Engine rattle when idle

[c1613900]

I drive an A4 1.9 tdi 130. Recently I have noticed that when the car is idle there is a rattle sound coming from the engine, particularly loud near the driver's side front wheel, however when I depress the clutch the sound disappears. This rattle does not occur every time the car sits idle but probably about 90% of the time.

Does any one know what is causing this and what can be done?

Any help would be appreciated!

[borabeast]

Anything fell down the side of the engine? Socket or something?

[rprodrig]

If it stops when you depress the clutch I wood say that can ve the fly wheel bearing

[benjie]

That's what happened when my flywheel was going. It didn't actually fail, but it got worse - When in 3rd/4th and took my foot off the accellerator and coasted (in gear) there was a very loud rattly sound.
So keep an ear out for that.
Having said that, it could not be the flywheel at all!