Wrong engine noise from Audi TT 1.8T 225 (APX)

An odd metallic tick-tick sound can be heard between approximately 1400 and 1600 rpm. Above that it is not there, and everything sounds fine. Below that it is also not there, or at least really subtle. Hard to tell.

It's worse when the engine is hot and under load. When the eninge is cold and in neutral, it is not always possible to hear it.

What's wrong?

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• IMG
• 0420

[thejaywill]

How much did your repairs run...having the same problem and mechanic thinks its oil pressure/sludge issue.

[scherning]

@thejaywill I paid for a cambelt change + the new tensioner. The labor is the almost same and the tensioner costs around $250 around here.

It is really easy to test. Take off the plastic shield around the cambelt and try to press down the tensioner. It should be really hard (I mean really hard!). Mine could be pushed down with a finger and was leaking oil, too. And you could also see the belt has slammed into the engine block a some places - they were all polished :-)

Hope this helps!

[scherning]

I just replaced the cam belt tensioner/damper... and yes, it was the one! The noise is all gone now :-)

Thanks!

[scherning]

Hi! I just replaced the cam chain tensioner the other day (sorry for not letting you know asap :-), and you're right. It didn't help.

I came across another guy on the net who experienced similar symptoms and he also found it to be the cam belt tensioner... So that is what gets replaced next. Thanks a lot and I'm glad you got it fixed as well.

[sl1980sl]

Did you ever find out what was wrong? I have the same noise and would appriciate any clues you may have. Thanks

[scherning]

@sl1980sl No, not yet :-(

Most people thinks it's the cam chain tensioner, either because of low oil pressure or because it is on it's way out. I changed the oil pump without succes, so I'll change the tensioner next. I'll keep you updated.

[malcolmo20050]

NEW THREAD g i have had engine problems with my 2000 1.8 tt quattro 225bhp . on driving around 20 miles it cuts out and it will restart but only goes when you boot it . checked header tank released pressure and fans kick in temp goes down and okay again. i recentlt replaced water pump and t belt & tensioner thinking pump might be at fault but now car starts ok and doesnt seem to overheat but when it gets hot sounds like a diesel any ideas

[malcolmo20050]

hi got a 2000 audi quattro 1.8 225 bhp . on driving from cold it would drive around 20 miles then cut out open up header tank release pressure and temp goes back to normal not that gauge ever goes over 90 and can drive agin suspected water pump replace also thought might as well replace cam belt and tensioner same time on starting fine when gets hot sounds like a diesel? anyone had simular problems ?

[SuperLegoman0]

Just took the timing belt cover off an started the engine an it is the tensioner/dampener rattling on the pulley

[SuperLegoman0]

Finally I might get somewhere now. I've got this problem with my 1.8t leon cupra r, started making that rattle noise but couldn't pin point the sound. After changing the timing belt/tensioner/water pump etc the noise went but it sounded like a squeal when accelerating an now that's gone it's started it started rattling again only between 1100 an 1700 rpm then stops but sounds like it's coming from the timing belt side. Did changing the timing belt tensioner cure your problem? I don't know what

[sl1980sl]

Cool, glad you got it sorted and thanks for helping me along the way, much nicer to drive now that it doesn't sound like its about to self destruct at any point isn't it!

I think it was still worth while you doing the oil pump and the cam tensioner, can't have done any harm.

Cheers

[sl1980sl]

Hi, the noise on mine was the cam belt hydraulic tensioner, it failed and was vibrating against the pulley. Its sounds like what your video. I had changed the cam chain tensioner previously but the noise was still there. I can't say for sure what yours is, but I'd have a look at the cam BELT tensioner before changing CAM tensioner. You can see it with the engine running with the cam belt cover off. Hope this helps, good luck.