Ticking Noise While Coasting?

[Mtr24]

Hey guys,

I've had this ticking/rattling noise when I'm coasting above 15mph. It sounds like a bike chain when you aren't peddling, if that makes any sense. It cuts out when I touch the accelerator and change gear (tiptronic). I cant seem to pinpoint it, but its pretty loud when the windows are down. I've considered a loose exhaust component or possibly the timing chain but thats just guessing. The car has been doing it for a while so I doubt its related, but I have been throwing the occasional P2099 under boosting code recently so I must have leak some where. If anyone has experienced this or has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

- Max

[dj33]

Hey guys,

I've had this ticking/rattling noise when I'm coasting above 15mph. It sounds like a bike chain when you aren't peddling, if that makes any sense. It cuts out when I touch the accelerator and change gear (tiptronic). I cant seem to pinpoint it, but its pretty loud when the windows are down. I've considered a loose exhaust component or possibly the timing chain but thats just guessing. The car has been doing it for a while so I doubt its related, but I have been throwing the occasional P2099 under boosting code recently so I must have leak some where. If anyone has experienced this or has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

- Max

Does it sound like, or can you feel it in your pedals?

[Highlander1010]

I think P2099 is related to a DV going. You may want to check on yours.

[Mtr24]

I don't feel it in the pedals. It seems like its related to the gear box or engine given the way it stops on acceleration and shifting. I'm going to schedule a smoke test soon for the boost leak so maybe I can get the tech to take a look. I just figured I'd see if anyone has experienced this so I might know where to start my diagnosis. With summer fast approaching it would be nice enjoy having the windows down without hearing this noise.

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[tpo209]

I just noticed the same thing about a week ago. Going to try and get it back to the dealer to see whats going on. Please post if you figure it out.

[Mtr24]

I'm gonna have an independent shop take a look at it when they do a smoke test in next couple of weeks. I'll let you know how it goes, but pm me if you find anything out yourself.

[tpo209]

I'm due for service in ~1100 miles so i'll take care of it then unless it gets worse.

[Mtr24]

Yea dont waste your money on it before then. From what I can gather its a harmless tick, annoying but harmless. I noticed it when the car was still my moms (6 months ago), so I told her to mention it to the techs at the dealer. They just told her it was nothing without investigating further, and sadly she fell for it and now that its my car... the warranty is up.

[QUA77RO]

May not be your issue, but some 2009 A4's had bolts with the wrong thread pitch installed in the subframe. They can begin to back out within 5k miles or being torqued. Mine were re-torqued and the problem came back until I found an Audi owner in Germany that had discovered the problem and gave me the part numbers (pretty sure that's all posted over at AudiWorld) Once the bolts were replaced with the proper ones, the ticking noise went away.

When you would apply even a bit of throttle, the engine would apply torque to the subframe through the motor mounts and the ticking would stop. Anyway, best of luck!

[Wah]

[QUA77RO]

^ nice

[Mtr24]

Haven't heard that tune in a while haha. Thanks for the input QUA77RO, I'll look into those bolts if my first theory is incorrect. I'm thinking it could be one of the differentials, though I don't know much about diff's. I found a thread on a Land Rover forum where a member described nearly the exact same symptoms regarding the noise and its frequency. The only difference is that I can't tell if the speed of my tick is related to the vehicle's speed like his was. He concluded that the tick was generated by the "spider gears" in the diff that were in pretty bad shape, and after a rebuild that noise was gone. I'm going to have my car run on a lift and let the tech listen to for the source using a stethoscope but I'm praying its not a diff. If it is, I hope it's the center so I can at least look into the Stasis center diff as long as it supports Tip-tronic.

[QUA77RO]

If it is, I hope it's the center so I can at least look into the Stasis center diff as long as it supports Tip-tronic.

It doesn't. STaSIS offered me a free center diff for all the crap I'd been through with them but the offer was pointless since it is only for the manual transmission.

[craigiemac412]

I have a 2010 Tip and have the exact same noise. Taking the car in for 55k maint today, gonna talk to my SA about it and have them look into it. Will report back what they say!

