Whirring Sound at 2k RPMs (2012 VW Golf 77tsi DSG)

Lhedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 14:03

Hey guys,

So this problem has been there for the past 2 months (I know, I shouldve gotten it checked sooner but I havent had much time). I havent been driving my car too much though, as little as possible and using my mum's car whenever I can. But to the point, there's a whirring sound at 2k rpms. At first I thought it was the gearbox but when I went to the mechanic today (gearbox specialist), he said it's definitely not the gearbox as the sound is there in N and P, and the sound is coming from the other side of the engine bay which is the engine/ timing belt side. He said tell your usual mechanic to check the timing belt, tensioners, alternator and the idle bearing? But it's in that general vicinity.

So I was wondering, since OZB'ers are pretty informed consumers, if anyone had thoughts/ideas of what it possibly could be? I'm taking it to my mechanic tomorrow to get it checked out. Any help in narrowing down the problem would be great, since I'm a student and reaaally tight on money so it would potentially save in diagnosis/labour (time) costs. Thanks guys!

Automotive

Comments

  • QW3RTY on 10/03/2017 - 14:25
    +9

    I'd say check the timing belt, tensioners, alternator and the idle bearing.
    It sounds like the problem is in that general vicinity

    • oscargamer on 10/03/2017 - 14:34
      -2

      Agreed. It is definitely in that (general) vicinity.

      If only you had taken it to a normal mech first, saved on the gearbox non-diagnosis.

      • Baysew on 10/03/2017 - 14:51
        +7

        VW + DSG

        Seems like a going to a gearbox specialist would be the logical first choice.

        • Musing Outloud on 11/03/2017 - 14:14
          -2

          He did, the gearbox specialist said it wasn't the gearbox… Sound still there in Neutral & Park.

          No need to worry OP unnecessarily.

      • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 15:21
        +6

        The gearbox specialist (Paul from Matwil in Blacktown) didn't charge me. Nice bloke, plugging his business here in return haha.

  • supnigs super skids on 10/03/2017 - 14:43
    +2

    Belts, water pump , bearings. Turn on high beams. Problem worse?

    • oscargamer on 10/03/2017 - 14:46
      +1

      is that a weird nipple reference?

    • Euphemistic on 10/03/2017 - 14:48
      +3

      Yeah, headlight fluid might need replacing.

      • Cheap Charlie on 10/03/2017 - 15:00
        +5

        Step by step blinker fluid replacement video here
        For anyone contemplating taking the job on, watch the video right till the end

        • buckster on 11/03/2017 - 18:14

          Had to Lol at the BMW part

      • SilentBob on 12/03/2017 - 13:24

        Fluid? Get with the times, we all know they run on gas these days.

    • Musing Outloud on 11/03/2017 - 14:17
      +4

      Turning on high beams draws more current, putting extra load on alternator. If the sound increases it is an alternator bearing or related alternator matter.

      If noise doesn't increase, alternator is ruled out leaving the water pump or timing belt tensioner bearing.

      Could also be the Aircon pump, so turn the aircon on and off to see if the noise gets worse or not.

      Edit 1: Checked a Golf Forum to find your golf 77TSi engine has a timing chain. If it is the chain, get it fixed ASAP as engine damage will be very expensive. see here: http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread.php?25869-77-TSI-Manual-…

  • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2017 - 14:53
    +3

    Bearing of some kind
    Start with the water pump or alternator

    • Kangal on 11/03/2017 - 20:41

      Yep, check water pump.

      OP, this is gonna sound stupid, but it might be sound coming from the speakers.
      I know VW's have a little speaker hidden on the front dash to "simulate" engine noise.
      You never know, could be something lame like that.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2017 - 17:48

        I think thats only in the golf R

        • Kangal on 12/03/2017 - 23:43
          +1

          The Golf R definitely has it. But some other VW models also have it, so it might be worth a look.
          I do know that a lot of people hate that speaker, so they cut/disable it… only to realise the actual engine noise is pathetic and silent.
          Though I would personally prefer a silent ride… roaring engine noises sound only good coming from a Mustang or Porsche.

