Problem with Dealer, advice needed

[jackyaudi]

Hi guys,

OK so I took my car to the garage for like 3 days, they replaced many pieces, including Turbo, catalytic converter, alignment, etc etc

Ok, so I take it home and on the way back I noticed a noise that comes from the steering area. It only happens when you are waiting on the red light for example. The noise goes away when the car is on Neutral or Parking modes, but its obvious and annoying when the car is on Drive mode.

Took it back, now they are not sure if its from inside or outside, and whether its related to the repairs they have done or not. If after the check, they discover It is NOT related to the repairs, I would have to pay for the duration of the check. Could be 1, 2, 3 hours (one hour is $105). So I had a long argument that I never had this noise before the repair they did, still no good. If its caused by their repairs, they will pay for the cheek and fixing the noise.

The noise is the type of noise that goes with the vibration of the engine. When AC is on for example, the noise is slightly louder. Personally, I doubt it very much its from the inside, but am kinda stuck here. By the way, if I move the steering wheel slightly, it goes away until the steering is in a new position, they it either goes back, or stay calm. I moved the steering wheel up and down, no good. Any advices, things to check or things to ask the dealer for?? I made another appointment to talk to the service manager about it on Monday.

[diagnosticator]

Besides the noise, does the vibrations vary with the noise? Sounds like the exhaust system is touching the body somewhere. The clue is that the symptom is only evident in Drive, when the engine torque reaction force causes the engine and transmission to shift slightly in position on the engine mounts. A second clue is that the cat was replaced, requiring the exhaust system to be disconnected. What effect on the noise occurs when in Reverse gear, compared to Drive?

[jackyaudi]

Thanks diagnosticator for the reply.

I did another test, when on Reverse, the noise is not existent, just like in Parking or Neutral modes. It is only when the car is on Drive or Sport mode. Not sure though why moving the steering wheel can make the noise disappear and how can may relate to the exhaust system (or maybe I dont know about that.)

Now the problem is to convince the dealership that I do not wish to pay for any checks they perform on the vehicle to find the cause of the noise. My warranty, which is an extended one, does not cover rattling noise, and therefore, they can claim that since this is a rattling noise, and if its not related to their work, then I have to be charged for the man hour to check. Personally, I find that ridiculous.

[b6a4]

sounds like an exhaust rattle or heat shield rattle

[jackyaudi]

sounds like an exhaust rattle or heat shield rattle

where is the heat shield at?

[Grenade]

take a rubber mallet, and start lightly hitting around the bottom of the car, and you might find a loose under carrage bolt/fastner, or the ehxaust that is hitting. HTH

[jackyaudi]

PROBLEM FOUND/SOLVED: I took the car to a local garage I know here, not audi certified or anything, and the guys there (also friends) took them 30 minutes to find the problem: It was a tube hitting the Oil filter and making the noise I was hearing. Thats why when I turned the wheel, it goes away, coz the tube moved a bit. It was an easy fix, but took him most of the time to check UNDER the car, and nothing there.

This worked out the best, cost me only $20 and absolutely no headaches with the dealer.

I then called the dealer to tell them what I discovered, just so that next time they are aware that they should never be 100% sure it was from inside before even checking it. These dealers are just unbelievable. They are ATM machines in the oppose it direction: suck ur $$ as much as possible.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

[Grenade]

Sounds awesome man, great deal.