Audi A3 noise

[bkiverson]

Hi,

Hi guys,

I have an Audi A3 (2004, manual) 1.6L and i've recently started to hear a noise coming from the front of the car. I dont know a lot about cars but i've read a bit about similar problems and people have suggested that it may be a gearbox bearing problem, DMF, release bearing or the clutch. Im hoping if i describe my situation i might get help from here and an idea of what the problem is.
At idle the car makes a low rattling noise when the clutch is disengaged but the noise dissappears once the clutch is engaged. When driving there is a louder noise which remains consistant from the 1st gear to the 4th gear but as soon as i change to 5th the noise becomes more aggressive and grindy. The gears change fine and i dont think theres a problem with the clutch. Please Help as i have no idea what the problem is ...

Thank you

[morgrp]

Sounds to be more gearbox related if it goes away when the clutch is depressed - try having the gearbox oil changed and try some thicker oil in it - could be something like worn lay shaft bearings - I've owned cars and run them for years with noisy gearboxes - moderate your driving style - do nice gentle gear changes, don't hurry them - and no full bore banshee starts off the lights. A failing DMF (which it could be) tends to make the car quite snatchy to drive when going on and off the throttle. Try the gearbox oil change first and see if it improves it - at least thrn you can rule out a DMF problem - and I promise you its far cheaper than a replacement DMF.

[morgrp]

Sounds to be more gearbox related if it goes away when the clutch is depressed - try having the gearbox oil changed and try some thicker oil in it - could be something like worn lay shaft bearings - I've owned cars and run them for years with noisy gearboxes - moderate your driving style - do nice gentle gear changes, don't hurry them - and no full bore banshee starts off the lights. A failing DMF (which it could be) tends to make the car quite snatchy to drive when going on and off the throttle. Try the gearbox oil change first and see if it improves it - at least thrn you can rule out a DMF problem - and I promise you its far cheaper than a replacement DMF.

[bkiverson]

Thank you very much

[Ellie13]

Hi
I'm new to these forums but could not help but feel the need to reply to your post.
I have an A3 1.6 TDI 2011. When i purchased the car it sounded fine. Quite soon after i noticed the noise/rattle. Mostly in first gear and only when just starting the journey. Occasionally it continues into 2nd and 3rd gear. took it back to audi dealer four times now. so far they said it was the filter in the exhaust, software update and fuel injectors. Nothing made a difference. They acknowledged it sounded louder but the latest is "it is a characteristic of car, or a concept related noise". Either way it means that the noise is meant to be there or in my view it is because they do not know what is causing it.

Not happy!