  • Cheap Charlie on 10/03/2017 - 14:57
    +2

    Any information you pass onto the mechanic received from some one on OZB is likely to be quickly disregarded by the mechanic.
    Is it a small business where you will be dealing directly with the mechanic or a larger style business where a trainee receptionist is your only point of contact?
    Mechanics have a habit of just start replacing things to they find what fixes the issue when they are unsure of exactly where/what the fault is.
    Its worth asking how confident they are that their recommended repair/replacement will fix the issue.

    • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 15:23

      True, but just a general discussion of the problem may lead to an increased awareness of how to solve the issue, that's what I'm trying to achieve

      It's dealing directly with the mechanic, I might do that since he was a bit unsure about what it could be as well, very good point.

      • Cheap Charlie on 10/03/2017 - 15:52

        Best of luck with that

        • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 16:52

          thanks mate

        • Cheap Charlie on 10/03/2017 - 20:14
          +4

          @hedonistic:
          I would pose the same question in a VW or Golf forum.
          If there are common issues in your model which may create such a sound, those guys are way more likely to have experienced and or know about them.

  • iratepirate on 10/03/2017 - 15:40

    Does it get any worse with the AC turned on?

    • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 16:52

      the same

      • iratepirate on 10/03/2017 - 17:28

        AC adds extra load to the same pulley as the alternator/idler bearing. I'll have a punt on the turbo - that's about the revs it kicks in. Come back and let us know who is right!

        • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 18:18

          hmmm good point, although if it were turbo i should be able to hear it throughout the rev range. i can hear it at idle in N/P but not above 2.5k which is odd… ill keep an ear out for it anyway. lets see what happens. turbo at least would be an easy fix, not too much else would be impacted. im just worried if its a small issue that impacts the overall health of the engine

        • bluesix on 11/03/2017 - 16:49

          @hedonistic: My hunch is the turbos too - 2K RPM is about the point that turbo's really spool up putting extra pressure on bearings, etc - maybe something in the turbo unit?

  • Ryanek on 10/03/2017 - 16:12

    I'm going to guess the wheel bearings! They tend to make that distinct whirring sound.

    It's unrelated but I know that when they shipped Suzuki Swifts in the container ships, they tied them down at the front chassis and the rear axle. This caused a misalignment of the axle and resulted in premature wear of the bearings. Bearing replacements on swifts have been very common ever since.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2017 - 16:39
      +1

      Can spackbace confirm this?

    • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 16:54

      if it were wheel bearings, the problem would present at all rev ranges whilst in motion correct? it happens when its in P and N while stationary as well, so it cant be related to the wheel bearings

      • Ryanek on 10/03/2017 - 16:59

        Ah well if you can hear it while stationary its an engine problem!

  • steven6 on 10/03/2017 - 18:09

    I thought they had a timing chain in that engine?

    • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 18:13

      im not sure, but ill ask my mechanic. should be an easy fix if thats the case right?

      • steven6 on 10/03/2017 - 18:17

        If it does have a timing chain and that's the noise it can be expensive. Hopefully it's something else.

        • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 18:18

          hope so

        • mezje on 12/03/2017 - 04:14

          @hedonistic:

          Generally chains will have a longer life and are more exxy to replace compared to belts. That being said, retensioning it is a lot easier and cheaper than both (generally).

          Not sure it is the issue here though as per previous comments…

  • Peace Maker on 10/03/2017 - 18:10
    +1

    I had a persistent problem that several mechanics and $2k worth of attempted fixes couldn't solve. Found it in the end (gearbox torque converter) but was a very frustrating and expensive process. I feel your pain and wish you luck.

    • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 18:13
      +1

      thanks mate, sucks to hear about what happened to you.

  • Ryballs on 10/03/2017 - 18:56

    My VW Passat also has an annoying buzzing sound at around the same revs, from about 1800 to 2000 RPM. Sounds like a rattling inside the dash and I can feel it through the steering wheel and pedals. It seems like a fairly common VW issue online. Most people say its either the engine mounts or exhaust heat shield. Hopefully my mechanic can fix it at my next service.

