New Noise - Engine noise while in Drive - '02 1.8T Quattro

Hello All,

2002 Audi 1.8T Quattro, Auto with Triptronic Transmission

New problem. Just back from having the engine serviced. Notice now
that while in drive (and only in drive - mind you I haven't tried it in
reverse yet) when the RPMs get to just over 2000 - there is a very
high-pitched "whirring" sound emitting from the engine (it is difficult
to pinpoint exactly where as this only happens when the car is in
drive). It seems as though it is emitting from the upper portion of
the engine but again it is very difficult to tell.

The "Whirring" noise increases in pitch and intensity as the RPMs
increase from 2000 to about 3500 (reducing as the gears shift and RPMs
decrease). If the car is in park or neutral this noise does not occur
even when the engine is brought to between 2000 and 3500 RPMs

I have run the car with the radio off - eliminating static interference
on the radio as one culprit. I have shut off all other electrical
components and the noise still persists

I just got the car back from major engine work due to sludge. I would
like to understand what this could be before I get "jammed" by the
dealer.

Thanks

Thought about it some more - the noise almost sounds like a vacuum
cleaner motor (but much higher pitch) when the vacuum hose is clogged
or blocked.

The sound you describe could be due to low power steering fluid but I do not
know why it would be related to the transmission. Still worth checking.

CDN_THNK_TNK wrote:
> Thought about it some more - the noise almost sounds like a vacuum
> cleaner motor (but much higher pitch) when the vacuum hose is clogged
> or blocked.
>

Thanks Tony. I am also puzzled. Incidentally, MIL illuminated as I
was driving home last night. Performance (acceleration) seems "soft" -
noise is still occuring.

My 1.8TQM with APR 1 bar chip had another issue due to the wast gate actuator on
the K03 Turbo failing. When that happens you loose boost >> loss of power :-( It
is typical to hear a rattling in mid range engine RPM. I wouldn't call the sound
a buzzing but more of a high pitched rattle.

You can test this by looking beside the engine and above the turbo to see a
shiny rod running parallel to the length of the engine. It is quite difficult to
see or reach but can be done (when engine is cool). If you can reach it try to
move it with a stick to see if it is loose. If it is this may be your problem.
The K03 turbos have this happen quite often at 60 - 100 K. Fix is to either
replace the turbo or the just the waste gate assy can be found for around $200.
Labor will be three or four hours. DIY is possible but a bit challenging.

If this is your problem, you could also think of it as an opportunity to justify
a K04 / chip upgrade for more smiles.

CDN_THNK_TNK wrote:
> Thanks Tony. I am also puzzled. Incidentally, MIL illuminated as I
> was driving home last night. Performance (acceleration) seems "soft" -
> noise is still occuring.
>

Thanks Tony,

I am bringing it in tonight. I will have them scan the ECU (I think
that is what it is referred to) to get the code (since the MIL is
illuminated there should be a problem code associated with this). I
will also mention checking the Waste Gate Actuator.

Incidentally, I have never worked on cars (other than a 1980 Chevy
Citation) so a lot of the terms that are used are a little foreign to
me.

Thanks for the tip.

Cheers