Window problems on my 1998 a4? They seem like they're off track but i hear that it could be pullies....help

If by "off track" you mean the window will not roll up or down or it's not staying up, more than likely the window regulator is broken. There are pullies and wire cables attached to a motor to move the window. THe glass is attached with locking pins and don't usually come off (atleast I've never seen it happen myself and I've been working of cars for 12+ now)If you can hear a grinding noise when operating the switch or it sounds like something is binding, replace the regulator.

check loose or broken cable

You would be better off replacing your regulator. You should be able to purchase one without the motor. It jumped off the track for some reason. Your cable is stretched now (more than likely) and this will cause you further problems down the road. After you replace the regulator, be sure to lubricate the window guides with SILICON WD-40, not regular WD-40. Use it liberally and cycle the window up and down numerous times then let it dry.

to me, it seems as if the window regulator is bad, wire snapped internal ,

My friend had 3 of 4 window lifts fail... the cable comes of the pullies and damages the plastic pully tracks. They're not repairable We bought new window lifts for iton the web. They're not too hard to replace. The aftermarket ones had crumby motors so we put the original motors off the broken lifts on. They've worked great since.

If you've undone the nut you need a ball joint splitter. Go for the scissor type they cost a bit more but they work better,

Sounds like a track problem. It happens sporadically because the track will occasionally align itself when the window is closed, allowing you to open the window normally but will work itself away fromthe door after you open it. You probably hear a strange noise when closing the window. The track needs repair. This will require opening the door panel to secure the track or replace it altogether.

SOUNDS LIKE ONE OF YOUR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE GONE WEST REPLACE THESE BEFORE YOU GO KOOFING FOR A DEEPER PROBLEM

My Audi A4 is a 99, so they're the same vintage, and the A4s have a fairly common rate of failure for the window regulators. They're easy to change, but usually expensive to buy. You probably will have the most luck on eBay sourcing them at a good price. You remove the door panel (www.vwvortex.com will probably have a tech article detailing this), unbolt the regulator from the window assembly (in my A4 it's three bolts), and it pops straight out. Disconnect the electrical connector, and reverse the procedure to install the new one.

the window may be off track. take the door panel off.