My wife's 855T has 214,000 miles on it and runs great. I know it needs front axles again pretty soon as the last ones went in about 9 years ago and we're starting to hear a little popping from the CV joints.

Lately Leigh has commented on weird behavior going in reverse, but I had not been able to replicate it until today.

Two different symptoms, not necessarily occurring simultaneously.

1. Put the car in reverse, start backing up and it feels like the tires are spinning as the car rolls slowly then it catches and goes.

2. Put the car in reverse and it vibrates heavily for about 10 seconds before tapering off but the car will drive in reverse.

I checked the ATF (hot, idling in park after running the shifter through all positions) and it was just below the HOT hash marks so I put some in and drove it tonight. No change.

Questions:

Is the trans on the way out? No flashing arrows or CELs. I changed the fluid about 30,000 miles ago. It still looks red(ish) and doesn't smell burnt. The original trans was replaced under warranty at 50,000 just before I bought the car so this one has about 164,000 miles on it.

Could bad motor and trans mounts cause this? I've never replaced them. Maybe a drivetrain misalignment with the hubs is also causing my CV joint noise?
(hopeful)

I really don't relish the idea of a DIY trans replacement on an 850 turbo.

Erwin,