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1.6 Petrol 2004 8P - Rattling Exhaust Like Noise Audi A3 - A3 A4

My OH's A3 has developed a loud noise which I can best describe as sounding like the exhaust dragging on the ground, which it isn't.

I've checked the mountings, the central mount welds are OK and the system seems secure. Its more noticable in motion, In very loud if you wind down the passenger window, and noticable to passer by's! Not convinced it is the exhaust.

There are no obvious sign of problems with the brakes and the vehicle steering feels OK, and the engine seems to run fine with no warning lights.

I'm thinking maybe a loose baffle? Or wheel bearing maybe. Heres hoping someone else may have experienced similar with even with and Octavia, Leon or Golf 5?

Thanks for any reply's, I'm baffled!

Edited by A3 A4 on 03/05/2013 at 15:09

1.6 Petrol 2004 8P - Rattling Exhaust Like Noise Audi A3 - TeeCee

I wonder if it's the exhaust touching a heat shield on the underside of the car (i.e. loose or detached heat shield)?

The buzzing / rattling from that on the exhaust can sound awfully like the exhaust is dragging on the road.

Audi A3 1.6 Petrol 2004 8P - Rattling Exhaust Like Noise Audi A3 - A3 A4

Thanks for the reply, the shield above the cat looks rigid, although I will check again, can the cat break down from within, like a loose baffle in a silencer?

Audi A3 1.6 Petrol 2004 8P - Rattling Exhaust Like Noise Audi A3 - A3 A4

For future reference for anyone else with a similar problem I found a rather large stone trapped above the silencer and beneath the heatshield, loose enough to rattle around.

Edited by A3 A4 on 08/05/2013 at 17:42