A4 1.9tdi noisy engine problem

[jamesy]

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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1



A4 1.9tdi noisy engine when warm
Hi, i've owned my 2002 model for the last 3 months with 98000 miles on the clock and have just started to hear a rattling/grumbling noise from the engine once it is running warm. It does not effect the overall driving of the car but the noise although sometimes disappears can usuallly be heard at idilling speed, it also gives out a screech whenever full lock is applied on steering. All temp guages / warning lights are normal and only thing that i have found in the way of low fluid levels is the power steering fluid at just above minimum on the dip stick.
I pressume that the timming belt would need changed as the service book reads that it was changed at 55000 miles,but i remember some years ago i had an old peugeot 309 and it made a similar noise just before the water pump failed and when i brought my A4 to my local garage and i explained my self diagnoses of the possible mechanical problem he just put his ear up to the engine and agreed with me saying that i was correct and went on to say that he could also hear a slight noise from the timming belt so i should get this changed at the same time (although i think all the belts now need changed anyway). The thing is he put a price on around £500 on the whole job but i was wondering has anyone else had this problem, any hints appreciated.
Last edited by jamesy : Today at 09:00 PM.

[john from Staffs]

1. Why is there low fluid in the PS reservoir?
2. Has the car been run with low fluid and therefore blown the PS pump due to running dry?
3. The belts will be worn at 98k miles for sure, but new belts may not fix the noises.
4. If unsure, find the local Audi non franchise specialist and go get a second opinion from an expert.
5. The screech is due to extra tension being put into the pump at full lock, and worn belt slipping.
6. Check for leaks, PS pump, PS rack, pipes and joints. DO NOT DO THIS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.
7. £500 is a lot of money, but have you got a quote on a new neck lately?
8. Be prepared for a new PS pump as well.

I hope its not this bad, but do be careful, if you find yourself with no power steering on a roundabout you could be in difficulty.

Best regards
jfS

[jamesy]

John, thanks for replying to my post, i have now found another Audi/VW garage that is not a main dealer and he spent time diagnosing a possible fault to do with the belt tensioners so i will keep you informed as the car is being left to him on 6/12/07 so ive got both fingers crossed, i will keep you posted.
Cheers.

[jamesy]

John, got car sorted by a bloke that knew what he was talking about and knew what he was doing. It turns out that in the audi and vw engines there is a part on the alternator thats called the fly-wheel pulley which also turns the power steering belt and the fan belts. A main audi dealer would probably replace the entire alternator (at a price) but in fact this pulley, which just over time becomes stuck and causes the belts to slip and makes a terrible noise is all that needs to be replaced along with a little suspension peice that is also connected to this and with replacing all the belts the car is now running like a dream.

Many thanks for your help and i hope that someone else finds this information useful.

Jamesy from N.Ireland