-
Welcome to our new sponsor Lecatona, a brand dedicated to enhancing performance for VAG group sports cars, including SEAT, Audi, Volkswagen and Škoda. Specializing in High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) upgrades.
-
The forums will be offline for maintenance on Friday 15th November at 10pm for up to an hour. Thank you for your patience.
fl1nty360
Guest
i had what sounded like a distant police siren noise too....took it to stealers as it got louder after about 6k of driving (noise started at approx 30k mileage) .
eventually agreed to replace under warranty the turbo and a few associated parts and hey no more noise...it was getting pretty embarassing driving down the road some days...
eventually agreed to replace under warranty the turbo and a few associated parts and hey no more noise...it was getting pretty embarassing driving down the road some days...
TXOSBI
Guest
Noisy Turbo Whistle
Hi.
Mine started last night. I also thought there was a police car somewhere! My car is booked in for its 30k service on Monday so hopefully they can look at it there.
I've heard that turbo problems in the 170 (mine's an FR) are common.
Hi.
Mine started last night. I also thought there was a police car somewhere! My car is booked in for its 30k service on Monday so hopefully they can look at it there.
I've heard that turbo problems in the 170 (mine's an FR) are common.
TXOSBI
Guest
Noisy Turbo
Update.
My car went in for its 30k service, the whistling turbo means it's on it s way out.
New turbo going on next Tuesday.
Luckily, covered by my 3 year warranty that expires in August.
Update.
My car went in for its 30k service, the whistling turbo means it's on it s way out.
New turbo going on next Tuesday.
Luckily, covered by my 3 year warranty that expires in August.
Hi, ive had a noisey turbo for a few weeks now. Took it in for a service and my fears were confirmed, turbo is knacked. Apparently there was excessive play in the bearings causing the noise and eventually they will fail.
I have heard that the TDi turbos can be a common fault though, then again im sure there are people on here that are still on their original one.
My advice would be to get it checked out asap, before it causes any damage to the engine.
I have heard that the TDi turbos can be a common fault though, then again im sure there are people on here that are still on their original one.
My advice would be to get it checked out asap, before it causes any damage to the engine.
Had my car into a specialist. He says he's had a lot of people come in with the same noice and told me its nothing to worry about. But in the same breath started trying to convince me that its the exhaust bracket thats making the noice as air passes past it. On that not im under the impression this company arnt specialists and that at my earlest chance im going to get it in to my local Seat garage and get there advice. But then as im out of warranty then are they going to see pound signs and say its the turbo thats going and i should really get it replace or will they be honest if its something not as bad. Who can we trust. Im clueless when it comes to cars so i'll end up getting robbed knowing me!
And should i have this problem after less then a year with a new turbo?
And should i have this problem after less then a year with a new turbo?
Take out another warranty then give it a couple of months then take it in to them.Or just tell the garage that fitted the new turbo its just not good enough that it hasn't lasted and try that approach.
Specialist my ar*e.Exhaust bracket as air passes it. Poppycock.
Specialist my ar*e.Exhaust bracket as air passes it. Poppycock.
Last edited:
Sorry to say...
Hi,
Ive had this exact same problem.
The good news is that i can help you diagnose the problem, the bad news is that your going to need a new turbo.
I had this same whining noise (the one you describe as a police siren - im guessing it gets louder when you engage the power train right?)
At first i thought it was maybe a split pipe on the turbo intake. But soon discounted this as i was experiencing no power loss. (Turbos have to be a sealed unit and if there was a leak in one of the pipes you wouldnt be able to do more than about 20 mph)
After poking and prodding around with the help of a very competant and very trustworth mechanic, we've been able to diagnose the problem.
The bearings are worn on the impella unit inside the turbo. This is what is making the whining sound. It gets louder the faster you go as the turbo has to do more work and the impella spins quicker.
The good news is that currently this is not doing any damage to the car or the engine. However the bad news is it could end up being catastrophic.
Basically, with the bearings inside the turbo worn, the oil seal on the unit will begin to slip. Turbo units have no internal pressure to lubricate themselves and rely on engine pressure to draw oil over the bearings (ill tell you how youve damaged your bearings in just a moment). When the seal begins to slip, it will allow oil to be drawn up over the bearings and past the impella into the turbo unit itself.
When this happens you are in trouble. The turbo unit itself will start sucking in and burning oil along with fuel and air. When this happens you will jsee great big clouds of white smoke expelled from the exhaust. Thats not the bad part. The bad part is that when this happens the turbo will drain the oil sump very rapidly! If you see white smoke coming from your exhaust i would strongly advice driving it anywhere, unless its to get the turbo changed. Even then i would drive slowly to avoid engaging the turbo unit and make sure your topped up with oil. Even going so far as to ensure u have some with u and top up every few miles if needed! Im sure i dont need to tell you what will happen if you drive your car with no oil in the engine?!
