3.0T 4L: loud ticking from high pressure fuel pump (passenger front valve cover)

[50lbsofsalt]

2014 3.0T 4L

Fairly loud ticking from the passenger side front of the valve cover - stethoscope "listen" seems to indicate its coming from the fuel pump or cam lobe that drives the fuel pump area. No engine codes present when scanned (vcds)

I'm new to the Q7 and 3.0T. Is this a common noise? Does the 3.0T fuel pump have a 'lifter' or 'tappet' follower between the camshaft and fuel pump that needs to be replaced every xx,xxxx kms?

Thanks for any input!

[bajan01]

Does the 3.0T fuel pump have a 'lifter' or 'tappet' follower between the camshaft and fuel pump that needs to be replaced…

Yes, there is a cam follower that drives the HPFP off of the camshaft. I don’t know the recommended replacement interval but every motor that I have upgraded the HPFP piston on I have replaced the cam follower, even though the installed one looked fine to the eye.

[50lbsofsalt]

I removed the HPFP today and visually inspected the roller cam follower. It seemed 'fine' with no scoring on the roller and no noticeable scoring/wear in the bore it rides in. Is it still worth replacing?

[rockstar143]

I'm in the exact same boat and the noise is very prevalent. Inspected the cam follower and it doesn't visually look to be a problem but I guess the pivot point on it could be worn and would cause a slapping sound when the engine is on.