Noise at idle.
Thread Starter
Airborne Moderator
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 25,842
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks Alaska
St. Jude Donor '09
Noise at idle.
We have a 99 with the automatic transmission. We hear a rattling/rumbling noise at idle that sounds like it is coming from under the car. Anyone have any ideas?
Torch
Torch
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
I had the exact same type of noise with my 2001 Coupe A4 with 59K+ miles. Took it in to the dealer for the last check before the warranty expired - turned out to be both bad water pump and alternator.
One other tip, if you don't already have them, swap your belts out for Goodyear Gatorbacks - yes they really do run much quieter than the stock belts.
My car is DEAD quiet at idle now - in fact, I never remember it sounding so good!!!
See my thread below.
I was hearing a deep rattling type noise from the front when idling at low RPMs once the engine had warmed up. Definitely not a chirping/squealing noise. It literally sounded like something majorly wrong. As for more specific symptoms:
Water pump
I was losing small amount of coolant from the overflow tank but no visible leaks on the ground. Seepage was so slight that the engine heat was evaporating it.
Alternator
The clutch mechanism was splitting and was probably causing the rattling noise I was hearing. I was in the car with it in drive with my foot on the brake while the dealer guys diagnosed it.........it quieted down alot in park because the rpms were higher.
Good luck and let me know how you make out.
One other tip, if you don't already have them, swap your belts out for Goodyear Gatorbacks - yes they really do run much quieter than the stock belts.
My car is DEAD quiet at idle now - in fact, I never remember it sounding so good!!!
See my thread below.
I was hearing a deep rattling type noise from the front when idling at low RPMs once the engine had warmed up. Definitely not a chirping/squealing noise. It literally sounded like something majorly wrong. As for more specific symptoms:
Water pump
I was losing small amount of coolant from the overflow tank but no visible leaks on the ground. Seepage was so slight that the engine heat was evaporating it.
Alternator
The clutch mechanism was splitting and was probably causing the rattling noise I was hearing. I was in the car with it in drive with my foot on the brake while the dealer guys diagnosed it.........it quieted down alot in park because the rpms were higher.
Good luck and let me know how you make out.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Henderson NV
Noise fixed
Wow - I can finally contribute! Also have a 99 with auto trans with about 12K miles. Sounds like the same problem. Just got it back from the shop today - they had it for a couple days and replaced the alternator and belt tensioner. Dealer supposedly found a service bulletin on it. Good news - no more noise. Bad news-ran about $800 for the repair. Luckily I purchased warranty when I bought the car used last November. Hope this helps.
