Delmeister

flex plate = flywheel Yes?

paadoggi

I have right about the same problem. And need help. The whole thing happened after an oil change. The cranking/rattling/tatata noise started. Since then I have changed the following The valves/head/breaks/turbo/clutch/oxygen sensors and the timing belt, all based on the request of the Audi mechanics and I still have the problem. I am so frustrated, they also check the sludge build up and said its not the issue. I don't know what to do. It seems like oil is not getting something or something is broken some where. Please help help.

allroaddave

Yes, that's correct. It's a thin, steel flexible plate, and they do crack. To replace it you must remove the engine or transmission first.

alrightroad

S4master1, thanks for the feedback on this. I don't believe I ever replied. Make sense that it would be flex plate. It changes tone when I am sitting still and move the shifter over to TIP mode. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it's louder. Also, does it more in reverse now that did a few months ago. Overall it has become quieter over time but still very noticable. People still look at me funny when it's clacking away. I will do a 6MT swap sometime in the next 2-3 months and let everyone know what I found.

SSSS8

Did you ever determine where the noise was coming from? I have the same thing happening and I feel like it is the torque converter lock up clutch failing.

alrightroad

Yes sir. When we took motor out and pulled off trans, flex plate was completely broken in 2 of the 3 'legs' feeding to center.