Hi all,

Purchased my B6 A4 this summer - 3.0L quattro and has just over 100,000 miles on it. If it was quiet in the car I could always hear the fuel pump pressurize the system - a quiet hum for a few seconds with the ignition on before starting - all perfectly normal. Then a couple of weeks ago I started hears a 'clicking" or "tapping" sound rather than the hum that seems to come from the rear seat right side. Then in the last week the clicking has continued after starting for about 3 seconds - then all is quiet. I have noticed no change in performance, no stumbles or misses. But it does seem that the fuel pump is getting louded and that likely is not going to end well. I am wondering if this is related to a pump possibly on the way out or a simple fuel filter issue?
I would appreciate thoughts or experience if others have had this issue.

Thank you,

 

Sound like the pump is straining to do its work. A dirty fuel filter will make the pump work harder and eventually fail.

 

Thanks Z28 Pete,
That's what I was thinking. I am going to pick up a fuel filter and change it out - likely not a bad idea anyway. I figure it is way cheaper to start there rather than dig into the fuel pump right away.

 

Noisy pumps usually mean its working hard or its on its gonna go out soon. It's not a big issue so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Best way to start is too replace your fuel filter. When I had my b6 3.0Q my fuel pump failed on me in the middle of driving, the car just shut off. My filter was also clogged, but I never had any fuel pump noise when I turned the car on.

 

Fuel Pump Noise Update....
Put a new fuel filter in yesterday - took a bit longet than antisipated but job done. And the good news - the fuel pump is not making any noise again.