Whats this part? - making a popping sound

[kop77audi]

Just after noticing a funny noise coming from my engine, 1.9 AVB

I took off the engine cover and theres a popping clonking noise coming from this part when the car is idling or if I just bearly tip the accelerator!!

any ideas?

2016-03-01 20.51.07.jpg

[Rob69]

That's the exhaust gas recirculation valve, actuated by the diaphragm which is the round flying saucer on top and the anti shudder valve actuated by the smaller black diaphragm and lever on the side. Don't know what is making the popping noise, maybe the egr diaphragm is split. It looks pretty dirty and will likely be badly choked up inside. Do you have the orange check engine light on the dash?

[kop77audi]

thanks Rob,

no lights on the dash but I had another listen and it sounds like a diaphragm popping,

ah well... back to the garage!!

[kop77audi]

Actually the small rubber pipe to the left of the photo is badly worn down from the engine cover.... could be drawing air.?

[kop77audi]

so the car is going back to garage for inspection... suspect a new EGR is needed,

[Rob69]

well spotted kop77! that's not the original hose material either. It might also be the N18 EGR solenoid valve ( think it's that from memory) playing up giving the popping sound at the actuator.
I had to change my egr valve last year after the diaphragm split but I got the 'check emissions' up on the dash. The inlet manifold was pretty gummed up as well so I took it off and cleaned, doubt your garage will do that though out of the goodness of their hearts though.
Easy way to test the diaphragm is pull the hose off and suck on the little metal pipe, you shouldn't be able to draw anything through.