a4 2010 2.0 tdi grinding noise at low rpm

Hi all
i have 2010 a4 2.0 tdi caga engine 136hp at low rpm im getting what sounds like the drive shaft bearings cracking but its nothing to do with the drive the sound is lower pitched and seems to only happen below 2000 rpm .At first i though it was a kind of pinking noise as it happens in every gear when the engine is under load but its hard to describe . i know it will be due a clutch soon as the pedal is a bit high and also its due a timing belt replacement but as i am new to the 2.0 tdi i was just wondering if anyone had any idea as to what could be causing the noise or a way to check and rule out other possibilitys .

kind regards graham
ps. mileage 114k miles

just too add if you can imagine the niose running in a loop its only making the noise for 2 seconds the off for one then back on again . im thinking its the bearing in the dmf but cant be sure .

Have you ruled out the flange where the axle/cv joint attach to the tranny? Make sure the bolts are tight to spec?

didnt check that yet but will do thanks for the suggestion.