So I have had this sound for about a year now. When I am not on the gas peddle (drifting) I have a ticking sounds like on a bicycle when you are not peddling. The sounds comes from the front end of the car, can’t quite pinpoint it other than that. When I have my windows rolled up I can’t hear it but when they are down I can.

So up until this point I was thinking bearing or something but here is the kicker. When I turn off the car I hear it for a split second before everything stops.

Any ideas would be great. Thanks

Edit: Oh I also have not had any lights related to this. If you need any more information just ask.

 

Hmm you've had this noise for a year and you havn't had a mechanic look at it?? Does it vary with engine speed??

 

Nope same with any speed past 30mph, how loud it is and how quick doesnt change once past 30. The reason I dont bring it to get looked at is I dont have the money right now to fix what ever it is if its expensive. My car just did pass inspection last weeked in Mass. Just an FYI

 

Get it checked for codes. Autozone does free code scans.

 

I have the Digimoto software and Mobydic adaptor that I scanned my car with and it didnt come up with anything.

http://www.digimoto.com/

 

Ok or how about this. For those of you who have had car transmission issues what does it sound like?

 

Ha ha ha you seem to be getting frustrated that a bunch of automotively inclined people can not tell you what a ticking noise is.

Maybe you should better pin point it first.

Is it really from the front of the engine? You could have a pulley going out in the belts.

So it makes the noise when stopped too right? Cause you say no change over thirty but I would think you are not shutting the car off at 30+.

Ok, now that i am done listing my assumptions,

It really sounds like it is not transmission related. If you can't find it, you should probably fore-go whatever you have to to have it looked at. I know there are protector plates on the brakes and drive line that will make the noise described. But at zero miles per hour, nothing in the driveline is turning.

So if it is there when you drive and just before you shut off the car, take the plastic off your engine, get a piece of rubber hose about a foot and a half long, stick your ear at one end and the other end near some parts that you think it could be and figure out which pulley bearing is going out (vehicle running). (And try not to rip your ear off) Stick it on the heads see if they are knocking. Stick your ear against things that you can reach with out causing harm heads fuel filter etc (well A6 fuel filters tick but A4s have the fuel filter in the back). It is going to be somewhere on your engine. (It is an automatic right? Well even if it is manual, I cannot think of anything that would tick in and out of gear (ie park and drive or gear and neutral not rolling)) Look for bearings, I know the power steering pump has a bearing that goes crazy. Oh and check your Crank and cams (with the timing belt covers on,) you may be rubbing cover against pulley.

 

Ah love the hose idea I will have to try that.

Yes it is an automatic

The protector plates is a very good possibility that will be the first thing I will check. I know the right one is ok because I had it off doing my exhaust the other weakened but the left I haven’t looked at in ages.

I also tried it in neutral while rolling and it still did it. I will have to check not rolling.

Thanks for all the great suggestions I will look into all of them

 

Wait...so it makes the sound while you're in neutral and rolling but not when you're stopped in neutral? Sounds to me like it wouldn't be a tranny problem.

 

I have not checked not rolling neutral yet, I will be testing that soon.