Audi 2.0T Tapping Noise When Accelerating (Up to 3000 RPM only)

Question

Car: 2013 Audi A4 2.0 4-Cyl Turbocharged AWD Mileage: 71,457 miles Video Clip: https://youtu.be/HX1wXk84wq8

The car is exhibiting a tapping noise when the engine is under load at lower RPMs. Test drove the car for about an hour and here are some of the things that I have observed...

Sound comes ON: * When accelerating from a stop or a roll in tiptronic(manual) or "D/S" mode where the RPM is allowed to rise to about 3000 RPM * Medium to heavy acceleration from a stop or roll up to 3000 RPM * Most of the time (8/10) with the above conditions

Sound OFF: * When idling * When revving in "P" or "N" * When cruising * When accelerating in "D/S" with a light foot where the car shifts at around 2000 RPM

Answer 1

Believe it or not, that tick could be due to an exhaust leak. See here for other users' experiences. Fortunately, you can check for exhaust leaks very easily and repair them yourself for under $50 if you are at all handy. I am actually in the process of doing so myself using this instructional video.