[Mtr24]

Please do craigiemac! I've been so busy with work lately I haven't had a chance to take the car into the shop. Any information you can pass along would be much appreciated.

[craigiemac412]

Just got back from the dealer. I did ride-alongs yesterday with the SA, the Tech, and the Shop Foreman. No one ever heard that noise before and no one could explain it. They kept it another day to check some more stuff out. They also test drove the 2 other 2010 A4 Tip's they had in inventory for comparison which made the same noise. They said everything looks and runs great, so the only logical explanation they offered was that this is a normal operating condition.

Wasn't much else I could say. I did talk to the SA and explained to him about the sub-frame bolts mentioned above but I guess mine look fine.

Wish I had more of an answer for you guys, but apparently everyone is clueless haha


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[QUA77RO]

Wasn't much else I could say. I did talk to the SA and explained to him about the sub-frame bolts mentioned above but I guess mine look fine.

Wish I had more of an answer for you guys, but apparently everyone is clueless haha


Sent from somewhere, using those damn Internets

May be an entirely different issue...

But SA's don't know about this issue. If it had been more widespread, I'd have reported it to AoA. I had to find the problem/solution from a guy in Germany who listed the part numbers. The bolts "look" exactly the same as the correct bolts but they were wrong... The part numbers were posted over on AudiWorld in the B8 A4 forum probably 2-3 years ago. I'll try to see if I can find that thread again and link it. Might be able to find it with a google search. They can torque the bolts to spec but since the thread pitch is wrong, they work loose. I noticed it more when switching from drive to reverse on any kind of slope. As they get looser, it clicks in forward and reverse.

Did they at least check the torque on each subframe bolt? It helps...for awhile...until they work loose again.

Anyways, your problems may be completely unrelated just passing on what I know about a "clicking" noise that like you two different dealerships told me seemed normal. After the bolts were replaced with the correct part number and retorqued, the problem has been gone for 30k miles. Hope it helps. But also curious if there is some new issue that is causing a similar ticking noise...

[Mtr24]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think my issue is a normal operating condition by any means but I think I'll have it looked at some time next week so i will report back then.

[QUA77RO]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think my issue is a normal operating condition by any means but I think I'll have it looked at some time next week so i will report back then.

At the end of the day, it's your car and you have every right to feel confident in it. If it is the subframe bolts, they will make a ticking noise as they loosen up. Once a large enough gap forms, the noise changes...it becomes a loud clunk most noticeable when engaging reverse after coming to a firm stop. Initially it was tough to duplicate...until it got so loud and consistent that when they did experience it, they thought it was related to the brakes, then the tranny, then the differentials... and eventually they found out that it was just some loose bolts that needed to be replaced with the proper ones. Retorquing the wrong bolts rarely lasted very long sometimes not even as long as it took to drive the 100 miles to get home.

No matter what the cause of your issue is, they should be able to fix it or show you what is causing it and that it is "normal". If that is their position, have them put it in writing.

[craigiemac412]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think my issue is a normal operating condition by any means but I think I'll have it looked at some time next week so i will report back then.

Definitely let me know how it goes....

No matter what the cause of your issue is, they should be able to fix it or show you what is causing it and that it is "normal". If that is their position, have them put it in writing.

Yes -- I agree. But I do have it in writing on my printed invoice, and in their system basically what I posted above. I'm not *pleased* but I do feel better having it in writing which puts them on the line in the event that if something does go wrong I had it addressed and they said it was normal.


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[Mtr24]

OK so I went to the shop to address my boost leak or so I assumed given the P2099 (under-boosting turbo) code. On the way I noticed that the car was not boosting at all or at the very least like a pound or two (no boost gauge). After a smoke test and pulling the DV there was no change in boost, so they pulled the cat, at which point they noticed the waste gate was shot. The car is there for the night and they will resume tomorrow morning an attempt to replace the waste gate so I don't have to buy a whole new turbo. If I had a 6MT (I wish) I would look at this as an opportunity to upgrade but sadly I'm gonna have to keep my eyes out for a new K03 just incase. Now I'm sure some may wonder how this applies to the ticking noise, which I have assumed to be one of the differentials. After researching the chances of the waste gate being replaced/repaired I found this thread

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-K03-wastegate


where in post #2 a fellow AZ member described the exact same noise "i've been trying to sort this out as well, sounds like a plastic knife in a fan or like a push bike when you stop pedaling".

