RS3 Grindy Exhaust Valve Noise???

[mikedYEG]

Anyone else notice a really loud grinding noise when you are in dynamic and sport? I am almost certain this is the exhaust valve opening and closing but it almost sounds like a gear grinding for a split second.
Wondering if this is normal and just the way it is or should I return to the dealer and WTF them?
If this is normal I’m really disappointed but can live with it


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[PowerStroke]

doesn't sound normal. but others have had issues with the valves on here as well

[Potatohead_RS3]

Mine are pretty audible but it's just a click, no grinding sounds.

[RezaWrex]

I noticed when it was below freezing my valves would squeak when closing/opening (only heard it with window open in a drivethru). When in Dynamic but D mode they opened and closed at roughly 1k RPM so closed when idle but immediately opened when the throttle was pressed. I know this is strange because when you click over to Dynamic you hear the valves open at idle and assume they remain open but that wasn't the behavior I got.

Either way the noise has gone now that the temp has warmed up. No "grinding" type noise for me though.

[Alik4041]

Thank you for making a thread about this! So from what I've seen, this was first pointed out here.

I want to say that my issue occurred after I forgot to turn ESC off prior to attempting to engage launch control...that's just me.

There are 3 videos about this by robwormald with a possible solution posted by JosefinGarage.

Video 1 of noise


Video 2 of noise


Video 3 of noise


Proposed solution

[mikedYEG]

That is definitely it. Sounds like shit. I might endeavour to fix it myself but as far as I’m concerned it’s an Audi problem and I’m going to see what the dealer can do!!!


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[Alik4041]

My dealer said they haven't heard it before and would need the car for at least a couple of days during the week. I just don't want a few days to turn into three weeks.

[shivaswrath]

That sounds horrible Jesus. I thought my valve rattle was bad but this is just woah

[Ethernaut05]

Just had mine in for springs, the sound from the exhaust (most noticeably in Comfort or any mode that wasn’t Dynamic and usually always in Drive) sounded absolutely ABYSMAL!!! My 13yr old son asked me if I threw a handful of coins in the exhaust. When they had the car up on the lift... the tech told me the passenger side valve ‘is shot’. So.. at least that makes sense. Have a Monday appointment at Audi Wilmington to have this and the rattling sunroof taken care of. And I doubt the loaner will compare...


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[Swat413]

So supposedly there is a TSB out for the rear mufflers, and there is an updated rear muffler. Mine was in for some other work and i asked about the exhuast "ticking" noise i heard, and i am getting a replacement rear muffler. Apparently Audi is very reluctant on this because they asked for video of mine making the noise. I was told by my tech at Audi that this will fix the exhaust "tick", but i will see when i pick my car up.

[sti-tom]

So supposedly there is a TSB out for the rear mufflers, and there is an updated rear muffler. Mine was in for some other work and i asked about the exhuast "ticking" noise i heard, and i am getting a replacement rear muffler. Apparently Audi is very reluctant on this because they asked for video of mine making the noise. I was told by my tech at Audi that this will fix the exhaust "tick", but i will see when i pick my car up.

The Ticking you are talking about, is it when the valve is opening and closing? I get this noise now too, and am wandering if I should take it in for it. I was planning to wait and see if I start to get the chipping paint on the black tips first.

[Swat413]

The Ticking you are talking about, is it when the valve is opening and closing? I get this noise now too, and am wandering if I should take it in for it. I was planning to wait and see if I start to get the chipping paint on the black tips first.

Correct. I had some rattle too (very bad on cold starts) but not nearly as bad as the video above.

[Quattro617]

Correct. I had some rattle too (very bad on cold starts) but not nearly as bad as the video above.

Same.

[Ethernaut05]

Just came back from Audi: they’re gonna replace the muffler.


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[Veneeringman]

Here in the UK i had the start up rattle and my dealer replaced the rear section of the exhaust........sadly the cold start rattle remained.

After numerous emails to Audi UK and the CEO's office i had a reply and explanation of the cold start rattle...

It would seem the FL 'DAZA' 2.5 engine uses a different type of Advanced Catalyst warm up phase to the earlier iron block car and this 20 second ticking/rattling noise is the standard on all current production RS3's.......

I now start the car with the following procedure

Press ignition button without foot on the brake

Press drive select until Dynamic is selected(even if it was last in dynamic as we all know it drops out of anyway)

Foot on brake and press ignition button to start the car

No Rattling noise.

Another way is to......

Start the car then pull back on the stick to put it into 'S' mode and the rattling will stop.

[seanix9]

Here in the UK i had the start up rattle and my dealer replaced the rear section of the exhaust........sadly the cold start rattle remained.

After numerous emails to Audi UK and the CEO's office i had a reply and explanation of the cold start rattle...

It would seem the FL 'DAZA' 2.5 engine uses a different type of Advanced Catalyst warm up phase to the earlier iron block car and this 20 second ticking/rattling noise is the standard on all current production RS3's.......

I now start the car with the following procedure

Press ignition button without foot on the brake

Press drive select until Dynamic is selected(even if it was last in dynamic as we all know it drops out of anyway)

Foot on brake and press ignition button to start the car

No Rattling noise.

Another way is to......

Start the car then pull back on the stick to put it into 'S' mode and the rattling will stop.

So there are 2 rattles

1. Catalyst warm up procedure which goes away after 30secs and is normal to be expected on all FL rs3s.

2. LHS exhaust valve rattle. This has caused most rear sections (muffler) to be replaced under warranty.

Some have reported the rattle to be worse on the replacement mufflers.. lol

Last i heard, Audi is taking no further action until they have a solution in place as it's obvious the current replacement units aren't removing that nasty rattle.





