Metallic 'tap' noise on throttle tip-in/tip-out with 7spd DSG - found and fixed

[prise]

I had a metallic 'tap' that occurred when the throttle was tipped in or out - basically whenever the direction of torque in the powertrain reversed the noise occurred and sound as if it was coming from low down in the firewall area. The car is so quiet in other areas that small noises like this really do stand out. I was able to replicate it by rocking the car forward and back in park or by rotating the engine assembly by hand.

I took it to the Werribee dealership who when I explained I could generate the noise with the vehicle parked and bonnet open were kind enough to have a quick look without booking it in. I popped the bonnet, rocked the car and it took the tech about a minute to locate the source - it was the cable from the DSG gear level that selects the manual park lock in the transmission. The cable comes out from under a heat shield before making a short run to a bracket on the gearbox and movement of the engine was causing movement of the cable and heat shield which generated the noise. Moving the cable slightly has caused the noise to stop.

I popped it up on ramps today and was able to see that where the cable comes out from behind the heat shield, movement of the cable also moves the heatshield. The amount of heat shielding under the car is impressive - lightweight aluminium everywhere.

Thanks you Werribee VW for not making me book it in and come back - they were very busy with getting jobs finished before the Anzac long weekend.

[Corey_R]

Good news. I've read about this particular rattle in one of the other threads. Good the dealer was able to help you