VW Golf V 1.9 TDI 90 HP turbo whine/whistle, normal or pathological?

[dalex2093]

Hi,

I have a VW Golf MK5 TDI 1.9 90hp with 170k KM on board (mostly driven on the highway) that I bought 2 years ago. Recently i started hearing (while my radio was off) a slight whining noise/whistling noise when accelerating (more intense when i accelerate harder) at lower rpm but especially around 2000-2200. It's more audible when the engine is cold (like in the video), then it's barely perceptible, except when changing from 3rd to 4th when there is a slight squeak (as in the 3rd video). Now, from what i've read, a turbo engine is supposed to make a slight whining noise as the air goes through but what bugs me it's that i've only recently noticed it and not before (maybe it increased and become a problem recently, i don't know).
Please give your opinion, I'd like to be sure whether there is an issue and that I should pay a garage to open it up and have a look (it costs quite a bit .. i'd like to avoid that), or if it's normal.

Thank you very much,

dalex2093

Listen at high volume to hear it.

Link 1: VW Golf V 1.9 TDI 90 HP turbo whine/whistle, normal? part 1 - YouTube
Link 2: VW Golf V 1.9 TDI 90 HP turbo whine/whistle, normal? part 2 - YouTube
Link 3: VW Golf V 1.9 TDI 90 HP turbo whine/whistle, normal? part 3 (play it on max volume to hear) - YouTube

[explorer121]

Hi,
had similar issue with 2005 MK Golf Plus 2.0 tdi 110 000k, replaced turbo as sounded like a police siren ! Total cost £350 using a remanufactured Garret Turbo from Essex Turbo's. Have been led to believe turbo will eventually fail causing much more damage. Some say they can go on for ages like this but mine was getting embarrassing.
Hope this helps.