Whats That Noise ?

[Pepper Red]

Hi Guys

 

I had the MOT done on my 2003 Galaxy TDI on 17th May and the only advisory's were front tires close  to legal limit which I suspected any way, and front discs worn.

I put two tires on with steel wheels which I had in the shed ready to go as I want to refurbish the alloys my self and took the car for a drive to check all was ok.

I noticed that between 20 and 30 MPH whilst accelerating or slowing down there is a low bearing type whine coming from the front of the car but only in drive not in neutral.

Its not a loud noise but I cant figure out what it is.

Its booked in on Friday 26th for the brakes so I would like to explain to them what I am hearing and any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

My only concern is that its the turbo as I have read forums where the smoke test high revving can damage an older engine.

Just to add that from cold it only does it after a few miles and I took it for a gentle run today up to sixty and it pulls ok with no smoke that I can see.

 

Thanks

 

 

[Pepper Red]

Hi Guys

 

I had the MOT done on my 2003 Galaxy TDI on 17th May and the only advisory's were front tires close  to legal limit which I suspected any way, and front discs worn.

I put two tires on with steel wheels which I had in the shed ready to go as I want to refurbish the alloys my self and took the car for a drive to check all was ok.

I noticed that between 20 and 30 MPH whilst accelerating or slowing down there is a low bearing type whine coming from the front of the car but only in drive not in neutral.

Its not a loud noise but I cant figure out what it is.

Stupid question but could it be that the steels are picking up more noise through the transmission ?

 

Its booked in on Friday 26th for the brakes so I would like to explain to them what I am hearing and any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

My only concern is that its the turbo as I have read forums where the smoke test high revving can damage an older engine.

Just to add that from cold it only does it after a few miles and I took it for a gentle run today up to sixty and it pulls ok with no smoke that I can see.

 

Thanks

[gregers]

have you put the original wheels back on to see if the noise is still there?

[BrianH]

have you put the original wheels back on to see if the noise is still there?

Sensible first step!

 

You mention Drive - so its probably an auto gearbox, Checked the ATF level recently? Info on the faq on doing so. Given you say its temp related then the ATF would be a likely candidate. You may want to drain a bit off and inspect what sort of condition its in.

 

If its the turbo (unlikely given what you've said above) then you should hear it at the same sort of rev range.

[Pepper Red]

Hi Guys

 

Hopefully mistery solved, I put the alloys back on and all seems fine so have decided not to keep steels on 

 

Thanks for all your help 

[gregers]

result,there you go,sometimes its the easiest thing .

[BrianH]

Are the alloys original fit or aftermarket? The oem ones would work with the same wheelnuts, aftermarket ones may have a different seat to the bolt where it contacts the wheel. That might account for your noise?

[Pepper Red]

Hi

 

They are original Ford alloys that came fitted on the car, I only had the noise when I put steels on the front so it could be that as the steel's are made of a different and harder metal they amplify more of the sound

and so it was noticeable to me.

The low rumble was not noticeable to any one  else in the car but obvious to me as as I have driven this car for five years and know all the sound's it usually makes.

 

Thanks

[BrianH]

Hi

 

They are original Ford alloys that came fitted on the car, I only had the noise when I put steels on the front so it could be that as the steel's are made of a different and harder metal they amplify more of the sound

and so it was noticeable to me.

The low rumble was not noticeable to any one  else in the car but obvious to me as as I have driven this car for five years and know all the sound's it usually makes.

 

Thanks

Could be - it may also be the actual tyres fitted to the wheels causing the noise. Anyway at least you know whats caused it!