Help - Clinking Noise from Driver Side Front Hood

[0396]

Please help, wife just called ( it's only 2:30 AM).
Mentioned that while on freeway, she heard a clicking noise, pulled over on the side of freeway to check where noise originated from- it was from the driver side under the hood.
She had flasher going and made it to public transit parking lot...and parked and turned off the engine.
She called and we discussed the options for repair...after she get off work...since it's only 3am now.

Here's the question, I called back 10 minutes later and asked to start the engine so as maybe I can " hear " the
Clicking noise....the engine ran normal, no noise and no check engine light on???

What are the possibility, cam tensioner going bad?

The car is a 2004 S/4 with 107 K miles.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[gautam]

Was the clicking noise rhythmic with the engine? Was it constant? Or did it occur when she went over bumps in the road?

[0396]

Noise was constant while driving on the freeway.
Thanks

[0396]

What is frustrating is, the noise cease after 15mins after the engine was shut off and restarted.

[badger.]

Did it make noise when the car was stationary?
If it is only when moving it could be an axle, or something stuck in the brakes, or a rotating component rubbing... if it made noise while stationary, then it might be internal to the motor..

[0396]

All,
First thanks to all that replied to my question.
Wife stopped by the local Audi dealer where I know the tech that only works on my S/4.
He checked the car out and found that the noise was a small strip of tire ( 6 inch long x 1/8 inch wide) that was causing the rattling noise - during the rotation and hitting the fender. Going to order a new complete set of Michelin AS all weather tires from Costco.
When I asked about the noise when we talked in AM. She reminded me that it was 2:20 am ,dark and on the freeway.
Thanks again for your assistance.

[badger.]

glad to hear you have it sorted out!

[0396]

Was the clicking noise rhythmic with the engine? Was it constant? Or did it occur when she went over bumps in the road?

Sorry folks, the rhythmic noise is BACK... This morning wife had to pull off freeway and park the Audi on a side street, and got a ride to work.

Question for the Brain Trust, car has 107k with no service on the timing components.
Will the tensioner cause this intermittent noise, " before "
100% failure? Also, no check engine light...
This afternoon, car is going to be flat bed home...

I appreciate any viable input.
thanks

[Furtchris]

0396,

When I first noticed timing chain issues with by '04 S4 (B6) is when I got the startup rattle. When the timing chain guide break, you will get a chain rattle and usually it will go away after a few seconds, especially on a cold start. I did not notice any other clicking noise while a was driving. If you own a early B6 S4, you'll have to service the timing chain eventually. I had to do mine around 85K and just so you know the engine light didn't show even with the broken chain guide. I suggest before making any rash decisions, have it checked out and listen for startup rattles. Hope you get it figured out.