2.0 TFSI Timing belt rattle?

[Sejo323232]

Hello everyone ,
I own a 2006 2.0 TFSI and it began making a cyclic rattling noise which seems to be coming from under the timing belt cover. I listened near the cam chain which is on the other side of the engine and I still hear the same noise but it seems to be quieter and perhaps propagating through the engine bay which is why I hear it. NOTE , the noise is loudest when cold starting and slowly goes away after 5-10 minutes of driving. I'm gonna take the car to the mechanic but i live in a place where there aren't many competent mechanics and I'd like to hear some opinions.
The alternator belt seems to be tight and there is no play in it, the tensioner is moving but only slightly (few mm).
Could it be the timing belt or the timing belt tensioner?
Thanks

 

[prt57]

You can identify the location more accurately by placing something like a large screwdriver tip on various suspect parts of the engine then the other end of the screwdriver touching your ear. Like using a stethoscope really. Take care you avoid any of the moving components.
I’d be looking a bit further afield for a decent VAG specialist to sort it out. You don’t want the belt snapping as it could ruin the engine. Is it due a belt and water pump change?

 

[Sejo323232]

You can identify the location more accurately by placing something like a large screwdriver tip on various suspect parts of the engine then the other end of the screwdriver touching your ear. Like using a stethoscope really. Take care you avoid any of the moving components.
I’d be looking a bit further afield for a decent VAG specialist to sort it out. You don’t want the belt snapping as it could ruin the engine. Is it due a belt and water pump change?

I just recently bought it and the guy told me that he is not sure since he owned it less than a year but the previous owner told him its got another 30k km until its due. Assuming he drove another 15k , should still be fine but I think I'm going to do the service anyway.
I'll try to pinpoint the source further but I wanted to ask if the timing belt/tensioner can cause symptoms I'm having? Cold start rattle which subsides after about 10 min of driving? If it was constant I'd be more sure that is the issue but what bugs me is why it stops. It seems to be an issue only when the engine is completely cold. If I have been driving it and leave it for a couple of hours and start it again , the issue is not there.

 

[NHN]

Remove aux belt on cold startup, see if noise goes, battery will have enough juice for the time needed to check.

 

[prt57]

Have you used the screwdriver listening device as I suggested above yet to pinpoint the location?

Fatal mistake, you are relying on what the previous owner told you with no paperwork?
Sometimes, people doing a cheap job do not replace the water pump when doing the belt. Disaster if it seizes.

 

[Sejo323232]

Have you used the screwdriver listening device as I suggested above yet to pinpoint the location?

Fatal mistake, you are relying on what the previous owner told you with no paperwork?
Sometimes, people doing a cheap job do not replace the water pump when doing the belt. Disaster if it seizes.

I did the screwdriver thing and id say its coming from the cam chain... No rattling noise from the belt. Which would perhaps explain why when the oil heats up , the noise subsides (I believe the cam chain tensioner is operated by oil pressure or is it not???)
I also found a sticker that the belt has been changed before 78 000 km , so would you recommend doing the service anyway since it seems to be fine? And yes, I know if there is no paperwork its a lottery. Odd that the car has plenty of service records held with zip ties all under the bonnet but no service book.
Also this sticker on the timing belt only has the Odometer reading when it was done but doesn't specify if WP was changed.

 

[prt57]

Yes a worn cam chain and tensioner will rattle more when the engine is cold. Replacement is a job for a specialist as specific tools are needed.
depending where you live, I’d recommend RTech in Nuneaton for any job that needs doing. Real experts with superb customer service.
The cambelt is changed on account of years in addition to mileage. 5 years I think from memory.

 

[Sejo323232]

Yes a worn cam chain and tensioner will rattle more when the engine is cold. Replacement is a job for a specialist as specific tools are needed.
depending where you live, I’d recommend RTech in Nuneaton for any job that needs doing. Real experts with superb customer service.
The cambelt is changed on account of years in addition to mileage. 5 years I think from memory.

Thanks everyone , I have to start somewhere so I have arranged a mechanic to investigate further and replace the chain and tensioner. Also decided to do the HPFP cam follower since I have heard it is basically a consumable and I don't know the state of it.
I'm outside of GB and the EU, in fact I live in the Balkans so a good mechanic is a rare find. Anyway I will report back , perhaps it will help someone one day.

 

[Sejo323232]

Just an update to everyone.
I took the car to the mechanic and he replaced the chain and the tensioner along with some other stuff. The car doesn't rattle any more when I do a cold start , or ever. So that was definitely a problem. If you decide to do this job , take care of the bolt which is holding the cam adjuster as my mechanic managed to strip the bolt and had to take out the cams in order to finish the job. Now I'm stuck with a stripped bolt in my engine...
Thanks for the help to all!