Strange rattle noise could it be the release bearing?

[Jonas_R]

While driving to the annual Audi Club Denmark gathering my car suddenly development a very annoying rattle sound.

When the car is idling the rattle is very low and almost impossible to hear.
When I put it in gear and drive the rattle noise gets very loud and it follows the RPM. So if I drive faster it rattles faster. If I then press the clutch just a little bit and the sound starts and I cant hear it anymore. If I accelerate and release the gas pedal, then the sound is still there.

Now I'm thinking that it could be the release bearing that is the one to blame?

[K Simmonds]

Yep, sounds like the clutch release bearing, my 10 valve coupe once had these symptoms, though the rattle was often accompanied by a squeaky whine when the clutch was used.

[Jonas_R]

I have not yet heard the squeky noise, but then again my exhaust is very loud

I'm going to put the car on a lift and run it for a little while so I can pin point where the sound is coming from.

If it is the release bearing then it is going to be really fun, since I have this weird combination of a UrS4 5 speed gearbox and clutch.