    • hedonistic on 10/03/2017 - 19:32

      Hmmm thats interesting. Mine is more of a whine/buzz and it's a lot louder outside than inside. Might not be the same issue but it's odd that a lot of VW's have this. Where do you get your car serviced?

      • Ryballs on 10/03/2017 - 19:35

        Mine is also louder outside. I used to get it serviced at the VW dealer but they broke it more than they fixed it so now I take it to a privately owned European-specialised mechanic.

  • NoOn3 on 10/03/2017 - 20:20

    Mate where do you live?
    Theres a mechanic near my place, all he does is VW group cars
    He knows them inside out, i wouldnt think it would cost a lot to give you a quote for repair.
    Place is called VW Village google it

    • hedonistic on 11/03/2017 - 19:23

      thats close to uni for me, but far from home. might give them a call and see what they say. they all just say "ill have to hear it first", which means driving my limping engine so far… something i dont want to do haha

  • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2017 - 01:10

    if youre near parramatta give Exoticars a call
    they will find the issue for you!
    let them know I sent ya :)

  • Densor on 11/03/2017 - 08:28

    My Skoda has the same 1.2l TSI motor. It had a vibration noise coming from the engine bay at a certain rpm range. Turned out to be where the brake lines went down thru a protective metal tube on the drivers side of the engine bay. Near the rear firewall. The line had popped out of its retaining clip and was making a scary noise as it vibrated against the firewall.

    Worth a check as there was no way I thought the loud vibration noise could be caused by such a simple thing.

  • Well Wasted on 11/03/2017 - 10:27
    -3

    that whirring sound is the sound of your engine running… if you keep driving your mums car… you won't hear it anymore.

  • HeWhoKnows on 11/03/2017 - 10:48
    -4

    We are NOT mechanics.
    We are not qualified to diagnose your car faults even if it was in front of us.
    Take the mechanics EXPERT advice and have your mechanic check the timing belt, tensioners, alternator and the idle bearing.
    Either way YOU are in NOT position to do anything about it yourself.
    If in doubt get rid of the car….
    Being a VW with a tiny engine bay and little or no room to work on the engine it may cost you a small fortune to fix!

    • Ryballs on 11/03/2017 - 12:43
      +4

      With my car the 'experts' are the ones that caused the issue in the in the first place. We are just talking about what the issue might be. Please calm your farm. Cheers.

    • Windows7forever on 12/03/2017 - 07:08
      -2

      If he's too cheap to go to a mechanic be should keep driving his mother's car.

      • hedonistic on 13/03/2017 - 21:08

        its at the mechanics getting fixed right now genius

  • Ayanami on 11/03/2017 - 10:49

    We have had a similar problem with our 2013 VW Golf for the last couple of years. Rattle between about 2 - 4 k, only lasts a few seconds, happens inconsistently. Doesn't maintain the rattle if we hold at those revs.

    Took it to the dealership, after some jigging around they told us it was the turbo/wastegate. Doesn't seem to have caused an issue.

  • WT on 11/03/2017 - 11:26

    could be anything, the mrs jetta had a similar noise but only when on full lock in a carpark etc. turned out to be gearbox oil.

    have you tried google?

  • doctordv8 on 11/03/2017 - 12:06
    +1

    Simple fix this one as you did not mention how long the piece of string was.

    Bring to your car to me, or any mechanic. I/they will listen to it, try a few diagnostic things, and use a stethoscope to confirm the area. I/they will give you either the exact cause, or the exact area, or a multitude of possibilities thereof. Now, if it is a resonance or vibrational harmonic type of noise, it could be a whole new ball game to diagnose.

    Pending the possibilities and your budget, I/they will start stripping the engine down until my/their diagnosis is either confirmed or changed.

    A few samples of the fault: Alternator bearing/s, Water Pump bearings, P/Steer Pump Bearing/s or the P/S Pump itself, Electric Fan bearings, Timing Belt fouling engine or covers, T/Belt Tensioner or Idler bearing/s, or even mega worse…..internal crankcase bearing faults or Cam bearing faults.

