Jimmyd81

hi there. My a4 makes a terrible noise on a cold start. it sound like a tappet loose. Is thi a warranty issue? does anyone know how to fix this??

lyleswk

Could be a tappet, but I would diagnose away a much more common problem with A4's: cam tensioner. It is located at the back of the engine. The one in the video failed such that the noise was there when it was warm, but I have read about others that are only on start.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toO2nP9UjDk

Jimmyd81

Thanks for your help. Is this a serious problem? Thank you in advance

lyleswk

You never said, but is that the noise it makes?

Maybe some others can jump in as I do not know the failure mode, but I would assume if the tensioner is too loose, you could jump a tooth on the belt and cuase timing issues or valve damage. Too tight, and a cam bearing could seize and maybe even break your camshaft (had this happen to a friends Honda). Don't think this is something you want to let go for a while.

gcarter

Another thought...Check your SAI system for leaks. The hoses get surprisingly brittle over time.