I cant say how long it will take for this to happen, its like trying to estimate a change in the weather. If your looking at a rough price for replacement brand new from Seat they run about £1600 plus fitting for the BKD engine. (Thats a 2.0 TDI 140). However you can get a reconditioned unit with 24 months warranty for about £450. Obviously you have to have someone fit it, but its still the cheapest option. If you need a source for one id try Dave at Seremotors. You can find him on the forums. He's a really nice guy and helpful to boot.
As for why you might have damaged the turbo, some will just fail but others are done through turning the engine off too quickly. If you remember me saying the turbo has no internal pressure with which to use oil to lubricate the bearings, it relies on engine pressure. If you've been running the engine hard and using the turbo alot, then arrive at your destination - you need to leave engine idling for a minute or so. Turning the engine off too quickly cuts the supply of oil to the turbo whilst its is still winding down causing friction on the bearings which is whats causing the turbo to fail.
This was a common problem with police cars a few years ago with their performance turbo engines. They'd run the balls off the turbo attempting to catch the crooks, then when they had to get out and chase the guys on foot, they'd pull up quickly, turn the engine off to take the keys with em and leg it after the "bad guys". The consequence of which, was the turbo still spinning with the engine off, and it caused a whole lot of cop cars to get sick!
Hope this helps you diagnose the problem and offers you and everyone else some advice on this problem. Dunno if alot of people have been having this problem but its a pretty common problem with turbo engines!
Let me know if you need any further help or advice.
~Mike.
Hi,
Ive had this exact same problem.
The good news is that i can help you diagnose the problem, the bad news is that your going to need a new turbo.
I had this same whining noise (the one you describe as a police siren - im guessing it gets louder when you engage the power train right?)
At first i thought it was maybe a split pipe on the turbo intake. But soon discounted this as i was experiencing no power loss. (Turbos have to be a sealed unit and if there was a leak in one of the pipes you wouldnt be able to do more than about 20 mph)
After poking and prodding around with the help of a very competant and very trustworth mechanic, we've been able to diagnose the problem.
The bearings are worn on the impella unit inside the turbo. This is what is making the whining sound. It gets louder the faster you go as the turbo has to do more work and the impella spins quicker.
The good news is that currently this is not doing any damage to the car or the engine. However the bad news is it could end up being catastrophic.
Basically, with the bearings inside the turbo worn, the oil seal on the unit will begin to slip. Turbo units have no internal pressure to lubricate themselves and rely on engine pressure to draw oil over the bearings (ill tell you how youve damaged your bearings in just a moment). When the seal begins to slip, it will allow oil to be drawn up over the bearings and past the impella into the turbo unit itself.
When this happens you are in trouble. The turbo unit itself will start sucking in and burning oil along with fuel and air. When this happens you will jsee great big clouds of white smoke expelled from the exhaust. Thats not the bad part. The bad part is that when this happens the turbo will drain the oil sump very rapidly! If you see white smoke coming from your exhaust i would strongly advice driving it anywhere, unless its to get the turbo changed. Even then i would drive slowly to avoid engaging the turbo unit and make sure your topped up with oil. Even going so far as to ensure u have some with u and top up every few miles if needed! Im sure i dont need to tell you what will happen if you drive your car with no oil in the engine?!
I cant say how long it will take for this to happen, its like trying to estimate a change in the weather. If your looking at a rough price for replacement brand new from Seat they run about £1600 plus fitting for the BKD engine. (Thats a 2.0 TDI 140). However you can get a reconditioned unit with 24 months warranty for about £450. Obviously you have to have someone fit it, but its still the cheapest option. If you need a source for one id try Dave at Seremotors. You can find him on the forums. He's a really nice guy and helpful to boot.
As for why you might have damaged the turbo, some will just fail but others are done through turning the engine off too quickly. If you remember me saying the turbo has no internal pressure with which to use oil to lubricate the bearings, it relies on engine pressure. If you've been running the engine hard and using the turbo alot, then arrive at your destination - you need to leave engine idling for a minute or so. Turning the engine off too quickly cuts the supply of oil to the turbo whilst its is still winding down causing friction on the bearings which is whats causing the turbo to fail.
This was a common problem with police cars a few years ago with their performance turbo engines. They'd run the balls off the turbo attempting to catch the crooks, then when they had to get out and chase the guys on foot, they'd pull up quickly, turn the engine off to take the keys with em and leg it after the "bad guys". The consequence of which, was the turbo still spinning with the engine off, and it caused a whole lot of cop cars to get sick!
Hope this helps you diagnose the problem and offers you and everyone else some advice on this problem. Dunno if alot of people have been having this problem but its a pretty common problem with turbo engines!
Let me know if you need any further help or advice.
~Mike.
Thats an excellent description above.
Its got me a little worried now. I've got a 2.0TFSI Cupra and i'm pretty sure once or twice i've seen a bit of smoke in the rear view mirror after planting the right foot.
I've not had any siren type noises but i guess thats when the problem gets worse.
I always ensure proper warm up and cool down but i'm not sure the previous owner would have done.
With only six months warrantly remaining i'm wondering if i should get the turbo looked at by someone...
