msteg

I need help. I have a 1999 A4Q Avant 2.8 Tiptronic. The car has 67,000 pampered Mobil1 miles. Over the past several months, I have noticed a knocking noise coming from the drivers side engine bank when cold, during idle, and the car is in either drive or reverse. The knock basically goes away after the cold start idle kicks down. I recently had the timing belt, serpentine belt, tensioners, water pump etc.. replaced and the knock persists. The dealer states the knock is coming from the timing belt tensioner, but it was recently replaced. My independent mechanic disagrees, he believes it is something bigger and more expensive. Any experiences and ideas are welcomed. Thanks in advance.

dsr90

The early cam tension adjusters seem to make a rattling noise (like an old Chevy rocker arm before the oil pressure comes up). Mine also leak. The driver's side adjuster is on the front of the cyl head. They're overpriced at $400 each, but the only game in town.