ironmikektm525

2 days ago I noticed a consistent rattle noise coming from what seems to be in the area at back of intake maybe front of tranny? It's hard to tell. This noise only happens between 1500-2000 rpm. The motor runs smooth with no noise except for an occasional lifter tick. Noise starts at 1500 (faint)and gradually gets louder up to 2k then goes away. In park I tried to duplicate the rattle but cannot. 99% sure its not my exhaust. The rattle is not real loud but its noticeable. I know its not easy to diagnosis this without hearing it but I was hoping somebody else has had this problem. Doesn't affect cars performance but I'd like to know what's going on? Cars a 99 t/a a4 full Bolton's and runs very strong for 132k. O

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

How is oil pressure?

ironmikektm525

Oil pressure good

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

I would get under the car and shake the exhaust and anything else and see if you can replicate the sound. I've had that from a broken catalyst but it could be a loose bolt or similar as well.

Fonsi

I go with Mercier one of the catalyst cover maybe loose .

ironmikektm525

I have no cats lol but yeah I'll get under and let you guys know what I find. Been busy. Hope it that simple

ironmikektm525

Found nothing loose? Anymore ideas?

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Loose converter bolt?

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

Was avoiding suggesting loose converter or flex plate bolt as that is dificult to get to on some vehicles(like pulling the transmission). Can those be accessed through an inspection plate of sorts in F-body cars?

ironmikektm525

Been working a lot . haven'tbeen able to check converter /flex plate. Keep you posted. Thx

ironmikektm525

Sorry guys. Been away for awhile. Bolts all tight and dont see any cracks? Need more ideas. And no inspection plate. Have to work through starter hole

ironmikektm525

Nobody has any thoughts?

poltergeist 02

iTrader: (65)

You should post a vid so we can have a better understanding of the noise you are talking about.

ironmikektm525

Car won't see the road until snows gone. Don't think I could record the sound if I wanted to. It's to faint of a sound. It's faint but bothers me as it wasn't there before. Sounds just like a lifter tick. Comes on between 1500-2000k . If I give it gas in between those rpm's the sound reacts to that. Happens in every gear wether I manualy shift or leave it in drive. It's seems to be coming from the center dash area . Can really only hear it inside the car but I know it's coming from motor/trans area. Only does it under load as I tried to duplicate the sound using jack stands ect. Doesn't make the sound in park/neutral.

ironmikektm525

Any thoughts?

redlineshifter

ironmikektm525, does it sound like drivetrain noise or a part rattling?

Possibles:
1) There are two black cables that run above the intake and beneath the windshield cowl; one of mine came loose once and created a "rattle" in the center dash area.
2) Exhaust leak? The sound would be more noticeable in that RPM range because the exhaust really hasn't started shouting at that point.

ironmikektm525

Hard to tell if it's drivetrain or motor? My catback has always had a little leak and the sound was never there before so I don't think its that. I'll have to look for that cable. What's the cable for? Best way I describe it is that it sounds just like a lifter tick with a slight more rattle to it and it's very consistent between those rpm's only under load.

redlineshifter

Not sure what the cables are for, but when mine came loose it sounded like a very loud dash rattle; it was obvious that something was loose and hitting against something else. Didn't sound anything like a lifter.

Random noises can be so frustrating...

ironmikektm525

Yes they can. If it wasn't a consistent rattle I would be as concerned. But it happened every time I drive it every time between those rpm's. Anybody else have thoughts/ideas?