Engine Rattle or Knocking

[InjuinRed]

I have a rattle or knocking sound when I start up my engine. Once I rev-up my engine to about 1800rpms it goes away. I have a 2002 Passat with the 1.8T. Any comments, tips or suggestions? Thanks.

[Violet]

I'm sure no expert, but I just took my 01 Passat in for what sounds like a similar problem...VW told me it was an issue with the cam tensioner (non-VW employed mechanic diagnosed cam lifter). Mine makes a small sound on startup, goes away until the engine is warm and then just really goes to town with that noise.

If I HAVE to drive it someplace and I don't want people to look at me like my car is about to blow up, I have to shift into neutral at the stoplight, rev the engine, then slide back into drive. I hate to leave my baby in the driveway, but I can just imagine what else I'd destroy by driving it before it gets fixed. Cost for tensioner replacement at VW service? $1222.

Good luck with yours, I hope it ends up being much more simple and less expensive than mine.

[craig@vwdiscountparts]

I would tend to agree that the cam tensioner is the most common culprit. The noise would come from the top end at the back (transmission end) of the engine. Retail price on the tensioner is $694.70. I have "OE" tensioners for $450.00 plus shipping. Let me know if I can assist.

- Craig