I've noticed a small rattle (or maybe even a "tinging") sound when driving below about 3000 RPM on my 2001 S4. It's very noticeable with the passenger window down and next to a curb. It goes away once I go above 3000 RPM and it doesn't really happen, or it's not noticeable, in 3rd and above.

I've taken it into my mechanic and he though it might be something in the down pipe. It was removed and nothing was in it. He said the turbo looks fine (recently rebuilt). He also thought it might be a heat shield but hasn't found any evidence of that, yet. He's put a stethoscope to just about every place he could think of and I'm getting increasingly worried that it could be something serious like the variable timing chain.

Has anyone experienced this? Does anyone have any ideas that I could pass along?

Thanks!

 

a video would be super helpful, is it rhythmic with the engine or rattling with the suspension of the car ie louder going over bumps

 

It's at the mechanic for the time being. It doesn't sound rythmic but it seems to be directly related to the RPMs up to a certain point where the sound subsides.

My mechanic is suggesting removal of the engine to determine what it is after he checks the cam tensioner (a chain?). At this point he's bracing me for a rebuild which is just nuts because everything has broken in this car in a period of less than 12 months since I bought the car last year.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'll try to get a video of it ASAP.

Thanks!

 

sounds like he just wants your money

 

Really? No idea what you think the sound is?

 

its most likely an exhaust leak.

 

take it to another mechanic

 

oo i didnt think of that. if you jack up the car and reach your hand up there and feel for the air. id do it when the car is cool so you dont burn your hand on the surrounding areas. you gotta be quick tho cuz that mani heats up quick. feel around the turbos too just be careful not to touch anything

 

um yeah you dont have to take the engine out to replace the cam adjusters... its just a little deeper than the timing belt or the cam adjuster seals.. o' boy is right.. a video with sounds and i guarandamntee we can diag your stuff...

 

I Think I may be dealing with something similar. Like a throaty chug chug chug when at idle or very slow speeds. Mine is very rythmic though with the engine. Was told it may be an exhaust leak of some sort. No codes being thrown. If this is the case, can I wait till september till I get an aftermarket exhaust?