So in conclusion, this noise now makes a lot of sense but I will need to drive with the repaired waste gate to verify but if you have this noise I suggest you take action bc AoA will immediately jump to a new turbo if your waste gate fails.

[Mtr24]

The "E-Clip" on the waste gate was repaired this morning and the car is running better than ever and the ticking is completely gone.

[van462]

Thanks for the update, fairly certain I will have to look into this as well. I have the coasting tick, I get the P0299 code occastionally; and when I put on my HFC I noticed the wastegate flapper did rattle a bit.

[craigiemac412]

I'm gonna have to find someone with VCDS to check for faults. Just noticed mine does it now in "D" mode too, was previously only doing it in "S". Not sure if it initially had something to do with the boost/tune in "S" mode -- maybe now it's deteriorated enough to just do it all the time. Would this cause a gas mileage issue? I've noticed this week my mileage has gone to absolute shit and I just had my 55k maint done last week....

Looks like I'll be calling the dealer....


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[Mtr24]

Yea I found my noise was much more pronounced in S but it was definitely there in D. I can't speak for gas milage because I drive like Lewis Hamilton (just ask my brakes ) but since I haven't had this car without the noise it would be nice to see an improvement in MPG in the coming weeks. All in all the car seems to have run better (sound, power, throttle response...) so I've been falling in love with this call all over again. Now I just need a boost gauge so I can better monitor these kinds of things. In terms of taking the car to the dealer, I would advise against it. From what I hear, dealerships tend to approach all waste gate issues by replacing the turbo entirely. In some cases it may be necessary but if it isn't it would suck to drop that kind of money when you don't have to. Or at least push them to pull the cat and see try to salvage the waste gate but I could see them being "uncomfortable" with that now that you're out of warranty and all.

[craigiemac412]

Actually, I just got this car in March as CPO...I have extended warranty until March 2015 so I believe this would be covered if I'm not mistaken :-)




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[Mtr24]

You lucky dog, enjoy your new turbo my friend haha

[TheHeiko]

Funny timing. I just got my '09 Avant back today after a new turbo was installed due to the actuator rod for the waste gate was loose. I do not know why it was loose. Warranty covered it. I had an intermittent CEL and felt loss of power and hesitation. The tech heard rattling which led to the actuator rod. The code noted is P029900. My Avant only has 31,000 miles on it.

I'm very glad for my warranty. I wish I could do an APR Stage 2 but with stuff like this, I'll wait until my warranty is over.

[craigiemac412]

My ticking is starting to get louder in "S" mode, and also happens regularly in "D" mode and also in Tip mode now. Car still seems to drive like I bought it a few months back. Only thing I can think of is if this was an existing issue before I even purchased it since I haven't felt a difference in driving, just the noise

[B8-A4]

Hey just curious i was referred to this thread from another because of the same buzzing noise. when you guys get the code, or engine lite comes on has it gone away on its own. I have severe oil consumption issues, 3.9q every 1000 miles, that i may be paying to have fixed new pistons and rings. and I had a code pop up and go away after 3 days 2 times now. I haven't had time to go to audi to see what the code actually is so just wondering if the P022900 code goes away on its own or stays till its cleared.

I have a strong feeling that the codes are related to the oil consumption, and the fact that my diverter, and waste gate could be all jacked up from this problem as well.

[tpo209]

Finally took mine into the dealer after my rear door lock failed and asked them to look at this too. Service dept. told me there was a code stored and the wastegate wasn't staying closed. Got a new turbo on order to be replaced on Thursday.

For what it's worth anybody in NJ/PA area I've had nothing but great service from Cherry Hill Audi, they've done everything (pistons, rings, water pump, now turbo and door lock) without a question.

