Hi, there:
In my 1997 960, I recently heard some scratching noise when I accelerate, or more precisely when engine RPM is over 2500. It sounds like "pi-pi-pi-pi", like the ticking of a mechanical clock.
I checked the timing belt cover to see if the belt is scratching against the cover, but didn't see any sign of scratching. It sounds likely that the noise is from the bottom of car, seems to be something wrong with the drive shaft bearing. But it is actually not from the driving shaft, because even if the car is in "Park" position, I can still hear the ticking noise when engine RPM is high.
What are the possible reasons? Is it possible to have something worn internally in the transmission, such as the main shaft bearing?

Thanks
Robert

 

Is the car low on oil?

 

I checked the engine oil level today, it is OK. I also checked the tranmission fluid, the level is good but the fluid color is yellow instead of red. Is this a problem?

Thanks
Robert