Annoying rattle/tapping under acceleration

[jesters3]

Woe is me. I love my car.

Audi S3 2002 BAM engine.

She has decided to start making a tapping/rattling sound above 70 mph. It sounds like something metallic is brushing against something that is rotating (i.e a playing card hitting a bicycle wheel sound).

Through the gears it is fine at low speed it is fine. It is just when I get to the 70mph mark does the sound come in. Under acceleration with full or partial the sound starts, foot off and the sound goes.

1. I thought it was the Throttle body but that is all fine.
2. Both fans seem to be fine and nothing is poking out to be caught
3. I've had a good look around underneath the bonnet and with the car jacked up but can see nothing untoward.
4. VAG.COM doesn't bring anything up
5. Gave the exhaust, heatshield, CAT a good shake - but nothing

I've trawled the internet and found various other makes of cars with a similar issue. Such as 'pinking', CAT clogged up and Timing Belt/Tensioner - are these easy to look at or check does anyone know?

Anyone know of what else to have a look at before I take it to a garage.

 

[Bobt]

Mine has started doing this randomly ! Have you found the cause of yours ???
Same 2002 BAM engine

 

[jesters3]

No still trying to find it.

As far as I can hear it is low down at the base of the engine towards the back (though it is tough trying to listen whilst driving at 70 with your head down). I have been having a good look around when I can but cannot see anything loose or protruding. I need to get it up on a proper ramp. I'm thinking it could be a part of the heatshield come loose somewhere but it is proving a ****** to find. Will be jacking it up again tomorrow to have yet another look.

 

[mad max]

could be cam chain tensioner could also be piston ring

 

[fingermouse]

this may not be right but didn`t I read something about a heat shield under the gear knob area that can rattle ??? May not be right but for some reason its just reared its head out of my foggy mind .....

 

[Bobt]

Mine is not a rattle likw a very heavy pinking !seem to have a loss of power when it happens ! could be me backing of when it happens but feels like power drops !

 

[campbell]

did you get this sorted and what was the problem?

 

[jesters3]

Haha just replied to you thread - have a look