How can I make a Mk4 Golf TDI less noisy (inside) - Any suggestions?

[ship69]

Hi
 
I have a 2003 Golf 1.9 TDI (150HP, I think) UK model.

It has done 140,000 miles and still is still going strong with lots of acceleration and it gets about 500-550 miles on a tank (c.46-48MPG?).
 
My one complaint is that it is too darned noisy! I dont suppose that there is much that can be done about it but there is a certain amount of wind noise & tyre noise (esp on the motorways - depending on road surface)... but my MAIN complaint is just how noisy the engine is when under load!
 
So I would love to hear any suggestions as to what can be done to quieten the darned thing (for inside the car).
 
My preliminary thoughts so far:
 
1. Put extra/different/more rubber padding under the bonnet
 
2. Put layer of heavy rubberised felt over the carpet everywhere possible
 
3. Paint a layer of thick rubber solution
a) behind the engine
b) under the car
 
4. Change the exhaust pipe (but to what?)
 
5. Clamp some sort of vibration absorbers onto the engine mounts to lessen the vibrations getting into the chassis
 
6. Put the lid thing back into the boot area (if I can find one!)
 
7. Use some Mk 6 Golf parts (??)
I understand the the NEW Golfs (i.e. Mark6) are VERY much quieter. I just wonder how VW have achieved this - anyone know? Are there any Mk6 parts that one could use?

Any other thoughts?


John
John Smith









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[Rhyso]

Welcome to the forum 

At that age I would have thought engine mounts etc would be past their best so look at replacing those, especially the gearbox to subframe mount as this will reduce engine movement

Is your engine undertray still fitted; most have been ripped off by now

Tyres play a big factor in road noise so make sure you don't have cheap and nasty stuff fitted

MK4 and MK6 are 15 years apart in terms of design and technology so unlikely you'll find anything that will fit.

Cheapest option by far is to buy some earplugs 

[postie]

i just turn the music up 

[ship69]

> At that age I would have thought engine mounts etc would be past their best so
> look at replacing those, especially the gearbox to subframe mount as this will reduce
> engine movement
Worth a thought - thanks.

> Is your engine undertray still fitted; most have been ripped off by now
Yes - although it keeps dangling rather low and catching the road given half a chance...
Is it worth finding a thicker/better more sound-absorbing tray?

> Tyres play a big factor in road noise so make sure you don't have cheap and nasty stuff fitted
No, I have expensive ones.

> Cheapest option by far is to buy some earplugs 
But not helpful when trying to make phone calls (via headset of course)   :^/

[Rhyso]

The under tray is already the thicker model so perhaps replacing it would be a good option.  They are not cheap though!  Around £100 just for the main cover.  The side covers are then approx £30 per side

[Gareth F]

Gave mine a full service and that made it less bus like.
Also sounds weird but just fitted my milltek decat and that has made such a difference to the sound of the engine.
Dont know if you found that Rhyso?

[ship69]

Gave mine a full service and that made it less bus like.
Also sounds weird but just fitted my milltek decat and that has made such a difference to the sound of the engine.

Just had a full service.

Forgive the newbie question but a "milltek decat" is that an exhaust system from http://www.millteksport.com/?
(If so, how come they dont list Golf under VW, under Products?)

Roughly what did it cost & what difference to the performance did it make?
a) power
b) MPG
c) Engine noise

[Rhyso]

Gave mine a full service and that made it less bus like.
Also sounds weird but just fitted my milltek decat and that has made such a difference to the sound of the engine.
Dont know if you found that Rhyso?

Can't remember if I'm honest; I do remember giggling because it hooted like an owl off throttle 

Decat is best when the car is remapped as it will help add a couple of bhp and lbs ft torque.  On its own its unlikely you will see any benefit

[Kerrse]

I ahve a 1000w twin sub in my boot, tends to drown out most noises 

[Gareth F]

Hmmm ive done an 18mile 50mph drive up a motorway behind a tanker and achieved 80.1mpg wheres before it was 69.1mpg
Decat and panel filter are the only things that have been changed since.