    I/they will then advise you the quote is $X for the diagnosis, and your engine is in bits, and the time frame to repair or other options as are possible. Some quote are free, some are not. Now, I will give you a detailed quote listing all possible scenarios and costing and times and your risks pending which route would suit your budget and your request to me. You then make a decision……eventually.

    There ya go, possibilities are narrowed and not endless, but not too minimal either. Oh, get 3 quotes and stay away from dealerships unless the Mechanics you find are Dak Dak savvy.

    Then you say arrrrrgh I can't afford that, but you will and I/they will replace the faulty part/s and you will be on your way.

    The problem may be only one bearing, but the many $$ to access it lead to question everything in the same area, ie a T'belt is usually replaced as a kit of approx 6 components. a single bearing @ $180 becomes $680…..etc.

    I saved guy a $300 Starter Motor once for the sake of a loose wire - get quotes. Now, about that piece of string……..

  • D6C1 on 11/03/2017 - 14:52
    +3

    Sounds like it's recently been super charged

    • hedonistic on 11/03/2017 - 19:22

      haha i wish mate

  • eneloop on 11/03/2017 - 16:25
    +2

    I'm not sure what's wrong to be honest

  • captobvious on 11/03/2017 - 17:38

    Had the same noise in my old combi. I thought this was a normal sound for a VW?

  • OzzyOzbourne on 11/03/2017 - 22:05
    +1

    I presume you've already tried the Volkswagen, Golf and car forums which made you come to ozbargain as a last resort. But then if those specialised forums can't help you, how can this forum?

  • jchay on 11/03/2017 - 22:26

    Check timing chain tensioner or the intake manifold

  • aff on 11/03/2017 - 23:26

    My sister had the exact same thing in her golf, 6Th gen probably the same model. Car seems to drive fine, except for the loud sound at low speeds.

    Went to a Vw specialist and it turned out to be the water pump. Got replaced 2 days ago for around 800.

    • hedonistic on 13/03/2017 - 21:07

      whered you go? my mechanic quoted me 500

  • steven00007 on 11/03/2017 - 23:49

    Had a similar thing, needed a new timing belt.
    Due for my 100k service.

  • spixder on 12/03/2017 - 01:45
    +1

    Unplug ur alternators and see if the sound still is there. I had an alternator failed a few days ago, whirling sound outta nowhere, when unplugged the sound was gone.

    • airzone on 12/03/2017 - 09:13
      -1

      Is the because your battery went flat and the engine stalled? lol

      • Cheap Charlie on 12/03/2017 - 11:11

        You just tried to burn this guy and make a fool of your self!
        He was suggesting the sound may be emitted from the alternator which is common if the bearing/s had become noisey, not that the alternator has become noisey as it's failing to charge (which would trigger the charge light on the dash)

        • airzone on 12/03/2017 - 11:19
          -2

          whoosh

  • DiscoJango on 12/03/2017 - 09:59

    loved my mk6 golf r, the only reason i sold was out of fear the dsg would go, leaving me $8k poorer

  • hedonistic on 13/03/2017 - 21:07

    okay so an update from my mechanic for anyone whos still reading this, apparently its the water pump. $500 to replace. lets see how it goes. cheers for all the comments everyone

    • Densor on 14/03/2017 - 10:17
      +2

      Good news (relatively speaking. Could have been much worse).
      Glad to hear an update.

    • WT on 14/03/2017 - 10:33

      if you havent done your timing belt and its due soon do that at the same time.

      Most cars with timing belts should get the water pump changed at the same time since its all apart and you basically just pay for the water pump

      • hedonistic on 14/03/2017 - 12:22

        hmm i might ask my mechanic about this. its having its 60k major service done, and my car has only done 48k kms. time wise its due but not in kms so yeah

        • Cheap Charlie on 18/03/2017 - 13:55

          How did you get on? I am pretty sure VAG used a timing chain in the 77tsi of that generation

        • hedonistic on 23/03/2017 - 14:10

          @Cheap Charlie:

          water pump, cost me 495 to fix. thankfully it was nothing major like the timing chain/gearbox but still pricey… what can ya do

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