Any thoughts on possible candidates for my new sound?
My 6sp B7 S4 has been making a bit of noise just after startup. When I start the car in the morning and first drive I hear some (hard to describe) sound. It only happens under acceleration (light or hard). It does not happen when I free-rev the car. It does not happen during deceleration. It will happen in a straight line. It sounds kind of like a repetitive clicking/ticking/something sound. Nothing like a CV joint, deeper sounding. I almost feel like I can feel it, and it seems to come from the passenger front of the car. Over the past week or so it has gotten louder, and seems to come from the same area but also from the center as well.
After the car warms up it goes away. It seems like each time I drive the car it sticks around a bit longer. I don’t have any warning lights, oil lights, etc. My pads are low, but not at the wear sensors, and don’t appear loose. Tires are wearing, alignment needs to be fixed, but those don’t seem related to me.
I’m trying to rule out anything that would be non-warranty related before dropping it off at the dealer for them to give it the once over. It is just annoying since it is one of those “it only makes the sound when” problems, and requires the car to be fairly cool. Didn’t know if my horrid description might come up with a few ideas to check out.
I just had the UCA bushings replaced by the dealer, and it seems to have shown up around the same time or just after but that could be coincidence. They gave the car a once-over when it was in at that time.
Does it have a clutch type fan? If so it may be hitting the shroud or something may be in the shroud area hitting the fan and only doing it when the engine is moving under load. I had a simular issue on my B5 S4 years ago. Otherwise I would suspect something in the clutch/throw-out bearing area, allthough I have heard of cam gear issues on the 4.2L Audi engines. My .02
The cam tensioner as I understand is something heard at start-up / idle. I definitely do not hear anything odd when I start the car and listen under the hood. I checked the front for interference but didn’t find anything interesting, it definitely feels like its coming from the side/rear of the engine compartment, or the trans tunnel.
I had a TOB going bad on my LGT and it wasn’t like this. That was more of a chirp and could be manipulated with the clutch pedal.
Man up and look for it? Could be something as simple as the brake pads. I would check the suspension over real good too even though I highly doubt it would be suspension related if it goes away when it warms up. The wheel bearings would be affected by heat too, worth a shot. Otherwise I would think driveline.
