in, start up, and put it in gear. Doesn't happen when I'm on level ground. Any ideas on what that click or snapping sound is? It's not a "thunk" kind of noise when you put it in gear, it's a clear, crisp snap or click sound, definitely metalic sounding. I should add that there is one click or snap, not a series of clicks or snaps.

If I set the emergency brake before I release the foot brake it doesn't happen. So it must be some kind of movement after releasing the foot brake thereby putting the pressure on the transmission which is now in park position - the weight of the car and gravity pulling on the transmission as the car wants to go downhill about 1/2 an inch.
thanks,
tom

 

[mdallroad]

There is a metal anchoring device that locks the flywheel to keep the car from moving when in Park. It should not cause any damage, but when parking on an incline I always place the transmission in nuetral, put on the parking brake, release the foot brake and let the car 'settle' before placing the trans in park. I just think it is less stressful on the transmission and related mechanical parts.

 

[tomshirah]

Hey thanks for your response. I will do that routine. I have been noticing the click in reverse if I give it a bit more gas to get up hill when I'm backing up (I live in North Carolina in the mountains so there are very few flat places). Seems like that click should not happen at that time. I keep thinking it's some kind of mount our something that gets stressed when torque is applied.