Rattle/Knocking Noise from Camshaft Adjuster at Engine Start – 1997-2006 Audi

15 Rattle/knocking noise from camshaft adjuster at engine start

 

15 08 16 2010294/5 November 21, 2008. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 15 number 07-03 dated July 7, 2007 for reasons listed below.

 

Model(s)	Year	VIN Range	Vehicle-Specific Equipment
TT	2000 – 2006	All	1.8T Engine
A4	1997 – 2005	All
A4	1998 – 2001	All	2.8 V6 Engine
A4	2000 – 2002	All	2.7T V6 Engine
A4	2002 – 2006	All	3.0 V6 Engine
A4 Cabriolet	2002 – 2006	All
A4 Cabriolet	2003 – 2006	All	1.8T Engine
A6	1998 – 2001	All	2.8 V6 Engine
A6	2000 – 2004	All	2.7T V6 Engine
A6	2002 – 2004	All	3.0 V6 Engine
A6	2000 – 2004	All	4.2 V8 Engine
allroad	2001 – 2005	All	2.7T V6 Engine
A8	2001 – 2003	All	4.2 V8 Engine
A8	1997 – 1999	All	3.7 V8 Engine
A8	1997 – 1999	All	4.2 V8 Engine
A8	2006	All

 

Condition

REVISION HISTORY
Revision	Date	Purpose
5	–	Revised Title to include Repair Group

 

Rattle or knocking noise from camshaft chain tensioner(s) or camshaft adjuster(s) for 1-2 seconds after engine start.

 

Technical Background

The camshaft adjustment is hydraulically actuated and controlled by the engine oil pressure. If the engine has been turned off for a long time, the oil pressure drops down and the oil partially flows back into the oil sump.

To ensure an efficient camshaft adjustment right after an engine cold start, the oil pressure inside the camshaft adjusters must be built up as fast as possible. During this time, a rattle or knocking noise may be noticeable.

This noise is normal at engine start and will last until the oil pressure is fully built up, which takes about 1-2 seconds.

 

 

Service

Do not replace the Camshaft Tensioner(s) or Camshaft Adjuster(s) for a noise concern as described above.

Replacing the Camshaft Tensioner(s) or Camshaft Adjuster(s) will not eliminate this noise.

 

Warranty

This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.

 

All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.