In recent weeks I've noticed that soon after starting up my car, as I turn past the first couple pillars of my building's parking garage, I hear a continous high pitched metallic whine that lasts for a few seconds, and then goes away, never to be heard again until I return, park the car for a day or more, and repeat the process again. The noise almost sounds like it's coming from the floor of the garage and not the car, and always happens during the first right hand turn I make, which is only about 30 feet from my parking space. After my car has been running for maybe 30 seconds I cannot duplicate the noise, even if i drive over that same spot over and over again. Anyone have any suggestions as to what this may be? I'd take it to the dealer but I'm almost positive that they will not be able to replicate the symptom. Thanks!<p>DixonH<br>98 1.8TQ<p><p>

Has it been getting colder where you are? Could it be valve noise? Although this is usually something you hear about with the 30v specifically in colder weather. <p>Mike <br><ul><li><a href="http://www.mck.com/a4">Northeast A4 Group</a></li></ul>

Mike,<p>Actually, yes it has been getting colder here (I'm in Ottawa, Ont)...the temp has dropped below freezing a few times already. Would valve gear noise be a continuous noise, and why would it go away so soon after start-up? Is this something I should be concerned about? Thanks, Mike.<p>Dixon

I live in Minneapolis, and it has gotten cold, so I assume that it's a temperature related, first-startup-in-the-morning noise. It can be mainly heard when turning the car with a high turning radius.<p>--<br>Adil<br>'97 A4 2.8 12v QMS

if it's continuous, doubt if it's valve noise (this generally results in a high-pitched ticking, like rapping a small metal hammmer on a steel anvil).<br>Would think it's prbably in the power steering, like a belt squeal. Might be just loose enuf to intiallly squeal ehen cold. Try this - during cold start, rol down windows, start car, then while stationary, turn the wheel lock-to-lock. if you hear it while turning wheel but not stationary, prob. time for a belt adjustment.<p>If it's a whine rather than a squeal, once again probably related to power steering, only it's a hydraulic whine. Check the fluid level, and while parked turn the wheel lock-to-lock several times to eliminate a possible air bubble in the hydraulics.

I've traced a similar sounding noise to the accessory drive-belt tensioner. Unfortunately, my noise happens all the time right off idle up till 2,200 RPM or so. Sounds like it might be the bearings going bad or the belt is slipping. It makes an annoying metallic rattling sound....sounds like a bunch of marbles. Car goes into the dealer on Friday, and I'll have them look into it.<p>Andy Hedin<br>'97 A4 1.8Tqms (28,000 miles)