Intercooler Issues High Mileage

[v11kal]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2006 S Line 2.0 TDI 170 which has 110k on the clock, recently heard a rattling sound which seemed to be coming from the passenger rear of the car after much inspection by myself, RAC & local garage found it to be the pipes and mount to my inter cooler.
Been told i need the lot replacing!!!

Anyway come across this problem before?
Just would like so insight in whether i should spend the £500 to get it sorted or change it for something with less mileage.

Hope any can share your thoughts or stories much appreciated.

Thanks
v11kal

[rosso rocket]

Hmmm....I was under the impression that the intercooler was located at the front of the car, in front of the radiator on the lock carrier (the crossmember incorporating the headlights and radiator grille).

I would hold onto you money for the moment!

The air inlet for the turbo charger (which is mounted at the rear of the engine) is ducted around the engine and into the bottom of the intercooler. The cooled air then exits at the top and is fed into the throttle housing. There is no pipework connected to the intercooler which goes anywhere near the rear of the car, so I would look elsewhere or your problem, IMHO.

Can you describe the rattling you are experiencing? Does it occur when the car is stationary or moving? Is it a regular rattle or random? Does it occur over bumps only?

[NHN]

What exactly is wrong with the pipes/unit, expand on this please, with pics if possible.

[v11kal]

Hi, Yes you are correct the Intercooler is located at the front! However the rattling seemed to be coming from the rear of the car (thats what i was meant to say)

Anyway, the rattling only happens over bumps and rough roads and the sound only occurs when the car is moving. The sound is like a metal rattling (two pieces of metal crashing against one another)
Spoken to my mechanic who says that its weeping from around the intercooler & pipes but until they have stripped it down they will not know 100% becuase its quiet a tight area around the front end.

Hope this is of some use!

[NHN]

Is it a sportback?

[v11kal]

3 door Hatchback
Havent got any pics i am afriad because i wasnt with the car when it was on the ramp.

The sound is very simular to the sound you may experience from a loose exhaust bracket.

[NHN]

Check under the rear wheel hubs for a flappy piece of plastic, this has caused issues for some but cant recall if 3dr had this fitted as only had clients with sb's with the issue.

[rosso rocket]

Yes, I concur with NHN. Don't know if is the same on the 3-dr but I had 'clunking' noises when I first got my Sportback (5-Dr). It used to drive me mad and then I read on the forum here about these plastic stoneguards which cause an issue. It is well documented here.
I had the guards replaced at a cost of about £30. Never have had a problem since!
I'll see if I can locate the thread.......

[rosso rocket]

Hi V11KAL....here you go....search for 'Clonking noise from rear of car'

or go to this link=

Clonking noise from rear of car