SinWin

Thank you! It seems a stethoscope is the best solution, so I will try and get hold of one. Sindre

Hi again, Since my last posting here, the car has undergone a 120 000 km service, and I have had the timing belt, water pump and auxiliary belt changed. However, yesterday I again noticed the same grinding/grumbling sound as mentioned in my first post. It's difficult to locate, but seems to be coming from the front left side or the front middle of the car. I stopped the car, shut down the engine, and started up again a few minutes later — and the noise was gone again. Incidentally, the garage doing the service noted that my A/C system was completely void of gas: I haven't noticed any lack of cooling from the A/C during the summer months, so this was quite a shock to me; however I will have that checked by another workshop. I mention it here in case it might have anything to do with the noise I'm hearing: I don't think it's very likely, though, since I've been hearing the noise for over a year now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Sindre

Hi Gareth, thank you, I really appreciate your help. When I bought the car in 2014, from an Audi dealer, I was told that the timing belt (I think it's a belt on this model), water pump and auxiliary belt was to be changed at 120 000 km. The car had done 62 000 km when I bought it, and had followed every service interval until then (and I have followed them after I purchased the car). I have so far entrusted the Audi dealer to inspect and change whatever needs changing according to Audi's recommendations, and I would be surprised if they haven't changed it after so many years if the recommendation is 120 000 km OR five years. However, I cannot find any reference to a change in my invoices from the time that I've owned the car. Best regards, Sindre

Hi Gareth, and thank you for your suggestions. Since the sound is intermittent, I find it difficult to search for the source. If I, as you suggest, remove the belt and start the engine, I'll never know if the sound is just at "pause", or if I have actually found the source? Unless, of course, the noise starts becoming constant. I could, however, remove the auxiliary belt to inspect it for any damage or defects. The car has done 107 000 km (66 486 miles), and I don't think the timing belt, water pump or the auxiliary belt has been changed earlier. These items are, however, due to be changed at the next service at 120 000 km, which — with my driving — would be due some time next spring. The car has been at the local Audi dealer for a brake change a couple of weeks ago, without them finding out anything about the noise (as it, of course, wasn't there when they had the car). Best regards, Sindre

Thanks a lot! I'll be sure to check the auxiliary belt and tensioner — though I suspect the timing belt (I think it's a belt on these models) might be more difficult to inspect. However, at least I know have some suggestions as to where I can start looking =)

Hi, and thanks! I've attached the file again, this time as an mp3-file (it's audio only). I should mention that the sound is there both at idling, and driving, clutch engaged and disengaged. I'm not sure if it disappears when driving at higher speeds, or if it just drowns in general noise from the tires etc, but when driving at city speeds it is noticeable. Turning the A/C off does not make the sound disappear, nor does shutting down air circulation completely have any effect. Regards, Sindre engine noise audi A3.mp3

Hi! I've got an Audi A3 from 2008, with the 1,6 liter petrol engine. Lately, I've noticed a weak rumbling or grinding noise from the engine, which follows the engine revs. The noise is not constant, rather like a ticking clock: "rumble, rumble, rumble". It sounds like some kind of vibration of metal or a belt running over something it shouldn't be running over — kind of hard to describe. The noise is accompanied by a weak humming noise in the cabin, but I'm not sure if this is from the engine compartment itself or just some plastic in the cabin vibrating. The noise isn't always there, but I've heard it when the engine is both hot and cold, and in hot, cold, dry and wet/humid conditions. The attached file is a recording I made yesterday of the noise. Please note that I've cranked the volume up to make it easier to note the sound: it is not very loud in real life, but is coming from the engine area somewhere. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the source of the noise, and how to fix whatever is the matter? engine_noise_audi_a3.wav