I purchased a 2014 Audi A7 TDI (C7) in late September. Within 9 days, the car displayed the warning: “Alternator fault – battery not charging.” The supplying garage arranged a repair, and they replaced the crank pulley and auxiliary belt.

Within 24 hours of getting the car back, I noticed a crunching/grinding noise from the drivetrain while driving (This noise was occurring before the repair of the crank pulley). I took the vehicle to an independent garage who used chassis ears and confirmed the noise is coming from the gearbox/actuator area. They have advised the gearbox would need to be removed for full inspection.

I’m wondering if anybody has experienced similar issues too and what the resolution was, if any. Any technical insight or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

2 hours ago, Karl112 said:

Within 24 hours of getting the car back, I noticed a crunching/grinding noise from the drivetrain while driving (This noise was occurring before the repair of the crank pulley).

I am confused. Did this noise appear before or after the pulley was replaced?

35 minutes ago, cliffcoggin said:

I am confused. Did this noise appear before or after the pulley was replaced?

It was happening before the pulley was replaced; however, it was very sporadic and only after the car had been driven for 20 minutes or more. I am hearing it more often now. I have taken it to a garage and they said the noise is coming from the gearbox but I need to wait until 6th January for a proper diagnosis.

Therefore the noise is nothing to do with the new pulley and associated problems. It is an existing fault that is simply getting worse, as they always do.

If the noise is definitely coming from the gearbox then it will undoubtedly need to be removed, and I suggest you don't drive the car until then.

Thanks @cliffcoggin

Ill need to play the waiting game until Jan and hope its not too bad