Audi A4 2.0 TDi S-Line Grinding Noise

[Mario87]

Hoping someone on here can maybe shed some light on this. Car is a 2006 B7 Audi A4 2.0 TDi S-Line. Basically when I drive my car in any gear and lift off (transferring weight to the front) I get a horrible metal grinding noise.

Almost like a driveshaft is grinding against a heat shield. It's easiest to replicate in first gear from a standstill, up to 20-ish MPH, and lift off, the sudden nose dive causes the noise to appear.

When the windows are down it sounds like it's mainly coming from the front passenger side, and when I touch the brakes, even just the tiniest amount, the noise instantly stops, like whatever is causing it is now being held in place.

I have had the car up in the air, taken the passenger side wheel off, looked around no marks on the brake dust shield, driveshaft or any of the obviously visible exhaust heat shields.

Took the calipers off to look at the brake pads & discs, plenty of meat all round. Not taken the plastic under-tray off yet to have a better look as I've not had the time.

Hoping to get a look at it this weekend. Anyone got any possible ideas before I start taking it apart?

Thanks

Edited by Mario87 on Tuesday 17th May 12:11