Its got me a little worried now. I've got a 2.0TFSI Cupra and i'm pretty sure once or twice i've seen a bit of smoke in the rear view mirror after planting the right foot.
I've not had any siren type noises but i guess thats when the problem gets worse.
I always ensure proper warm up and cool down but i'm not sure the previous owner would have done.
With only six months warrantly remaining i'm wondering if i should get the turbo looked at by someone...
Got it booked in at a new dealers for next friday. The old dealer told me that as the turbo was replaced under warranty that it was only covered under the new warranty whilst the car itself was still under warranty. So that ment that my new turbo which was fitted last december was only covered till march this year, a total of 4 months. This was the same guy who told me on the day the work was complete that the warranty on the new turbo was for 12 months regardless.
As you might of guessed i questioned this and after an hour of him coming up with a load of bull about how the warrantys have all changed i decided to ring the seat head office.
I got the answer i was looking for, the garage was trying to rob me.
So after explaining all that to the new garage they have said that thay will check the car over and if it happens to br the turbo, which now im pretty sure it is, they will do it as a good will gesture.
Tell you one thing though, most unreliable car i've ever had and if it does need a new turbo again in such a short space of time its going to have to go. I need something thats going to get me from a-b without going via a garage. Shame as i love the car but in my line of work i need reliability.
Thanks to all of you who have helped me though with this issue. You've all been great.
As you might of guessed i questioned this and after an hour of him coming up with a load of bull about how the warrantys have all changed i decided to ring the seat head office.
I got the answer i was looking for, the garage was trying to rob me.
So after explaining all that to the new garage they have said that thay will check the car over and if it happens to br the turbo, which now im pretty sure it is, they will do it as a good will gesture.
Tell you one thing though, most unreliable car i've ever had and if it does need a new turbo again in such a short space of time its going to have to go. I need something thats going to get me from a-b without going via a garage. Shame as i love the car but in my line of work i need reliability.
Thanks to all of you who have helped me though with this issue. You've all been great.
Hi guys,
Glad you found the description useful. As for the so called experts at Seat, if it was normal for a car to make that sounds, then they'd all make it wouldnt they!
Crackers: All new purchases are covered by a 12 month manufacturers warranty. If they change the part, the warranty is reset. As for reliability, Seat source all VAG parts and you dont find much better than VAG. I certainly wouldnt want to buy French. All turbos on all cars are susceptable to this problem and i dont know that switching to a different manufacturer will make a difference.
The problem with my turbo, appeared about 4 weeks ago and i havent replaced it yet as im not under warranty. My Leon is a 55 plate, Mark 2, 2.0 TDI. Its coming up on 4 years old and was one of the first mark 2's in production (55 is the earliest production of the mark 2). Its done 65,000 miles and hasnt put a foot wrong. Now the turbo needs replacing i just consider it a cost of owning a performance hatch.
Luke, i wouldnt be worried about the turbo on your Cupra. If the impella bearings were worn, you'd definately have heard it by now. The car would sound like its got a supercharger fitted to it rather than a turbo. The smoke will be the last thing you see before the turbo goes and it will be LARGE white clouds. To the point you are obscuring everything behind you.
Some tuned engines just tend to burn more oil than others and its not uncommon to see a few small clouds of white, especially when you have your big foot firmly mashed to the floor!
Glad you found the description useful. As for the so called experts at Seat, if it was normal for a car to make that sounds, then they'd all make it wouldnt they!
Crackers: All new purchases are covered by a 12 month manufacturers warranty. If they change the part, the warranty is reset. As for reliability, Seat source all VAG parts and you dont find much better than VAG. I certainly wouldnt want to buy French. All turbos on all cars are susceptable to this problem and i dont know that switching to a different manufacturer will make a difference.
The problem with my turbo, appeared about 4 weeks ago and i havent replaced it yet as im not under warranty. My Leon is a 55 plate, Mark 2, 2.0 TDI. Its coming up on 4 years old and was one of the first mark 2's in production (55 is the earliest production of the mark 2). Its done 65,000 miles and hasnt put a foot wrong. Now the turbo needs replacing i just consider it a cost of owning a performance hatch.
Luke, i wouldnt be worried about the turbo on your Cupra. If the impella bearings were worn, you'd definately have heard it by now. The car would sound like its got a supercharger fitted to it rather than a turbo. The smoke will be the last thing you see before the turbo goes and it will be LARGE white clouds. To the point you are obscuring everything behind you.
Some tuned engines just tend to burn more oil than others and its not uncommon to see a few small clouds of white, especially when you have your big foot firmly mashed to the floor!
[QUOTE=Big_Mikey_G;2540292]Luke, i wouldnt be worried about the turbo on your Cupra. If the impella bearings were worn, you'd definately have heard it by now. The car would sound like its got a supercharger fitted to it rather than a turbo. The smoke will be the last thing you see before the turbo goes and it will be LARGE white clouds. To the point you are obscuring everything behind you. QUOTE]
Phew - i'll get some sleep tonight
Phew - i'll get some sleep tonight
Similar threads
