2004 A3 2.0TDI Turbo Whine

[steve682]

Hi,

I've recently bought a 54 plate 2.0 Tdi A3, and have noticed that when I'm driving I'm getting a whine from the engine and when I change gear/drop the clutch it sounds like a very quiet dump valve and the whining stops until I re-engage gear and accelerate...

furthermore...I'm getting a clunking, normally when doing manouvers, like full steering lock, it sounds like a couple of clunks. In my mind its as though the car is creaking. However I'm not sure if anyone else understands this....

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[Mike Foster]

It sounds as though the whine you hear is the turbo. Common problem on BKD engine (I assume its BKD!)

As far as the clunking sound on full lock is concerned that usually indicates either one, or both constant velocity joints are on the way out.

I should get it to a dealer asap as a blown turbo can cause serious engine damage and the cv joint(s) can seize.

Good luck

[steve682]

Cheers mike...sounds as though I could be one poor man very soon!

[Crasher]

A recon unit from a reputable repairer should cost you around £900 fitted.

[thorpyuk]

Isn't a degree of turbo whine just a feature of the small unit? I thought the main issue was if the wine started to get really loud, or irregular, or started to sound like a police siren?

[roundwoodgarage]

before too many assumptions are made a trip to a good garage for investigation is needed. doesn't need to be a dealer. local garages should look and give advice free of charge.

[kalniel]

Isn't a degree of turbo whine just a feature of the small unit? I thought the main issue was if the wine started to get really loud, or irregular, or started to sound like a police siren?
That was my thought too. If OP is not used to turbo diesels then you might be concerned about perfectly normal turbo whine - I've never driven a turbo diesel that didn't have a whine to be honest :p But a good independent will put your mind at ease (also about the joint noises - the creaking is probably just noisy bushes) and more often than not won't even charge you for having a quick look.

[joshaudi]

you should get this looked at as asap, you dont want a blown turbo on your hands! Trust me from experience

[Sam]

you should get this looked at as asap, you dont want a blown turbo on your hands! Trust me from experience

Tell us more Lee.

[A3STEVE]

hi, my turbo blew no warning or any noises, had a new one fitted at a garage run by 2 ex audi mechanics and the new turbo whistles like a police siren, they checked all the pipes but could find no leak anyone got any ideas?.
Thnaks Steve

[Crasher]

The new turbo has a fault. Could be a tiny imperfection on one of the blades.