Audi Q7 2014 3.0 TDI Quattro I have been told a rattle lasting a second or 2 is probably timing chain is their any advice 

Edited January 23Jan 23 by R Ingram
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Welcome Robert,

Some background would help to better the chances of you getting correct advice, although please bear in mind, that on one on here has access to the vehicle to be able to assess it. So:- 

Mileage; how long has this noise been noticeable; has it got worse in recent mileage; is the noise only on start up in the morning, or every time you start it; did you acquire the vehicle with this noise; service history and when last serviced; who told you it’s probably the timing chain? 
Could you please come back to us with answers to above. 
Regards,

Gareth. 

Hi Gareth thank you for the reply .I bought the Q7 July last year with 65000 miles ,last serviced 10/07/25 . noticed the slight rattle after a few days when starting up one morning with the door open only on first start up particularly when cold .It’s not any worse now than when I bought it . Recently I put it into a local garage for a leaking injection seal . hasn’t used any oil since last service was only after a conversation with the service manger I was then advised of the complexities of repair . Unfortunately not a job they have undertaken. I wanted to find out more so started asking around and was recommended Audi owners club . If anyone can recommend a competent  mechanic /garage to diagnose, and quote cost of repair it would be appreciated.

many thanks

My advice would Be to just get it done if you plan on keeping the car. Timing chain rattles typically turn really bad with no warning at all. From memory your chains will be at rear of engine so makes it abit more time consuming. I’d think 3 days labour start to finish. I would also change the water pump which is at the front of the engine as these a common for Leaking and easy to do while engine is out.

Hi Gareth thank you for the reply .I bought the Q7 July last year with 65000 miles ,last serviced 10/07/25 . noticed the slight rattle after a few days when starting up one morning with the door open only on first start up particularly when cold .It’s not any worse now than when I bought it . Recently I put it into a local garage for a leaking injection seal . hasn’t used any oil since last service was only after a conversation with the service manger I was then advised of the complexities of repair . Unfortunately not a job they have undertaken. I wanted to find out more so started asking around and was recommended Audi owners club . If anyone can recommend a competent  mechanic /garage to diagnose, and quote cost of repair it would be appreciated.

many thanks

Thank you for the reply I have found private Audi specialist in Tadley I have booked in with them for full engine diagnostic check as they have done this before so need to be 100% sure of the problem before they start many thanks 

Makes complete sense, please let us all know what they say 

I had the chance at buying an A8 D3 w12, with 150k on the clock, fsh but no record of any t/chain maintenance. Car sounded fine but was within the chain issue "window" of 150k to 200k miles. I walked away rather than risk the inevitable. With the w12 it's an engine out job approx 4k+, possibly much more depending on what they find.

Thanks I have booked in for engine diagnostics thanks