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

[MurphyTheElf]

So... has anyone had any luck with showing local dealers the VWoA TSB on the rattle? What was the result of your visit Murphy?

See my post about that. Dealers can only undertake servicing that is sanctioned by VWA. VWA refuse to acknowledge the latest TSB from VWoA, so we're up 5H1T creek. I asked if the dealer could perform the troubleshooting at my expense, but after all the emails and phone calls they didn't have time and I am yet to take it back.

[ddre78]

I had a catback fitted by Volkspower during the week and showed them the TSB. Ill be taking it back at some stage to have them fit a weight to see what the result is. Unfortunately the actuator isn't super easy to get to so we couldn't do it at the time. Will report back when its done.

[G-rig]

Maybe get an intake and you won't be trying to hear the rattle? (it's more of a subtle hiss IMO not really a loud rattle)

[Primordial]

See my post about that. Dealers can only undertake servicing that is sanctioned by VWA. VWA refuse to acknowledge the latest TSB from VWoA, so we're up 5H1T creek. I asked if the dealer could perform the troubleshooting at my expense, but after all the emails and phone calls they didn't have time and I am yet to take it back.

Bugger

I've got a mate of mine who is about to start working for a VW dealership as a service technician - Once he's settled in I'm going to ask him to take a look at this for me and attach a weight to the actuator rod. Fingers crossed that fixes it!

[MurphyTheElf]

Bugger

I've got a mate of mine who is about to start working for a VW dealership as a service technician - Once he's settled in I'm going to ask him to take a look at this for me and attach a weight to the actuator rod. Fingers crossed that fixes it!

A weight won't fix the rattle, it will just tell you whether the actuator rod is the culprit by changing the pitch or removing the noise altogether. Permanently attaching a weight to the rod will alter the operation of the rod itself, altering the performance of the engine and possibly leading to problems in the not-too-distant future. The fix would be a rattle-free wastegate actuator kit.

[GTICam]

A weight won't fix the rattle, it will just tell you whether the actuator rod is the culprit by changing the pitch or removing the noise altogether. Permanently attaching a weight to the rod will alter the operation of the rod itself, altering the performance of the engine and possibly leading to problems in the not-too-distant future. The fix would be a rattle-free wastegate actuator kit.

Respectfully, I disagree Murphy. A weight will change the resonant frequency of the actuator rod assembly. As long as the weight doesn't interfere with the operation of the actuator physically, it shouldn't really be a problem. Being slightly heavier shouldn't impact too much on the wear of the joints at either end of the rod.
I've been messing around making a brass weight which clamps around the actuator rod. Still got some more work to do on it before I fit it permanently. It's a bugger to get to.
This idea of increasing the mass of a rod to change it's frequency isn't new. Years ago there was a similar solution to a vibrating fuel condition actuator rod on Rolls Royce RB211 jet engines - the vibration of the rod at particular engine speeds was affecting the fuel metering. Fitting a rod the was machined thicker (so it was slightly heavier) in the middle solved the problem.
Cheers,
Cam

[Corey_R]

Respectfully, I disagree Murphy. A weight will change the resonant frequency of the actuator rod assembly. As long as the weight doesn't interfere with the operation of the actuator physically, it shouldn't really be a problem. Being slightly heavier shouldn't impact too much on the wear of the joints at either end of the rod.

MurphyTheElf is just going off the information from the TSB which says to immediately remove the weight from the actuator rod, whether the weight has affected/resolved the rattle or not.

[MurphyTheElf]

I've been messing around making a brass weight which clamps around the actuator rod. Still got some more work to do on it before I fit it permanently. It's a bugger to get to.

Does this mean that you've tested the weight as a temporary fitting and it has reduced or removed the rattle?

[GTICam]

Does this mean that you've tested the weight as a temporary fitting and it has reduced or removed the rattle?

Not yet. Actually the one I made up was too loose on the actuator rod and I was worried about it slipping and jamming the wastegate mechanism. Hopefully I'll get around to making up another one soon that clamps better and put it on my car's actuator rod to try it out.
The point I was trying to make in my last post is that if I make a weight and it reduces or eliminates the rattle then I will leave it on there permanently. I can't see it causing any damage to the turbo/wastegate/engine.
I think the VW solution is only a temporary one because it calls for the use of a lead wheel weight stuck to the actuator rod.

[ddre78]

I asked Volkspower about leaving the weight on the rod and they couldn't think of any reason why it would be a problem. Particularly as the weight is only around 55gm.

I think VWoA know its a half-arsed fix and they are only using it as a diagnosis tool for a better fix down the track, but either way I dont care, if it fixes it, it can stay there until something better comes along. Hopefully ill have one fitted in the next week or so.