Author Topic: Soundaktor disconnection  (Read 17811 times)

Offline kalimon

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Soundaktor disconnection
« on: 05 April 2016, 17:14 »
Well after putting up with the horrible racket for nearly 3 weeks and 350 miles, it finally had to go!
Took about 10 minutes ( would have been a lot less if my mitts were smaller ) and was very easy to do.
If you have been toying with the idea of doing it, stop procrastinating and get it done, it's well worth the effort.
The results are that my car is FAR quieter and I can actually here the cars engine, and it's a wonderful sound :smiley:

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4871
5 DR Mk 7 GTI PP
Carbon Grey, Dynaudio, Car Net App, High Beam Assist, Rear View Camera. Collected 14/03/16

Offline Hawaii-Five-O

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #1 on: 05 April 2016, 17:47 »
I did exactly the same. Hated the fake noise. Sounds like a diesel tractor and as such is quite divisive. I hope the Mk8 GTI/D/R drops it and gets fitted with a sweet sounding more throaty exhaust :whistle:
Current: BMW M140i / ZF8 / 5 DR
Past: MK7 GTI / DSG / WHITE / 5 DR

Offline Exonian

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #2 on: 05 April 2016, 17:55 »
I turned mine down to about 30% I think within hours of getting the car.
In Sport mode it made a horrid noise and sounded more like a misfiring 1970's Cortina than a sporty modern car.
Just switched down it sounds loads better.
‘23 8R
Serial white Golf owner


Offline kalimon

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #3 on: 05 April 2016, 18:11 »
Why VW feel the need to use one of these thing is beyond me.
And if they must insist on forcing it on to you, at least give the paying customer the option to turn the sodding thing off!
5 DR Mk 7 GTI PP
Carbon Grey, Dynaudio, Car Net App, High Beam Assist, Rear View Camera. Collected 14/03/16

Offline Mr.McGee

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #4 on: 05 April 2016, 18:22 »
Is it really that bad? Is it just on the GTD?

Offline fredgroves

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #5 on: 05 April 2016, 18:59 »
Is it really that bad? Is it just on the GTD?

No its not and no its on all GTD/GTI/R
Current: Mk8 GTI DSG, Adelaides, DCC, HUD, HK, Winter Pack, Rear Camera.. Aka "HMS Weasel"

Gone: 2017 Mk7.5 GTD,manual, NavPro
Gone: 2014 Mk7 GTD, manual, NavPro, DCC

Offline GeoBog

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #6 on: 05 April 2016, 18:59 »
Why VW feel the need to use one of these thing is beyond me.
And if they must insist on forcing it on to you, at least give the paying customer the option to turn the sodding thing off!

Apparently they have on MY16 cars. You can set the sound actuator volume in Individual driving mode on the Infotainment. For previous models the only way to reduce the sound is via VCDS. I've turned mine to 0% then dropped in the non-resonated Remus catback. Much better.
2020 VW T-Cross SEL
2020 Renault Megane RS Trophy 300
2012 Fiat 500 Twinair
2007 Renault Megane 2
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Offline kalimon

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #7 on: 05 April 2016, 19:23 »
Is it really that bad? Is it just on the GTD?

It really is that bad but you might find you like it so you need do nothing.
I wasn't aware you could turn it off completely but I'm very happy I've done away with it.
The fiddlyist bit is taping the loose wire to the body work to prevent any risk of rattles.
5 DR Mk 7 GTI PP
Carbon Grey, Dynaudio, Car Net App, High Beam Assist, Rear View Camera. Collected 14/03/16

Offline Exonian

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #8 on: 05 April 2016, 19:45 »
It seems to be a common feature with a few manufacturers now.
They spend millions on reducing NVH levels then fit these things.
‘23 8R
Serial white Golf owner


Offline Watts

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Re: Soundaktor disconnection
« Reply #9 on: 06 April 2016, 18:15 »
Thanks Kalimon for the link, after watching that I managed to disconnect my Soundaktor a lot easier than I was expecting. Just taken the car for a quick spin in sport mode and yes it is much quieter and it was good to hear the engine properly. But I'm not sure I prefer it, odd as I normally dislike any form of fakery. I'll take it for a better spin tomorrow and then plug it back in to see which I prefer.

I noted that the posters on the link referred to adding an induction kit to improve the natural sound of the engine, I'm not entirely opposed to that but I wasn't intending to go down the performance mod route. Can anyone comment on induction mods and whether they are worth it in isolation or would a change to the exhaust system also be required?

Cheers!
2019 Oryx White 5dr TCR.

Was - 2015 Tornado Red 3dr GTI PP, manual, Santiagos, Audi short shifter.