[Mtr24]

My CEL would come and go as well over a period of a couple months. I never checked it the first two times but it became more frequent when the weather got warmer (idk if its actually related to the heat) but I had the tick for some time before I got my first CEL. I never felt the car was under performing but at the same time, the car already had the tick when I received it. I went stage 1 soon after (October 2012) and then stage 2 in February. The car felt more powerful but the under-boosting code came back within 24 hours of clearing it every time. Once I got the waste gate repaired it was definitely more powerful. I don't want to say it felt like a brand new car but it definitely felt like it was making full use of the HFC and APR stg II, given it was the first time I had driven the car with a fully functional waste gate. I sounded better, the turbo spooled faster and smoother, and best of all the noise was gone. I can't really speak for the oil consumption since I haven't put enough miles in yet, but I had pretty poor oil consumption before the repair so I'll check back in on that later.

[craigiemac412]

Yayyyyyyyy, new turbo covered by warranty for meeeee! SO happy to finally be able to put this issue behind me. "Excessive play with the waste gate flapper" per the tech's notes. Apparently that's the common theme going around now after seeing some new threads pop up. I still never threw a CEL/P0299 though. I'm anxious to have this resolved because I've only had the car since mid-March and it was doing it the entire time....so I'm predicting to get the car back feeling better than ever and a little more responsive

[carlsA4]

I'm having the same issue here with the ticking and CEL p2099 under-boost error in my 2010 Avant S-Line. I took it to the dealer and they said the waste gage is bad and turbo needs to be replaced but, my car was flagged TD1 so the warranty was void. Cheers! Has any one had any success fighting this issue? I'm considering it, but first I'd like to here your thoughts. According to the law, The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (P.L. 93-637), [URL="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0138-auto-warranties-routine-maintenance"] the dealer has to prove that either defective parts or installation caused the damage to (in this instance) the waste gate, or turbo. If there are non tuned vehicles with this same issues that are being fixed under warranty, how can they refuse to cover vehicles that have been modified? Or, is this a waste of time and potentially a waste of $$?

[Castellij]

I too get the P2099 noise and have that clicking sound coasting. That clicking also can be heared on a down rev. See video attached. The noise is coming from the turbo side for sure. This video is on cold start up. I can hear it at operating temperature too. Only when coasting or on a down rev.

I'll have to check the wastegate flapper when I get the chance...



<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/103075731" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/103075731">Audi A4</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4440366">James Castelli</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

[Slick_B8]

I too get the P2099 noise and have that clicking sound coasting. That clicking also can be heared on a down rev. See video attached. The noise is coming from the turbo side for sure. This video is on cold start up. I can hear it at operating temperature too. Only when coasting or on a down rev.

I'll have to check the wastegate flapper when I get the chance...



<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/103075731" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/103075731">Audi A4</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4440366">James Castelli</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

No doubt about it, its the fucking turbo. Mine is just like yours, only 2-3 times louder. Took it in, they wont replace it or look into without it throwing the p0299 code so when you get a chance, take it in asap with the code on. Mine hasnt thrown the code and my cpo is about give out, my car has 99,150 miles on it so im hoping on dear life the code comes on before it hits 100k lol its horse shit that they wont even look at it thoroughly if that code isnt present because i hear the rattle, they hear the rattle and even hear it through loud music, wtf!

[sdy101]

I've heard the ticking noise while coasting for a few months now. I'm at 62k miles. Just recently got the CEL and P0299 came up in the scan. Took it to the dealer today, they verified the code and said the turbo is failing. They said they could fix the wastegate actuator (not sure how) or may have to replace the whole turbo. I then mentioned the warranty extension for the turbo (still waiting on my letter though), and they said oh yeah, you should be covered. Waiting for the dealer to contact AoA and find out how to proceed. Really hoping I get the turbo replaced and not some bandaid fix...

[MoeMZA]

Anyone have any updates with this issue?

I've had the same exact clicking noise while coasting as well. The noise goes away after applying any pressure to the gas pedal.

[booost]

Just take the baseball card out of your wheel spokes guys

[sdy101]

Getting mine back from the dealer today. They said they adjusted the wastegate rod/flapper and replaced the control valve. So no new turbo for me. I'm currently on travel for work, so when I get back next week I'll check for the ticking sound.