For a few months now I have noticed that after I ease off the throttle as if i was going to change gears there would be a type of rattling sound in my car.


The sound seems to be coming from the driver side of the car.

Basically in neutral not touching the clutch or anything if i rev the car above 3k and let it drop there will be a rattling, grinding type rattle noise. It goes away immediately after giving the car more throttle but i feel like its starting to get slightly louder. It only lasts for about 1.50 seconds after easing off the throttle.

The description in this link on the first post sounds similiar, but the video's sound doesn't seem as similiar to what issue I'm having. I can make a video if possible.

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/b5-...please-151088/


I noticed the noise doesn't really occur if I don't rev past 2500. I thought it could be clutch related but i really don't think it is, the car has 141k and is on the stock clutch as far as i know, but every single gear catches. I never keep the clutch depressed if it doesn't need to be and have never noticed slipping. Also the problem happens regardless if the car is in gear or not, its just simply when i let off the gas.


I'm taking the car to a mechanic soon to fix my coolant leak, and a rear wheel bearing hopefully he can figure it out.

 

I would advise a check of your oil pressure. Your issue sounds suspiciously like your hearing timing chain rattle when you lift off the gas with a consequent drop in pressure..

 

I don't have anything to check my oil pressure at home. I'm not much of a mechanic. My car needs a oil change soon though (coming up on 3k miles again) I usually bring it to my mechanic.. I was going to bring it when I get my coolant leak fixed which is after my car goes to a body shop next week.

I don't have any lights indicating anything is wrong with the oil pressure though.

My cars timing belt was changed at 115k miles, it has 141k now. it that helps

 

heres a video i just made outside, i would of revved it higher more but this was a cold start

B5 A4 1.8t Sound - YouTube

11,14 and 25 seconds the flutter/chatter sound is most clearly heard. just listen close

 

Your timing belt wouldn't make a noise like that, it's rubber. The guy above was talking about the chain that keeps your intake and exhaust cams in time with one another. It's located at the back of the head. When this chain starts rattling loudly it's often an indicator that the tensioner is going bad or that the head is suffering from oil starvation due to low oil pressure above the block.

 

Not sure if the sound I'm hearing is a chain or not, i don't really notice anything abnormal on startup or at idle, just when revving the engine as shown in the video ( i can make another with hood open if that helps?).

I thought it could be turbo related but I think when the car is at idle it is not producing any boost correct? and i thought it could be clutch related but this occurs when easing off the throttle, doesn't matter if im in neutralI or 3rd gear if i let off the throttle with above 2.5k rpms it seems to make some flutter/grinding type sound for a second or two.


I'm driving the car very sparingly because its going to the body shop in a week or two for a new hood fender.. after that bringing to a mechanic.

My car has 141k and aside from a bad rear wheel bearing, coolant leak (coolant flange), and this current issue i can't think of anything else that needs to be worked on but I really want the car in the best condition possible after going through a bunch of body work (I was rear ended). Should I think about replacing anything else? Coil packs/spark plugs or maybe? My timing belt/water pump should be good for another 20k or so i'd think it was replaced before I bought the car.

I've replaced the front tie rods (one got bent and i had money to just get two new ones)
Front wheel bearings both sides (sigh)
front/back rotors and brakes (20k miles ago)


any help greatly appreciated!