Current: 2018 RS3 Sedan
Past: 2016 RS3 SB

[lalalaprise]

So there are 2 rattles

1. Catalyst warm up procedure which goes away after 30secs and is normal to be expected on all FL rs3s.

2. LHS exhaust valve rattle. This has caused most rear sections (muffler) to be replaced under warranty.

Some have reported the rattle to be worse on the replacement mufflers.. lol

This is what I worry about... the new part being worse than the existing lol

[WAF]

This is what I worry about... the new part being worse than the existing lol

My new mufflers are on their way, ill post if any issues or differences noticed once installed.

[Potatohead_RS3]

So there are 2 rattles

1. Catalyst warm up procedure which goes away after 30secs and is normal to be expected on all FL rs3s.

2. LHS exhaust valve rattle. This has caused most rear sections (muffler) to be replaced under warranty.

Some have reported the rattle to be worse on the replacement mufflers.. lol

Last i heard, Audi is taking no further action until they have a solution in place as it's obvious the current replacement units aren't removing that nasty rattle.





Current: 2018 RS3 Sedan
Past: 2016 RS3 SB

Yes I think people are getting the two "rattles" mixed up. The normal wastegate one sounds more like an exhaust leak.

By LHS do you mean left-hand side? The last few mornings I have been getting the valve rattle for about 1/2 second on first start up. I haven't looked under the car yet but depending on how the pivot shafts go through the pipe I may just shim it and fix it myself. It's obvious the shaft just needs a very light pre-load and the rattling happens when it is floating freely. As others have noted changing the exhaust doesn't necessarily fix it, and my car is pretty new so I don't think there is a part update thus far.

[lalalaprise]

My new mufflers are on their way, ill post if any issues or differences noticed once installed.

Thanks! You may have to drive it for a bit because like any exhaust, needs to be broken in.

[lalalaprise]

Yes I think people are getting the two "rattles" mixed up. The normal wastegate one sounds more like an exhaust leak.

By LHS do you mean left-hand side? The last few mornings I have been getting the valve rattle for about 1/2 second on first start up. I haven't looked under the car yet but depending on how the pivot shafts go through the pipe I may just shim it and fix it myself. It's obvious the shaft just needs a very light pre-load and the rattling happens when it is floating freely. As others have noted changing the exhaust doesn't necessarily fix it, and my car is pretty new so I don't think there is a part update thus far.

Yes, it feels like it's rattling when loose...if that makes sense. No rattle with valve open... like you said, this doesn't go away even with aftermarket exhaust. It's an issue with the actual valves from what I understand. I wish there was a computer drawing of this system

[Potatohead_RS3]

Yes, it feels like it's rattling when loose...if that makes sense. No rattle with valve open... like you said, this doesn't go away even with aftermarket exhaust. It's an issue with the actual valves from what I understand. I wish there was a computer drawing of this system

Here is a guy who took one apart



You can see there is quite a bit of play, just needs a touch of pre-load to hold it still. As exhaust soot build up in the system it will probably help too.

[Micronaught]

The cold start rattle combined with the lhs muffler rattle are really pissing me off, the car sounds like absolute shit. I cannot drive in comfort mode at all warm or cold and it rattles like an empty spray paint can.

Audi Canada has no fix or any time frame on this is what I have been told , I’m thinking this car is not long for my garage, and anyone who is saying just get an aftermarket exhaust... no thanks , I love part time loud and a nice quiet car for most other times.

[Potatohead_RS3]

Cold start rattle is not going anywhere, it's part of the warm up procedure for the cat. Essentially they are holding the wastegate open during that time period. All FL RS3's and TTRS's do that.

The valve buzz or buzzing when driving would drive me nuts though. Take the car to a good exhaust shop and show them the video above. This cannot be a difficult fix. The only reason I can figure Audi would leave so much slack in there is for future soot build up and being concerned it will start to block valve operation.

[WAF]

Thanks! You may have to drive it for a bit because like any exhaust, needs to be broken in.

Yup that's the plan first review on receiving and then another with 1500km+ on the setup. Also im going to do a review on the oem valve function and ASR before and after. For the few that have an exhaust controller.

[lalalaprise]

That's a hell of a lot of play in that video...poor design

ASR also sells the valves themselves...i wonder if their design is that piss poor as well lol

[seanix9]

Yup that's the plan first review on receiving and then another with 1500km+ on the setup. Also im going to do a review on the oem valve function and ASR before and after. For the few that have an exhaust controller.

Hi, can you confirm if the exhaust rattle exists even when your ASR is set on valves remaining fully open?

I've still got my ASR from the PFL RS3 but it wont work on the FL as the plugs are different :(

[lalalaprise]

Hi, can you confirm if the exhaust rattle exists even when your ASR is set on valves remaining fully open?

I've still got my ASR from the PFL RS3 but it wont work on the FL as the plugs are different :(

I have the ASR and I have a pretty loud rattle...its no different before and after the ASR was installed

Also it only ever rattles when the valves are closed.

[WAF]

Hi, can you confirm if the exhaust rattle exists even when your ASR is set on valves remaining fully open?

I've still got my ASR from the PFL RS3 but it wont work on the FL as the plugs are different :(

Ill check this tomorrow morning with valves open. Currently with valves closed the rattle is present on startup sequence only. After rpms settle rattles goes away seems to be normal operation i guess.

[Sforce4]

Same.

Same. Thinking about pulling the plug and bringing it in to the dealership.

[Alik4041]

Just to clarify, the issue in the videos is not from startup, but it's at anytime that the valve closes.

[comingabriel]

I only get the front of car ticking noise, but it does go away, and it does not bother me one bit knowing it is nothing serious. I am always in dynamic or S mode, so....