Odd noise coming from the rear of the car just before start up

[colonelburke]

I have started this odd practice, well maybe not odd, but I switch my car to the "on" position for a moment to let all of the vacuum pumps and whatnot get ready. I then start the vehicle. It is within this time that I have noticed a new sound.

The sound comes from the back of the vehicle and used to be a "whir", like the other noises from the front of the vehicle. Lately however, rather than the nice and expected "whir", it is intermitent, like whatever it is, is not catching or is slipping or something. Definitely akin to a "clack, clack, clack." Nothing necesaarily loud or harder than the "whir" noise, but I can't imagine what is making this noise. Something to do with the fuel tank perhaps? She starts up just fine after that and runs as expected.

Anyway, anyone with any experience with this vague description? Thanks.

[S4J]

I know exactly what you are talking about as I've heard it now and then too. I've assumed it was something to do with the fuel pressure coming up but haven't asked my dealership yet. Tyson, any ideas?

[ZEUSROTTY]

fuel pump...

[colonelburke]

Thanks, but fuel pump going bad; fuel pump acting quirky; fuel pump acting normally? maybe I'll do a search as well.

[swoyekr.]

If it's "tapping" it could be the fuel pump going bad. Mine does something similar and unless it's loud and persistent I wouldn't worry about it. Chances are that fuel pump is just wearing in.

[colonelburke]

Thanks. It stops after start up. Sometimes it still whirs. My search showed that I might want to replace my fuel filter as that may help.

[SoCalS4Avant]

Fuel filter Colonel. Get that replaced first - it's a much cheaper fix (and if you're handy, everyone says it's relatively easy) than doing the whole fuel pump. Me? I took mine to the local indy shop. In and out pretty quickly.

[Mooneywa]

I had the same issue - dealer replaced the fuel pump and filter. This solved the problem.... ....until I heard the noise again a few days ago when I heard it once and haven't heard it since. Happy hunting.

[likewater]

It's definitely the fuel pump. I JUST had this happen to me. Stealer found a bad fuel pump and replaced the fuel filter while they were in there. It was all covered under warranty as well.

[d.p]

banana in your tail pipe? :p

[bsrpilot44]

It's definitely the fuel pump. I JUST had this happen to me. Stealer found a bad fuel pump and replaced the fuel filter while they were in there. It was all covered under warranty as well.

2nd....one the bright side atleast you get a free fuel filter out of it

[CasaS4]

If it sounds like this, it is the fuel filter.

[colonelburke]

Thanks for all of the insight and responses, and especially thanks to Casa for the sound clip. My noise does not sound like that though, mine is a little slower and more dull sounding. However, I'm about to take it to the indy and I'll have him replace the fuel filter anyway when he does the 55K. Thanks again.

[colonelburke]

banana in your tail pipe? :p

I'm not gonna fall for the banana in the tailpipe.

[colonelburke]

If it sounds like this, it is the fuel filter.

When I made my last statement, I really hadn't heard the noise in almost two weeks as the car has been parked (twisted ankle - I'm an idiot). When I started it yesterday morning, it did sound like that, and I think the dullness can be explained in that your recording sounds like it was made in the trunk or somehow closer than the front seat when I hear it. However, it appears the problem may have gotten worse.

This morning it made a grinding sound. That can't be good. Anyone heard this grinding sound before?

[SoCalS4Avant]

^ Never a grinding sound. Take that sick puppy in, stat!

[colonelburke]

Oooof. Not that easy. I'll make a call to my indy though. But it did this morning, befotre I drove the 30 miles to work. Is it still possible for it to do this, or could it be something else?

[CasaS4]

My recording was made about 6 inches away from the filter using the mic on my laptop. I *thought* that I had a better video, but if it exists, I cannot find it.

[colonelburke]

Thanks. I just took it up the street and no strange noises at all. Maybe I just caught it wierd. I'll just see what happens.

[colonelburke]

For the rest of the story for those folks that might use the search function. My fuel pump died while at the indy after the 55K service. They were going to move it to a parking spot but wouldn't crank. Sweet, but getting fixed under warranty.

[S4J]

I have not heard the sound in a while, but a couple of times in the last two weeks, my car hasn't started on the first crank. Never happened before. Did this happen to you? The only thing I've done different was the last tank of gas was Shell premium vs the Chevron I usually use. I know its a top tier gas, but I may have gotten a bad batch. I just filled up on Chevron this morning so I'll have to monitor.

[WinterRunner]

I'm not gonna fall for the banana in the tailpipe.

hahah, love that movie!

It sounds most deinitly like your fuel pump, I had mine replaced under similar circumstances a few weeks ago, under warrenty of course! Go get her fixed!

[SoCalS4Avant]

For the rest of the story for those folks that might use the search function. My fuel pump died while at the indy after the 55K service. They were going to move it to a parking spot but wouldn't crank. Sweet, but getting fixed under warranty.

Glad it's all working out Colonel. You should notice a difference in the way it runs now also.

[colonelburke]

I have not heard the sound in a while, but a couple of times in the last two weeks, my car hasn't started on the first crank. Never happened before. Did this happen to you? The only thing I've done different was the last tank of gas was Shell premium vs the Chevron I usually use. I know its a top tier gas, but I may have gotten a bad batch. I just filled up on Chevron this morning so I'll have to monitor.

Funny, I always use Shell. Anyway, I did not have the problems you are describing, but if you turn it to "on" without starting and hear a coffee grinder noise, get ready cause its likely gonna go soon. In all my searching though, I did not see where failing to start on the first try was a symptom of a dying fuel pump. Maybe something else (how is that for an expert diagnosis?)

Thanks to everyone else. Yeah my plugs looked bad, but new plugs, new fuel filter, new fuel pump, oil change, should be running like a champ.

[likewater]

I'm curious. How is it that Audi seems to have a failing fuel pump on these cars all at about 55K? Seems like a common occurrence and a little premature.

[colonelburke]

Likewater, I think it has something to do with the fuel filter. Mech said mine was pretty bad. Therefore, logic would dictate that if you were to replace your fuel filter on some regular interval, you could likewise prolong the life oif your fuel pump.

I apologize in advance for using my power of obviousness, but the theory was fresh to me having lived the experience.