Worrying whirring noise

CazzaVR

CazzaVR

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My S3 has developed a strange noise. It sounds like a low pitched whirring noise, that changes with the revs. it's there at idle and is quite loud from cold and seems to pretty much disappear once the car has warmed up. Seems to be coming from the left or rear of the engine- pretty difficult to pinpoint exactly. Could this be a belt or pulley, or more worryingly, the turbo? Had the cambelt/waterpump replace a couple of years ago and it's done around 8k since.

Any ideas?
 
Ah, good shout- thanks. Presumably it should sound worse on full lock? Will investigate further tomorrow...
 
it may do but generally only gets noisier if the fluid is low... the PAS pipes are a known issue and corrode/leak...

Check fluid levels and turn the wheel from lock to lock

<tuffty/>
 
Checked PAS fluid and all good. Noise seems to be coming from turbo area. Used a screwdriver to listen and it was very loud on the metal turbo pipe. Slightly worried about driving it to be honest.

I'm guessing it's either a loose bracket or the turbo itself. I always thought turbos screeched when they went wrong. Also, it's there on idle, but the pitch and volume increase with the revs. Pretty much disappears when car is warm.

Any ideas?
 
Take the TIP off and check the turbo shaft... Excessive in and out movement means its worn... Check side to side too... It's allowable to have a little but if excessive then it can catch the housing which could explain the noise

Performance down at all?... Feel a little laggy compared?

<tuffty/>
 
Will check it tomorrow. Thanks again for the advice. It feels ok to be honest!

What are the options if it is the turbo?
 
Just had a look. There is some play, maybe a mm or two. Not sure whether that means it's ****** or not. Am going over to B5 tomorrow morning to discuss my options with Bill and book it in for a service.
 
Update: was at B5 yesterday. Good news is that it's not turbo related at all. Turns out it's the alternator bearings. Unfortunately, Bill noticed another noise which is a metallic tick. It's erratic and not present all the time- doesn't sound great :( So it's gonna have to go back for a proper investigation in December. ****** cars!
 
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