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After reading the vast amound of information and discussions on here about the chain tensioner rattle on start up, I still couldnt really determine if this is something that should definately be repaired. My car is out of manufactureres warranty and I would have for fork out for some of the repair labour rate, as although have a warrrantly on the car, they only pay out up to a certain amount for labour charges. Or, if its just a characteristic of the vehicle, and one which doesnt really have any long term dangerous consequences. for example snapping chains etc?

If I was to get it repaired at an Audi Dealer which I probably would it would cost me around £1000 contribution, which if it needs it I will pay. But, I thought I would ask first?

It ontly does it on start up, and always clears after a few secs, but it makes my blood run cold, not a nice noise!!

Any info or advice greatle appreciated.

When my car had done 11,000 miles it had the problem, and when the dealer told Audi, they said it was an "issue of concern" and they supplied the parts, and the dealer fitted them. The bill for labour alone from the dealer to Audi, was about £1700. I have the list of the parts, sprockets, chains, guides, tensioners ect, ect. which must have cost a fortune. So if you can get it done for £1000 it's a bargin.

Mine has done it since I purchased the car. Lasts for a few seconds until oil pressure has risen. It has not got any worse it all that time. I think the real issue with this problem is if there is a constant whine at around 2500rpm. If you search youtube, i think, there is a video taken by an American S4 owner that cleary shows the problem.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v714/ ... V01524.flv Try this link.

Service bulletin here http://www.dejong947.com/audi/tsb/audi.tb.13-04-03.pdf and have a read of this thread as well http://www.tyresmoke.net/ubbthreads/sho ... ost1072379

Thanks for the replies guys, and the information is greatly appreciated.

Although mine is just before the chassis number to which the old aux belt tensioner was fitted it has never done this. So fingers crossed it wont.
I'm still not sure as to the timing chain. I have heard of people who have the chain done under warranty and the problem has reapeared.

Out of interest who HAS or HAS NOT had this fixed?

Like BlingBling, my S4 (04/53) has always rattled on startup. It's never bothered me - party because it's a company car, but mainly because I thought it normal...

What I would say is that I think it got progressively worse, but at the last service (25k miles) it seems to have gone away. I can't be sure (I hardly drive it now) but there seems to have been an improvement

No point looking at the service book though - it the first time the dealer has even managed to stamp it...

Dom81 wrote: but at the last service (25k miles) it seems to have gone away.

From what I've heard, they have started using a 5w 40 oil instead of 0w 40. so it does'nt drain back out of the tentioners as easy.

Hi guy's

I've got a 04/53. It's now got just under 68k on the clock. I can't say that i have ever noticed much of a rattle on start up. Only had the car around 4 months now with only 1 other owner. I will try and look into whether the car has had anything done to her.

Dunc

B6S4John wrote:

Dom81 wrote: but at the last service (25k miles) it seems to have gone away.

From what I've heard, they have started using a 5w 40 oil instead of 0w 40. so it does'nt drain back out of the tentioners as easy.

I recently changed my oil and used 5W-40. I cannot say I have noticed any significant improvements wrt the noise. But I only drive the car 2 or 3 times a week so I imagine inbetween drives the oil drains out.

One thing I do occasionally when first starting up is to turn the starter motor and then kill the power just before it catches. Then start it again. It does not rattle when I follow that procedure.

B6S4John wrote:

Dom81 wrote: but at the last service (25k miles) it seems to have gone away.

From what I've heard, they have started using a 5w 40 oil instead of 0w 40. so it does'nt drain back out of the tentioners as easy.

Do you know any 5w40 that is certified VW503.01 or VW504.00 ?

I don't think you will find one for either spec.

BlingBling wrote:I don't think you will find one for either spec.

By this do you mean that 5W/40 oil should not be used?

Technically yes. The spec for 5w-40 is 505 01,502 00 or 505 00. Different specs from the norm which is VW504 or 507. The choice is yours. I am using 5w-40 after discussing my personal situation with opie oils who recommended 5w-40

BlingBling wrote:Technically yes. The spec for 5w-40 is 505 01,502 00 or 505 00. Different specs from the norm which is VW504 or 507. The choice is yours. I am using 5w-40 after discussing my personal situation with opie oils who recommended 5w-40

I see, I think I will do the same, thanks for your advice. one more thing (sorry to be a pain) but it says in the owners manual that oil meeting 502 00 (on fixed intervals) is suitable for the s4 and 5w-40 oil meets this as you have said, in this way am I right in saying that the thinner oil (0w30 503 00) only really needs to be used when on those ridiculously long 2 year service intervals?

and also, would it be wise to use an engine flush before changing oil grades?

Again thanks for your help bling, you know your stuff

The "thinner" oils, 0w-30 and 5w-30, are specified for long service intervals, AVS. The 503 spec has now been superceded by either 504 or 507, if not both. The newer oil specs takes into account new oils/improvements on the market.