Ian S.

Just started to experience a noise (moderately high pitch warble - bearing-like) when engaging the clutch in first gear in my 98.5 qms A4. Checked the archives and others seem to have had this problem too although there seems to be some disagreement as to cause. Any others have this problem recently? How about those who have had it 'fixed' - did the problem return? Sounds like I'll have a lot to take care of (including 2 recalls) when I take the car in for its 18 mo. service in January.

James R.

The worse thing is that it's not consistent. It seems to happen every time I goto Santa Monica...which is a big uphill drive from where I work, lot's of traffic so I'd imagine the clutch get's really hot.

At the same time I've noticed that it can happen with greater frequency if I have the AC on. Which supports the claim that it's the accessory belt tensioner...I don't know.

Anyhow the dealership said it might be the clutch and pressure plate assy...but they'd have to heard it to know. Which is a problem cause I rarely ever hear it...but boy when it does it I just want to run and hide cause it's sooo f@#ing embarrassing. I really sounds like someone is molesting small woodland creatures under the hood of my car...it's quite loud I wish it would go away.

Plese keep the group informed of the outcome of your situation...I will if I try to have mine fixed...anyone else who's had it and it's now gone please post onto this thread.

Regards,

James R.

99 1.8TMS (Neuspeed K04, K&N Filter, Remus Exhaust, Neuspeed Sport Springs, Neuspeed Front Anti Sway, Bilstein Sport Shocks, Brembo Rotors, Mintex Red Box, Ronal R28's 17", Euro Corners, Clear Sides, Full Tint...and some other stuff I probably forgot)

Rob O

Still in Phx??

<a href="http://131.107.68.28/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=909"><img SRC="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/LV4.jpg" BORDER=1 height=78 width=200></a>
Rob O

Ian S.

LOL! Reminds me of the time when I bought my old 4000Q - there were two identical ones to choose from. I chose based on the tires - erroneously since the tires were not what I thought as it turned out. The choice I believe turned out to be a good one as the car was still going at 162,000 miles when I sold it. Maybe you got the better choice this time! I am troubled by this noise since if it is a bearing, it doesn't look good for the long term after the A4 warranty has run out. I was forced to replace similar bearings on the old 4000 clutch assembly but that was after about 150,000 miles. I do find that letting the A4 clutch out in first gear requires far more care than any other car I've had to avoid stalling. And yes, I'm still in Phoenix - I just don't visit this board so much. Sounds like there have been some get togethers I've missed since I didn't read about them until after they were over. Maybe in the future. Take care and I will report back on the resolution of this noise problem. It seems to be increasing in frequency; maybe by the January service, it will happen all the time. BTW, that pic sure looks like my car except that mine needs to be washed and waxed.

alan t.

only in first from a dead stop. A while back somebody here had the belt tensioner replaced and I think that solved the problem. I'm not of the opinion of a clutch problem but of course you never know. I think mine is worse with heat, wet conditions, up hill and never when engine is cold. It is embarrasing and sometime scares the hell out of me,

James R.

I don't know about the wet part...but it did it the most during the summer months...it's very sporadic. I can drive for days w/o a peep and then it will happen. If I do a lot of stop and go traffic...uphill in particular it will start to do its thing.

Funny you mention moisture, cause it happens every time I goto Santa Monica...it's a fair bit higher in humidity than the Valley due to their proximity to the ocean...I wonder what it could be.

Anyhow if you ever get it fixed, please share the results.

Regards,

James R.

99 1.8TMS (Neuspeed K04, K&N Filter, S4 Wheel Well Liner Mod, Remus Exhaust, Neuspeed Sport Springs, Neuspeed Front Anti Sway, Bilstein Sport Shocks, Brembo Rotors, Mintex Red Box, Ronal R28's 17", Euro Corners, Clear Sides, Full Tint...and some other stuff I probably forgot)