High Pitched faint "Metallic" rattle @ idle. *Updated with Audio/Video files

[Tusin]

*

I have what I can only describe (I think I will try to get a sound clip tomorrow). And a high pitched, and what sounds to be a metallic rattle in what sounds to be my engine bay. It is very very faint, and somewhat rhythmic.

I say it is happening at idle, because one you rev the engine at all, the noise from the engine overpowers this noise.

Pretty sure it is not our standard diesel DI noise. It is like a "ticka ticka tick.... ticka ticka tick....". lol I think I just need to record it.

Myself and a tech at an indy shop tried to pin point it, and honestly couldn't. It SOUNDS like it is coming from the front of the engine. But when I had the car on the lift and was standing under it, it almost sounded like it was coming from the rear of the engine lol. One of those noises that if you move your head at ALL the noise disappears or moves.

I found one other post on here a while ago when I was researching this problem, but cannot find it now for the life of me.

Scanned for codes and nada.

05.5 2.0T 6MT Quattro, currently have 37k miles. APR Chip, and APR/BB Exhaust.

Any ideas in the meantime before I try to get a sound clip would be sweet.

*Ok here is one "video". Just a short one where you can hear the noise. I emphasized the noise slightly by raising the EQ around 5-6k (it is hard to hear other wise). Listen for it right at about 3 seconds. May have to play the short 9 second video a few times.

Also going to upload another video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNzb0U-467c

Ok now that hopefully you can hear the noise that I was trying to describe. Here are a couple short video of me moving my Iphone around the engine area. Also on the second video, if someone can chime in on the belt movement. (hard to see).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAL_rPEmvyM You can hear it very well at about 12 seconds in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUncpwkYTQ8

I probably need to take a much more focused and slower "pin-pointing" video. But it is freaking COLD and snowing outside:)

[B72.0T]

I hear the tick tick tick all the time =/

[Tusin]

^^ it is not the tick tick tick tick tick (as in very rhythmic from the injectors).


This is NOT my car. My engine doesn't have the slapping noise like this one. So don't comment on that.

But if you listen to this, right at about 18seconds in you hear pretty much the same high pitched noise that I am experiencing. Although not that pronounced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tNMgOl754k

Again not my engine. And I will take another clip of my engine tomorrow.

[B72.0T]

^^ it is not the tick tick tick tick tick (as in very rhythmic from the injectors).


This is NOT my car. My engine doesn't have the slapping noise like this one. So don't comment on that.

But if you listen to this, right at about 18seconds in you hear pretty much the same high pitched noise that I am experiencing. Although not that pronounced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tNMgOl754k

Again not my engine. And I will take another clip of my engine tomorrow.

Something is definitely wrong with THAT dudes car [o_o], but I do hear a rhythmic tick also, I know what you're talking about, take a video anyway. I might take one for you also to compare.

[Tusin]

Yeah read up on his thread on the 'tex, still doesn't know exactly what is wrong. I will take a video still, and if you do that would be awesome. It is just the high pitched noise that has me wondering. And in his video you can kind of hear it go away, and then come back.

[Tanner]

If it's a high pitch sound coming from the engine bay, I would look at the PCV.

[Alkemix]

You are talking about the the quieter and slightly higher pitch noise that ticks with a high frequency (frequency as in repetition speed and not sound pitch)?

It almost sounds like something is loose or vibrating to me.

[Tanner]

I think that high pitch sounds seems to come and go because the mic is being pointed to different parts of the engine.

[a4dc89]

cam follower riding on cam???

[clemsongt]

It would lead me more to think of a bearing that was going. Like the bearing on an idler pulley or something.

[rxer311]

Exhaust leak? Heat shield rattle?

[Matt@EuropaParts]

Check that the heat shield next to the turbo isn't making contact.

[rxer311]

I had a heat shield rattle on my STi and it drove me nuts!

[Tusin]

Dark out right now, but I will take some video/audio shortly.

I had my acc. belt and tensioner replaced about two months ago (tensioner was moving around pretty good, and the belt would squeak for a brief moment when cold). I need to look again, but I think last time I was under the hood the tensioner is already moving around again. But it did fix the squeak.

[Tanner]

It would lead me more to think of a bearing that was going. Like the bearing on an idler pulley or something.

Reminds me of my old 1.8T when it threw a crankshaft bearing.

[B72.0T]

Dark out right now, but I will take some video/audio shortly.

I had my acc. belt and tensioner replaced about two months ago (tensioner was moving around pretty good, and the belt would squeak for a brief moment when cold). I need to look again, but I think last time I was under the hood the tensioner is already moving around again. But it did fix the squeak.

Does it sound like a cricket by any chance? Its like a constant sound maybe a little pause then it keeps going? I just noticed it in mine... Its not the "deisel" noise its somewhat rhythmic like you said, but its not very loud like the "tick tick tick" somewhat like a cricket best way I can explain it...

