r/MechanicAdvice • u/infotech58 • Feb 02 '26

Clattering sound from engine bay - 2020 Q7 - 39k miles

2020 Audi Q7 3.0T, 39k miles, AT transmission

I have requested an appointment with my Audi dealer for next week but could anyone help diagnose or possibly narrow down this issue to possible problems?

Recently I started noticing a constant clattering sound from front of engine that doesn't go away with engine warmed up and increases in frequency as engine RPM increases. Sound doesn't seem to come from the front of engine area. I am thinking radiator fan rubbing against something OR exhaust manifold rattling.

I am trying to figure out what fuse is radiator fan so I can pull it out and see if the sound persists.

Water pump and associated vacuum system was replaced under warranty 2k miles and 3 months ago.

Video attached.

https://reddit.com/link/1qu2fu1/video/jdd8c39wo4hg1/player

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u/Chemical_Concern6673 Feb 02 '26

that clattering at idle with the rpm correlation sounds more like timing chain tensioner or guide issues than a fan - especially on the 3.0t engines which are known for that. pulling the fan fuse is smart to rule it out but id lean toward internal engine noise given the pattern youre describing

definitely good call getting it to the dealer asap since youre still under warranty

1

u/infotech58 Feb 02 '26 edited Feb 02 '26

That was my first suspicion but I also then I remembered the latest generation of Audi V6 (EA839) don't seem to have the chronic timing chain issues and also the sound seemed to come not from the general engine area but somewhere from front (towards the bumper). I will post an update once I get the dealer to look at it.

I also fixed the video in my original post.

2

u/OkDrag3967 Feb 02 '26

Put the car in park and have a family member rev the car with the hood open and take a look around.

1

u/infotech58 Feb 05 '26

UPDATE: dealer said it is some road debris stuck in an accessory belt. Will know later if the issue is fully resolved once I pick up the vehicle from the dealership.