Hi, I have an 1999 2.8 A4 that all of a sudden one day, the engine noise became much louder. lifting up the hood, it sounds like the noise is from the radiator fan area, but the belt looks fine. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is a serious problem or what the problem is. THanks.

 

get it sorted asap its probably a water pump/timing belt tensioner bearing

 

Like by engine sound do you mean like it sounds quiet and then all the sudden the car sounded like you put aftermarket exhaust or something? Like quiet to sounding like a speed boat?

Or do you mean that there is now a noise that was not there before (that is not exhaust noise)?

If it sounds like the first is what you are describing, check your exhaust system for leaks or if your mufflers came apart... have you backfired or hit something (like a curb)

If it sounds like the second, you have to better decribe the noise, clicking, grinding, whistle, knock, etc.

Well either way the sound is bad and needs repair. And either way you would want to check it out quick (exhaust leak= carbon monoxide poisoning) (Noises that should not be there are usually something that turns having a bearing break down)

And as ^ said, if it is the water pump or pulley, you will potentially bend valves and be out a few grand in new heads.

 

is your engine backfiring?

 

THanks for the replies. Just to answer the questions, the engine isn't backfiring. Neither is it a loud aftermarket exhaust sound. Its more like the engine sound has become less refined and crude.

So any way, I take it to Riverside Audi in NJ and they tell me its the alternator problem and I need a new one. I said fine..all in about $1200. Then today, they call me up and say: Good news, we changed the alternator and the sound has dropped by 60-80% but you have another problem. There is still some sound and its the compressor which needs to be changed too (surprise surprise) which they say will be another $1100. So now, my bullshit detector is up and I told the guy I want to hear the engine for myself first.

What do you guys think? Sounds like it wasn't the alternator in the first place and they screwed up. Any thoughts?

 

Sounds like you may be right. Go in and see if the new alternator got rid of any of the noise. If not id say your correct with the dealerships misdiagnosis.

 

topical dealership trick hehe its call trial and error, they made an error now your on trial get your old alternator back and as dankhound says have a listen to your engine first