2002 A4 1.8TQ -- Very loud "ticking" sound but only at idle???? anyone

**Accordngs** · 05-30-2008 09:16 AM

It's VERY loud at idle. But its not existent at any other RPM. And when the RPM's are coming back down it makes the sound badly when it gets near the normal idle point.

If I go through a drive thru it is is super loud and annoying, almost embarrassing.

I am not really sure what it would be.... injectors? loose mount somewhere?

Just thought I would post here and see if anyone had a similar problem or has some suggestions. Thanks guys

**Don Supreme** · 05-30-2008 09:18 AM

Exhaust leak?

**Kengineer021.8** · 05-30-2008 10:20 AM

I've been trying to figure out a similar problem for a while. My ticking sound is a little different however; I can only hear the ticking while I'm accelerating. As soon as I lift off the gas, it goes away and it never happens when I'm coasting or braking. It's annoying and embarrassing... I'd love to hear more ideas on what this could be.

**Accordngs** · 05-30-2008 08:19 PM

It is annoying. I took it in for my 70k service a few months back to the dealer and asked that they look into it. They didn't say anything about it. Pretty useless.

Also they left me with a bad valve cover gasket leaking into my spark plug. Fixing that tomorrow and throwing some new fresh oil in there. Let's hope that makes a difference for me!

**Accordngs** · 05-30-2008 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Don Supreme

Exhaust leak?

Doesn't sound like an exhaust leak to me.

It doesn't quite have the sound of valves either, and it doesn't get louder when RPM's go up.

I am really thinking its some oil problem or a loose mount somewhere.

Seems that not too many people have suggestions on this. If I ever figure it out I will update here.

**EmoScumBag** · 05-31-2008 12:21 PM

i think i have the same problem, i could hear it ever since i put on my carbonio, sounds like shuddering at idle coming from the passenger side with the hood up. Its a hard sound to describe, like something is loose but i almost think its internal. I also recently found oil in my intercooler pipes, and some drops in the throttle body. I removed the intercooler (side mount) and oil poured out. Maybe these two are related?

**0000VW** · 06-03-2008 08:04 PM

The ticking at idle speeds is a combination between the injectors flowing and the valves opening (mostly hearing the valves). small ticking in our engine is normal, once it starts knocking as if it's an 94' Corsica then you should look into stepping up those oil change intervals.

**EmoScumBag** · 06-04-2008 12:24 AM

see thats what i figured about hearing the valves moving with a non resonated air intake. But the oil....guess its time for a new turbo being the oil leak cannot be seen, just coming from inside the turbo (assuming...cause i cannot see it)

**Accordngs** · 06-04-2008 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by 0000VW

The ticking at idle speeds is a combination between the injectors flowing and the valves opening (mostly hearing the valves). small ticking in our engine is normal, once it starts knocking as if it's an 94' Corsica then you should look into stepping up those oil change intervals.

Yeah, I know that some ticking sounds are normal. This sound isn't though. It can be pretty loud and just echoes sometimes....like in a drive-thru.

It is also quite noticeable when I am driving and go to press the brakes...causing the RPM's to drop immediately. It will make a loud shuttering sound. At idle it is only a tick...but its not always there.

I am pretty sure its not tensioner pulley now. I put my ear next to the motor during start up and it almost sounds as if it is coming from the rear of the motor (closer to the firewall)

Btw Emo -- I did check my power steering fluid and it is low again.

I am not sure if the that is related to this sound since it doesn't sound like its coming from that area. Maybe that is what's causing the shutter sound when RPM's drop instantly.

Who knows with this thing.