Whistle sound from GTI engine... Water Pump Failures

[JPanDAX]

I noticed a very high pitched whistling type sound coming from my GTI MK6 recently. It has gotten a little worse I am sure. I am only at 1000ks travelled. I decided to go to my local VW dealer today and they had a look at it. The tech used a length of rubber pipe to check around the water pump area and we confirmed that this was the issue. They said they have not had any MK6's come in with this issue until now, however it was a known issue with the MK5's.

Anyhow after the check this was confirmed by lifting off the resevoir lid and releasing the pressure the sound stopped immediately thus confirming the sound and issue is only there when there is pressure in the pump system, lines etc. I was told I can drive the car for the time being and there is no issue with safety etc.

I am now booked in for a replacement under warranty next week I am assuming at this stage, depending on how long the pump takes to come into stock.

I also noted that they had a MK6 R on site being repaired. It's motor had been removed totally. Apparently it is some guys R that the motor was brought in with a knock. It was found that the bearings had gone. Apparently they did a scan of the ECU and there were one or two corrupt files that indicated that the car had had an aftermarket ECU upgrade and the guy had tried to remove or clear the upgrade. So VWA have refused warranty. The guy is apparently taking VWA to court over the matter. It was noted to me that the car looked like it had been tracked/raced/given a hard time (flogged) as the tires were in pretty bad condition and the exhaust tips were well stained.

Just another reason I think I will be refraining from any aftermarket ECU upgrades until after warranty. Not worth the risk on such a potentially expensive exercise IMO.

Anyhow - I will post re the outcome of the water pump upgrade. BTW the sound comes from the front RHS of the engine block area, down low, where the pump is of course. It is a high pitched whistling, almost like the car alarm but not as loud. Nothing like the sound from the video links posted up here that I saw, unless it eventually ends up sounding that bad over time if not repaired!!!

Once again - Hats off to this site for providing a means of sharing issues and information about the cars we all love. Very helpful!

Cheers

JP

[walbjj]

it doesnt come up on vagcom as being an error. no fault codes were thrown when i had the noise.
basically, its just a high pitched whine/whistle.
after driving around all day, no sound
the vw workshop made mention that they were replacing the waterpumps with newly designed ones, as mentioned above

[JPanDAX]

Yeah I got the impression that VW are aware of this issue and have a redesigned pump. This was an issue with Mk5s. I'm hoping that they are ordering this new pump with revised bearing design for my car.

Update 28/7/11 - Dealer called today, they need to order the pump and it will take 10 working days.....


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[johnvw]

Hello to All the (whistlers),
Thank you for the water pump location info. After lots of probing I finally found him.

HORROR HORROR HORROR I have the 06H121026BA installed ( is this really the most recent upgrade ???.

WHAT were they going to replace it with ????
The whistle has not returned, SHOULD I be happy ?????

There must be more to this, any TSB available
Regards John

[walbjj]

been driving around the past week since i got the new pump. no whistle. im happy

[eskimo]

Good to hear walbjj, I can also report, after the 2nd waterpump replacement and driving it for a week, the whistle sound is gone.
I guess this issue for me can be closed now.

[JPanDAX]

My pump is now in. Getting in changed over on Monday. They need the car for full day.

Will update on how it all goes.

[johnvw]

Hi all,
Glad to hear the problem has been resolved ( HOPE ), But why did my ....BA water pump whistle when that is the model which is being replaced in your cars.
Maybe GOOD ..BA`s and BAD ...BA`s , I do not think this problem has really been resolved.

Regards John

[eskimo]

Mine required two of the same latest water pump part no, so there are good and bad batches with everything

[Mi16 Man]

Could this 'whistle/whine' also be associated with the chain that drives the camshafts? I've never owned a car with chain driven cams so would be keen to hear, no pun intended, if the noise can be compared to the water pump noise.

Do others get a slight 'whine' on cold start up?? Would be a brief half-second only when the car is dead cold, seems the chain is dry until oil pressure builds and the chain gets bathed in oil.