[B72.0T]

Here my video: You can somewhat tell, sorry for the crappy ass quality (3.0 megapixel cellphone camera)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AuIaZ46UVI

[JRMSLINEA4]

mmm.. almost sounds like knocking? are you low on oil?

[MCT9891]

cam follower riding on cam???

X2

[Tusin]

Thanks B72.0T again for the video. I do not really hear the same noise (in the video at least). I just took video of mine, trying to put it together right now.

[B72.0T]

mmm.. almost sounds like knocking? are you low on oil?

No, oil is fine. Not low.

EDIT: Are you guys saying that the sound coming from my engine is bad? Is there something wrong with it [confused]

[Tusin]

Ok here is one "video". Just a short one where you can hear the noise. I emphasized the noise slightly by raising the EQ around 5-6k (it is hard to hear other wise). Listen for it right at about 3 seconds. May have to play the short 9 second video a few times.

Also going to upload another video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNzb0U-467c

[Tusin]

Ok now that hopefully you can hear the noise that I was trying to describe. Here are a couple short video of me moving my Iphone around the engine area. Also on the second video, if someone can chime in on the belt movement. (hard to see).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAL_rPEmvyM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUncpwkYTQ8

I probably need to take a much more focused and slower "pin-pointing" video. But it is freaking COLD and snowing outside:)

[B72.0T]

I know what you're talking about... It sounded like a cricket to me [>_<] I hear the same noise...

[Tusin]

Ah got ya. The the kind of random cricket noise (a great way to describe it) is normal?

Curious though, just research and knowledge.

I had my belt and tensioner replaced two months ago. Is the idler pulley http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-...1324/ (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/Idler/ES251324/) part of the belt tensioner assembly or a separate piece? http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-...8766/ (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/Tensioner/ES258766/)

[B72.0T]

^ Well Im not sure if its normal I dont know that but I hear the same thing as you do. I havent had anything replaced and I am about to hit 42k

[Tusin]

So it sounds like we have the same noise then? Maybe both of our engines are going to explode! lol.

I am going to continue to research it. Will take it to another Indy that just opened up shop, and then if I have to the dealer. But the dealers service department up here is very very very very bad. Sales staff is amazing though. Go figure.

Oh I will add that I had the noise before I had the acc belt and tensioner replaced. I honestly thought that was the cause of it (due to the noise seeming to correlate with the vibration that the belt tensioner was doing). That is why I asked if the Idler Pulley is a separate piece. I know you can purchase it separate, but it just LOOKS like it come with the belt tensioner as well.

[B72.0T]

Hopefully they dont blow up man lol.. I'd cry ='(

[Tusin]

lol kind of joking. Have you checked your Cam? I haven't yet, and I need to. Luckily I do have a 3rd party service contract. So I "should" be covered no problem if it is warn through. Never had a fuel cut or any codes.

What year is your car again?

[B72.0T]

lol kind of joking. Have you checked your Cam? I haven't yet, and I need to. Luckily I do have a 3rd party service contract. So I "should" be covered no problem if it is warn through. Never had a fuel cut or any codes.

What year is your car again?

A 2007... with 42k miles. And no I havent checked my cam. What year is yours and what mileage?

[Tusin]

05.5 37k. Been making the noise for awhile though. And it is hard to date when it started, due to it being so freaking faint.

[B72.0T]

05.5 37k. Been making the noise for awhile though. And it is hard to date when it started, due to it being so freaking faint.

WTF HACKER 05.5 with 37? [=(][=(] Well I bought mine with 35k... If I had it when it was low mileage I dont drive a lot it would still be really low [:(]

[Sanjman]

are you 2 just chatting? There's something called IM or email? LOL j/k

[B72.0T]

are you 2 just chatting? There's something called IM or email? LOL j/k

[>_<]

[Sanjman]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/marcolio/postwhore.jpg

[Tusin]

hahah yeah..... Of course still looking for input from others:)

[B72.0T]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/marcolio/postwhore.jpg

Hahaha, that is so sexican!

[illegitimus]

So it sounds like we have the same noise then? Maybe both of our engines are going to explode! lol.

I am going to continue to research it. Will take it to another Indy that just opened up shop, and then if I have to the dealer. But the dealers service department up here is very very very very bad. Sales staff is amazing though. Go figure.

Oh I will add that I had the noise before I had the acc belt and tensioner replaced. I honestly thought that was the cause of it (due to the noise seeming to correlate with the vibration that the belt tensioner was doing). That is why I asked if the Idler Pulley is a separate piece. I know you can purchase it separate, but it just LOOKS like it come with the belt tensioner as well. I listened to the noise and to me it appeared that it was coming from the top back of the engine. You said, when you stamp on the throttle it gets clouded by the engine noise? Can you check your PCV? It is easy and inexpensive to replace. Then or together I'd check the cam follower. Sorry, can't offer any other help but suggest a process of elimination.

