First problem with my GTI [SOLVED - Video)

[Moz]

Under revving at either idle or when driving, when I let my foot off the accelerator and revs drop there is a rattling sound, almost like a heatshield or something is rattling, but it sounds more electrical if you can understand that.

By electrical, I mean it sounds like a short sharp controlled burst of noise, and not a random rattling when something is loose as it sounds exactly the same every time.

It's short and sharp, I'll try get a recording of it later and post it up. I've done a visual inspection (parked half on a bit kerb) and couldn't see anything obvious,.

Has anyone heard of anything like this before and may be able to point me where to look?

It's my fist petrol, and first petrol turbo in over 8 years of driving so not used to any sounds these make over a derv.

Thanks guys

[RedRobin]

.
It's very difficult of course to know without actually hearing the sound, but the 2.0T FSI engine is well known for sounding 'rattley' and diesel-like when idling. But your sound is happening at other times, so.....

Presumably there is no effect which accompanies the sound such as a loss of power for example.

[Moz]

Truth be told, I do feel sometimes it doesn't feel like a 200BHP GTI, sometimes it feels like the turbo is bang on boost other times it's doesn't feel as hot off the shovel and only kicks in 4000rpm. Othertimes it feels like all it wants to do is go!

But truth be told I think these two issues (if the second one is an issue at all, or just me?) exists.

I'll aim to get a video/audio up tomorrow.

[PDT]

Where are you based?

[VC]

loose heat shield?

[Moz]

Where are you based?

Manchester mate

[Moz]

loose heat shield?

Would this be around the cat or something. Not totally sure where to look

[Meallbhan]

I had what sounds like the ecact same problem about 6 months ago, just after I got the car.  I was convinced it was a loose heatshield or something and it used to vibrate/rattle/buzz at lower rpm when accelerating in all the gears. As the car was booked into VW for a recall to be done, I asked them to investigate.

The news wasn't good.  Turned out that before I got the car, the timing belt had been done, but whoever did the job made a dogs dinner of it.  The timing belt cover was all broken and the belt itself was all worn and just about to jump off the pulleys.  The noise I could hear was the belt rattling off the timing belt cover as the belt had worn itself slack.  I'm just thanking my lucky stars that it was noticed in time.

I don't want to alarm you because this was probably a unique occurrence, but its definately worth the time to check.  Good luck 

[Moz]

Holy feck, the Cambelt is due this year aswell. Will I be able to see this when looking in from above?

I'm booked into awesome gti at the end of the month, so might get them to have a gander whilst it's on ramps.

[Meallbhan]

I can't remember how far you can see down the side of the cover from the top, but I didin't notice the damage when I looked at the car before buying it.  Grab a torch a have a look in the mean time, though I don't think you can see the belt with the cover on.

Chances are mine was a one off but a slack belt even without a broken cover could still do the same thing.

[56OctyVRS]

Where does the noise originate from?

[Moz]

Without inspecting fully certainly appears to be coming from under the front end of the car, around the bulkhead area I'd say. I will put a video/audio clip on here after 4 today.

Thanks

[reflex11]

it won't be your last problem

[Moz]

Did a video before, can anyone identify the noise? When revving is let off, it sounds like a electronic/metallic rattle, but is very consistent, same audio level and length pretty much every time.

[Moz]

I've also added two audio clips.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/64401085/Voice%20003.3ga

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/64401085/Voice%20004.3ga