[metalhawk]

I don't really know how to explain this, but I 'll give it a try

After the car has been driven, i.e. the engine is warm, a metal cracking noise is heard for a while when it comes to a stop. The location of the sound is in the middle of the car, underneath at the level between the the door and the rear wheels. This has thus far been observed in relatively cold conditions. I have also observed this while driving slowly (5 km/h)

This can be explained by the fact that since some part of the engine is warm, it makes that noise because of the cold weather.

Now, here are a few issues about this:

1.) Has anyone else observed this?

2.) What part could it be?

3.) This is really not normal, I know of no other car making such a noise :S

4.) Should I worry about this?

Any opinions on this welcomed and appreciated, I hope I described the sound ok :music-smiley-019:

 

[ChristopherPovey]

I don't really know how to explain this, but I 'll give it a try

After the car has been driven, i.e. the engine is warm, a metal cracking noise is heard for a while when it comes to a stop. The location of the sound is in the middle of the car, underneath at the level between the the door and the rear wheels. This has thus far been observed in relatively cold conditions. I have also observed this while driving slowly (5 km/h)

This can be explained by the fact that since some part of the engine is warm, it makes that noise because of the cold weather.

Now, here are a few issues about this:

1.) Has anyone else observed this?

2.) What part could it be?

3.) This is really not normal, I know of no other car making such a noise :S

4.) Should I worry about this?

Any opinions on this welcomed and appreciated, I hope I described the sound ok :music-smiley-019:

Not experienced it, but from the location you describe could be exhaust or Cat cooling down and the metal contracting?

 

[metalhawk]

Yes I imagine something like that, but I cannot comprehend this as normal, it is kinda loud! Not to mention it sounds odd when i pull up somewhere :S

 

[shadow]

:cheers:Could be a few things.Exhaust pipes and mufflers contract when cooling down a tick tick tick sound,the side of theheat sheild contracting and rubbing,hope not but your catalitic converter cooking something not meant to be cooked.OR you ate something bad for breakfest.:laughinatabove:

 

[Kevins350z]

I am experiencing the same thing when the car is parked and the engine is on. i also notice the noise after the engine is off. did you find out if it's normal?

 

[Caldean]

I have experienced this noise since day 1. I think it is as previously explained the exhaust and cat cooling down. I'm not worried about it. Perhaps the only thing to do is have someone check everything is screwed tight underneath as it doesn't seem to happen to everyone:thumbsup:

 

[BKBlue]

That is totally normal, most cars do that, especially after they've been driven hard ( engine temp it high). I'm actually quite suprised that you've never heard it in any other cars

 

[mannelito]

I have this noise as well, started at 30k and gradually got louder and louder... it's usually on low rpms (700 - 1000). Took it to Audi and they said they most likely will have to swap out the exhausts but couldn't give a explanation to what it is.

ps. sounds on a cold engine as well as warm and I have compared it to several other A5's and no other sounds like this, so no, it's not normal...

 

[AudiGator]

My car makes the same noise when I park it for the night. I dont think a $45k car should sound like this so I will get Audi to take a look at the next service.

 

[metalhawk]

Some time after first posting this thread, my cousin came to me and asked me the same question, but regarding her C-Class

I guess it might be normal due to the kind of parts they use these days

But please do let us know what you might find out from Audi

 

[mannelito]

I think I finally have a answer to this...
After having the car at Audi for over 3 days (I refuse to take it back since the sound was still there when I initially picked it up), a technician finally came with a answer on what it is.

It is the middle part of the exhaust pipe. Inside the middle muffler there are some metal rings that are loose or have come off and which makes the metal clicking noise at low rpm.

So no... it's not a normal sound and if you have factory warranty Audi will swap it out for you.

(but I don't care anymore, just picked up a new S4 and traded in the A5

 

[metalhawk]

I think I finally have a answer to this...
After having the car at Audi for over 3 days (I refuse to take it back since the sound was still there when I initially picked it up), a technician finally came with a answer on what it is.

It is the middle part of the exhaust pipe. Inside the middle muffler there are some metal rings that are loose or have come off and which makes the metal clicking noise at low rpm.

So no... it's not a normal sound and if you have factory warranty Audi will swap it out for you.

(but I don't care anymore, just picked up a new S4 and traded in the A5

I have the notion we are talking about a different kind of sound in the end, but very useful to know for the future! Thank you for the update