On a different subject and off topic somewhat, when you had your accessory belt and tensioner replaced did you have to rip the front end apart or it can be done without doing all that? My tensioner vibrates excessively and causes the chatter. I want to swap it and the belt. The squeaking is annoying now.

[Tusin]

I replaced the PCV about 5 months ago. And can pull off the gas cap easily when the engine is running. I did not replace the rear PCV hose (the metal one), not sure if that is needed or not.

I do plan on checking my follower next oil change.

I didn't replace the belt/tensioner (my service contract paid for it). But no they did not have to take off the bumper. It took them about 15 minutes to change it.

[illegitimus]

I replaced the PCV about 5 months ago. And can pull off the gas cap easily when the engine is running. I did not replace the rear PCV hose (the metal one), not sure if that is needed or not.

I do plan on checking my follower next oil change.

I didn't replace the belt/tensioner (my service contract paid for it). But no they did not have to take off the bumper. It took them about 15 minutes to change it. ok, so this sound is definitely not PCV related but I can tell that it is an out-of-place cricket sound. let's hope this is due to your cam follower. I am not sure if you followed another thread (I think you did) where some metallic raspy sound was discussed. I had that, and it disappeared after I replaced the cam follower. the cam follower was completely worn to bare metal, so I thought that was where the sound was coming from.

thanks on the info about the accessory belt tensioner.

[Tusin]

Yeah I have this thread on the 'tex and there are a few others that had/have the same exact noise.

If it is the Follower I hope it is not worn through. Never had a fuel cut nor codes and do my oil changes religiously at 3k with Lubro Moly 5w-40.

[clemsongt]

I stood in front of my car while it was running today, and I think I was able to hear the sound in your video. I have never heard it before, but I have also never been listening for it. If the cause is the same for you as for me, then I do not believe it is the cam follower. I only have 5,000 miles since I replaced mine.

[Tusin]

Yeah it is one of those noises that unless you were listening for it, you would not hear it. Even when I pointed it out to "my" tech, it took him a few minutes to hear it in the first place. Then we used a make shift stethoscope (a long flat head screwdriver, worked really well lol). And try to pin point it and could not. Put it on the fuel pump and couldn't hear that noise.

And that is the thing too. NOT calling anyone a liar or anything like that. But I would think that if the cam follower was making a noise, that damage would already be done to other components. So how does just putting a new follower in, get rid of noise?

[clemsongt]

And that is the thing too. NOT calling anyone a liar or anything like that. But I would think that if the cam follower was making a noise, that damage would already be done to other components. So how does just putting a new follower in, get rid of noise?

Not necessarily. If the cam is harder than the follower, then the follower will wear through before causing damage to the cam lobe. The serious problem comes in when the follower wears all the way through, and the shaft starts to ride on the cam lobe. If the shaft is harder than the cam (which it seems to be) then the cam starts to wear.

[Tusin]

Going to throw this up top again;)

I inspected heatshields (seemed fine, but I do need to inspect around the turbo more I think, snowed again so I am a bit SOL for now). I changed out my cam follower last weekend (cam follower was actually in real good shape, no marring, but the black coating in the center was gone, so I needed to replace it).

The noise still remains.

When I was inspecting my heatshields/exhaust (again I have a BB/APR setup). The Downpipe is sitting really really really close to the transmissions cross-member. It doesn't seem to be touching though. Is the bolt that goes to the DP from the crossmember (the one with the spring on it), used for adjusting the DP? As in if I tighten or loosen that bolt, will it move the downpipe left or right? The downpipe is sitting really close to the right of the crossmember (looking up from the ground). So in "theory" if I were to tighten that bolt, it would "pull" the downpipe to the left.

The noise is frustrating. Mainly because I have yet to pin point it. It seriously "jumps". Still focusing on 3 things. Heatshield, Exhaust Tapping (maybe leak), or serp. belt idler pulley.

Reason I think that it could be the idler pulley, is that my belt tensioner seems to mirror its movement with the sound. Pretty sure that the belt tensioner and belt are still good as I just had it replaced. I ordered a idler pulley this morning. Anyone know if I have to remove the full front clip to gain access? I was thinking not, although it would be tight.

[robstitzer]

Up for the same issue.

[Rulty]

Same issue here. I even started with tensioner and belt just like you did. Which fixed my underboost issue actually. I noticed while I was in there that one pulley was almost shaking. I'm thinking what I am going to do is pull the belt back off and inspect each pulley see if I cant feel for worn bearings.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[TheTrith]

Holy Bump Batman!

[Rulty]

Haha well it seemed like the issue was never solved. Nooby knows how to search I guess 💦🔥


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk