Noise from rear

[Siondc]

So I have this disgusting rattling coming from the rear. It’s a tiny rattle, like thin metal vibrating. It’s coming from just rear of the handbrake, can feel the vibrating if I put my hand on the floor of the rear footwells. I can feel it more on the n/s than the o/s. It only ever happens when the engine speed is 1800rpm, doesn’t matter if the car is travelling or stationary, if the clutch is pressed or depressed, accelerating or decelerating. Is there an exhaust bracket in this area that could be loose or is it my worst nightmare the haldex? Here’s a video I took to get an idea

 

[tcg]

I had a similar rattle on my S3.Although nowhere near as loud as yours,it was the heatshields that cover the 'cat' on the exhaust,just around the handbrake area,bolts had rusted off...maybe worth checking.

 

[Siondc]

I had a similar rattle on my S3.Although nowhere near as loud as yours,it was the heatshields that cover the 'cat' on the exhaust,just around the handbrake area,bolts had rusted off...maybe worth checking.

Great cheers. I’ll have a look. How did you fix the problem?

 

[Stuart B]

If it happens when stationary it can't be related to the haldex there's nothing rotating.

 

[Siondc]

If it happens when stationary it can't be related to the haldex there's nothing rotating.

Yea that’s what I thought, but knowing my luck it will be ha!

 

[Siondc]

If it happens when stationary it can't be related to the haldex there's nothing rotating.

Are all the bolts holding the heat shields the same size? I’ll pick some up just incase their all coroded.

 

[Stuart B]

Is it the heat shield on the twin cats? Or trim in the tunnel. If it is on the twin cats it's probably just rusted to nothing. If it's the heat shield just break it off, replacement cats or sports cats dont have heat shields.

I have to say it sounds like something rotating hitting the floor. Are you sure it's not coming from the engine bay and resonating through?

 

[Siondc]

Is it the heat shield on the twin cats? Or trim in the tunnel. If it is on the twin cats it's probably just rusted to nothing. If it's the heat shield just break it off, replacement cats or sports cats dont have heat shields.

I have to say it sounds like something rotating hitting the floor. Are you sure it's not coming from the engine bay and resonating through?

I haven’t got under to have a look yet as I’m working nights. I will try and get round to it tomorrow. But I’m 90% sure it’s not coming from the engine. I will update tomorrow to see what I find, if not it’ll be Friday. Does the rear silencer need the heat shield too as I know that’s corroded on the drivers side and I’ve zip tied it up a while back, I’ve checked and it’s still done up. But if I can get rid of the heat shield that would be better.

 

[Stuart B]

I don't know, I know the tunnel has its own heat shields but my twin cats heat shield wasn't fitted as had rusted to dust.

 

[tcg]

Great cheers. I’ll have a look. How did you fix the problem?

I just found some random nuts & bolts in my 'spares' bin,a bit of a ****** to do laying underneath and my noise was nowhere near as loud as yours mate,hope it's something simple like mine.

 

[Siondc]

I just found some random nuts & bolts in my 'spares' bin,a bit of a ****** to do laying underneath and my noise was nowhere near as loud as yours mate,hope it's something simple like mine.

Me too

 

[Siondc]

So I’ve managed to get under the car today and have a look. Most of the fixings holding all of the heat shields seem to be missing or loose. I bent a few bits and the noise has changed slightly so I’m hoping this is the cause. Thanks for taking the time to reply guys, this forum and you guys are always really helpful. Now I just got to sort my **** out hopefully on Tuesday

 

[tcg]

Good news mate,you're making progress.

When I did mine I remember I had to drill out the old bolts/nuts and I did it on axle stands.A bit difficult to get the 'new' bolts/nuts to tighten because space is so limited.I think I had to use mole grips or jamming a big screwdriver against either bolt/nut to stop it turning as it's too tight to get a spanner in.

hth

 

[David Johnson]

So I have this disgusting rattling coming from the rear. It’s a tiny rattle, like thin metal vibrating. It’s coming from just rear of the handbrake, can feel the vibrating if I put my hand on the floor of the rear footwells. I can feel it more on the n/s than the o/s. It only ever happens when the engine speed is 1800rpm, doesn’t matter if the car is travelling or stationary, if the clutch is pressed or depressed, accelerating or decelerating. Is there an exhaust bracket in this area that could be loose or is it my worst nightmare the haldex? Here’s a video I took to get an idea

If it resembles a tinny type rattle it could easily be the heat shield is loose, and the good news is any good garage would have a look at free of charge and give you an accurate diagnosis if their worth their salt buddy. Hope this helps a little.

 

[David Johnson]

Sorry guys, not trying to be clever as I saw all of the replies after I replied. Mine was rattling as loud as a millers yard, took it to a garage I trust and they just ripped the heat shield out for free, this really does appear to be a common problem but no doubt some clever spark may find an adaptation for this problem. From what I have learnt in the short time i've owned my A3 is that there are a good few 'fail certains' opposed to fail safes factored into this model.