Audi Repair: 01 A8 wierd noise when starting, coolant level, ball bearings

Question
Hi, Thank you for doing this. I had the timing belt and water pump changed in my 01 A8 about 8 months ago. Recently, when i start it up, it makes a wierd noise. Like a lot of ball bearings loose. Once it starts up, the noise goes away. Also my coolant goes down when I drive. I have parked my car for more than three months now (breaks my heart), the coolant level does not go down. Only when it is driven. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Sounds like who changed your water pump may not have got it right.  You need to establish where the coolant is going; if it is leaking, or being used by the engine.  Do you see any white smoke coming out of the exhaust?  Any steam from under the hood?  Let me know,  Jan