Audi S4 B9 clicking/ticking noise while accelerating - part 1

Status 11.05.2022. The clicking/ticking noise occurs between 1000 RPM and 2000 RPM until gear 8. Its frequency changes with rpm and strenght of acceleration.
The car is 3 years old. Two months after i bought the car, the noises appeared for the first time. After another month, at the time of the video, the noises became louder and more frequent.

[Tomas-gnko]

That is exactly the same noise I have in a A4 2017 B9 with the TDI 2.0 122hp engine. I don't think it's a mechanical problem when different engines make the same noise.

SOLUTION:
As other users have commented, the noise comes from the hole that connects the interior cabin with the engine cabin, that hole is used for the steering wheel shaft and as the steering wheel moves it has a rubber that should fit. The problem is that it only works well in one position, in the rest it gets more or less noise depending on the position.

If you put the steering wheel in the lowest and deepest position possible, the sound is practically 100% eliminated. Another option is to put some sponge or insulating material next to the axle tube, so the hole where the noise enters is covered, other users say that this solves the problem but I have not tried it. That axle and its hole are easily visible and accessible, they are a little above the pedals.

[hba]

Had this noise for almost one year / 35t km. Audi mechanic said it was normal. In August 2022 while servicing, I noticed metal flakes in my engine oil. Long story short. The noise was caused by faulty rocker arm bearings disassembling and grinding off my cam shaft. I got a completely new engine (80% of the cost were covered by Audi). The car has 135.000km and is a 2017 production. As I know now, the rocker arms are already in their second revision because of this issue - Audi knows exactly what’s up… any MY 16-18 might have this issue. Don‘t take it too light hearted and regularly check the engine oil or ask your mechanic specifically to check the rocker arms. I know of some guys to preemptively change theirs just to be safe. I don’t want to scare you though, might be something completely different. Just what I experienced. Oh and the new engine is quiet AF. Ticking is never „normal“. Apart from the injectors of course ;)

[rob]

This sound is normal to the EA839 motors, if you hear a off beat tick at idle from the engine bay, it could be a rocker arm issue (very rare and only limited to 2017-2018 builds)

[MrAndreyBorisov]

Update for those who are facing similar issue, got used car which has 78k km now, exactly same noise. Changed oil to 5w40 motul xcess gen 2 no more ticking

[bigrodenergy]

Just took mine into the dealership last week, tech said he heard it and that it was not normal only to have another tech say “operating as designed, all in hearing is the fuel injectors…” should not have this issue at the cars price point, very disappointed

[ahen]

I had this car. S4 Avant B9 from 2018. Exactly the same sound as this. These are the rocker arms. Dealer found lots of metal flakes in the oil filter.

[tomtomgo]

The dealers first guess was a damaged flex pipe. After replacing this part, the noise was still present.
Now, after a two-week workshop visit, the cause of the noise was narrowed down to the area of the valves. It would be due to valves having play. According to the dealer, however, this would be normal and not harmful to the motor. The noises are still there.

[advocado]

Hey, any updates since then? I see that you went to a dealer to do a steering shaft TSB? What you ended up with?

[gordontrammell]

I have this same noise did you take it to the dealer

[tomtomgo]

After a long time I have an update and apparently the solution to my problem.
Whether as described in some comments, a defect in the engine is present, I can not say and that is probably difficult to identify.
However, the noises occur exclusively on the driver's side. After an extensive search in forums, I came across a solution at motor-talk.de. Apparently, there may be damage to the steering column sleeve, which is why noises from the engine compartment can penetrate into the passenger compartment. In the said forum was described that a replacement of the steering column or sealing has helped. I have now simply pressed PE foam flakes for package protection in the fold of the sleeve and the noises were barely audible, to completely disappeared. In the forums it was spoken of the TPI 2052920/1 and TPI 2052921/2.
I will now go to the dealer again and look for a solution to the problem. I will keep you up to date.
Please give feedback if you had the same problem.

[silviu]

Hello! I`m quite late over here but did you find the issue with the sound? My friends` RS5 has the same sound up to 2000 RPM`s and it`s quite annoying. Thank you very much!

[privatprivat]

Mine had that too and now I have an engine failure. Rocker arms are broken! The dealer used to tell me it was normal, but now the engine is broken… change the rocker arms to the updated version its not that expensive

[TomMattin]

I noticed once when going through a small village in UK, with walls close either side, I heard a loud clicking/tapping. Looked it up, think I may of even asked my mechanic, but turns out to just be very loud valves

[ZlatanKnowsBest]

What ended up being the cause here and solution?

[tomassi]

hi, have you find the issue and problem for it ? is any TICKLE sound on Idile ?

[willgrayson]

I have this sound on my B9. Personally for me, it’s a CV axle. It’s about 2k to have done, but I have a extended warranty which covers it. I would definitely have a shop look at it and see if this is your issue. Hope this helps since it doesn’t seem like there’s many answers to this question

[Klymenko]

I have an update on this problem, in half a year the HPFP was replaced, then the pump in the tank was replaced, this week the rocker arms were replaced, the fuel injectors were inspected, I switched from 5w40 Motul X-cess oil to RedLine 5W40, the conclusion is this, after replacing the rockers, it became really quieter, but a small distant ticking is still present, from the sound source options, the turbocharger review remains, but I'm already fed up, I'll drive like this

[zuiddijk]

I got the same noise on my S5. S5 from my friend does do the same sound. Just push more on the throttle so you dont hear it hahah

[jeremielane]

I got the same noise.. when accelerating too… my car is full warrantly … audi s4 2018.. what can i say to my dealership for helping us to find the problems …?

[infamousd]

Was wondering if you had any updated info? I recently bought a 2018 s4 and notice the same "tap/tick" as you during acceleration.