MK6 GTI - Rattle upon acceleration - Resolved via TPI: 2021062/7

[Transporter]

Not true. This thread describes the same problem and is experienced by owners of the GTI, Jetta, A3, Scirocco, and ....... Tiguan! All with the same engine.



Whilst this may be the case for your Tiguan, it may not be the case for others. Besides, you have a couple of modifications that may be masking any rattle that is present. Or you could just be very lucky.

Well, that's truth, he could be lucky, but I didn't see anyone complaining in the Tiguan section.

[reaction]

Question. Since we are not getting anywhere with VWA I was doing some more research.

What is this "wastegate actuator kit" some people talk about and will getting something like this solve the problem? Does it mean I need to upgrade more parts?

Please note I have very limited engine knowledge.

[Corey_R]

The rattle is supposedly coming from the wastegate actuator rod. Volkswagen of America were doing testing of cars locally by placing a 2oz "wheel weight" on the actuator rod, seeing whether the rattle disappeared or changed sound, and then reporting the results to a central point.

I've no idea what the "wastegate actuator kit" is that you're talking about. But if the above research by VWofA went anywhere, maybe this kit is related to it?

[reaction]

MurphyTheElf talks about it on page 46.

[Corey_R]

Aah.

Well, what you'r referring to then doesn't exist.
Murphy was talking about what I was mentioning above. VWoA are testing to see whether it really is the wastegate actuator rod, or something else. When/If they issue an official fix, hopefully that'll filter to other countries including Australia.

[reaction]

OK, so there is nothing like that. Now if the problem is around the turbo/wastegate/acuator area can I perhaps replace these parts with other parts. I realise this will come at a substantial cost but might be something to look at?

What options will I be looking at? APR Stage 3 Turbo conversion?

[Corey_R]

Lol... well, yes, an APR Stage 3 Turbo conversion is an option. But realistically, by the time you have the Stage 3, required exhaust and intercooler and intakes, and the upgraded brakes, suspension, etc required to handle the 300kw/500Nm, and the labour, as well as the visit to a local engineer to get the roadworthiness certificates etc, you're looking at $20k to 30k.

There are K04 conversions which are cheaper, but this is presuming its the actuator rod....

There are reports that replacment of the downpipe resolves the issue - but that could just be that it either doesn't amplify the sound of the vibration like the stock downpipe down, or its additional noise in the same rev range covers it up.

Have you tried getting a mechanic to perform the VW USA "wheel weight" test to see if this is even your issue?

[reaction]

Yup, car is going for a service and someone will look at that for me at the same time when I come back from my tropical island getaway, which I now reallllly need

Thanks for the info. I did some looking at pricing last night I worked out it would be around $15k for all the work to get done. Something I was going to look at anyway, but perhaps only 12-18months down the track. Might have to come a little earlier now.

[reaction]

BTW I recieved an official letter via email and in the post today from VWA.

"No edivance of any manufacturing fault was prevalent during the investigationwhich Mr XXX has discussed with you; once again VWA supports his decision.

As discussed the noise you have experienced from the exhaust system of your Golf GTI occurs according to manufacturer's testing, at between 2400 - 3000rpm. It occurs due to exhaust gas pulsations causing the flap and rods of the wastegate to vibrate at the start of the boost air control.

Therefore, we must advise that the noise heard is harmless and in no way affects the performance, driveability or service life of your engine."

Grrrr ... Yes it sure as hell affects the way I feel about the car but I guess VW got their $$$ so why should they care.

[stuooz]

I have a tiguan and I have the noise... it drives me crazy..was going to raise the issue at the first service but after reading this and other threads it seems that there isn't much point as they aren't going to do anything about it