High pitch whine noise when revving - MK4 1.8T

[Scott D]

Can hear a high pitched supercharger-like sounding noise that follows engine RPMs and goes quieter when warmed up.

Hear it when revving at idle in neutral, with the clutch engaged in neutral and in any gear while accelerating or coasting below 3000rpm, any higher than that engine and exhaust noise takes over.

All fluids are as they should be, new engine oil less than 2000 miles ago, no boost or vacuum leaks, had belts and tensioners checked and ignoring that noise it's driving very well.

Hard to hear where it is coming from but seems more noticeable from gearbox, downpipe, turbo area under the car rather than within engine bay.

I've recorded videos from under and in the engine bay. It does have a single mass flywheel and always has sounded rough at idle when the clutch is not engaged as in the first vid.



2nd vid without flywheel chatter


I'm no expert but could a leak in the exhaust manifold, downpipe or turbo cause that noise... loose bolts, gaskets not fully sealed?

[thai-wronghorse]

My mk3 16v sounds just like this at the moment and driving me mad as i can't fathom where the noise is coming from exactly but the exhaust manifold was one of my initial thoughts.

[Scott D]

I'm thinking could well be an exhaust leak, felt a waft of hot air when revving it at idle and a small leak would cause a high pitched whining noise.

Axel stand Sunday 

[Gambit]

nah sounds more like an overtightened belt

[Scott D]

I had it checked out and the garage thinks it is the differential that is f'ked.

Not sure what to do, can't afford to get it fixed yet and would loose loads selling the car with this problem.

Sorn'ed and a push bike till after winter 

[Wayne]

Could be an alternator bearing, have you tried the car with the belt off.

[Scott D]

it's looking like could be an issue with the turbo

car is at a VW specialist now.