118TSI Supercharger Clutch Squeek

[The_Hawk]

So it seems that the Cabriolet has developed that dreaded supercharger squeek

Two questions, what's the real impact, other than the squeek?
Does it continue to work just fine? Or is it on it's way out and needs to go?

Next, what's a replacement unit worth? (installed cost that is).

[Umai Naa!!]

The squeak is the electromagnetic clutch engaging on the water pump to drive the supercharger.

Quite expensive to replace, and around 4-5 hours to do.

[blower]

The squeak is common on all CAVD engines built before mid 2010 - a new revision supercharger clutch/water pump came out with different clutch material to stop the squeak.

Mine has been squeaking for the past 20,000 miles (now at 55k) - has got a bit worse as of late and does it more frequently. Only used to do it on hot days in the summer, but have found it will now do it on any day.

If left it will gradually get worse, but could take 10,000's of miles before it eventually becomes too bad. The squeak is a momentary slip of the clutch as it engages, it will just slip more and more over time - although it is unlikely to break anything.

The water pump is not slipping though - it's driven directly by the auxiliary belt.

I'm actually in the process of changing mine on my 2010 golf (along with a whole host of other stuff, its parts of a bigger project). As said, on it's own it would take 4-5 hours work. If replacing, don't buy third party ones, only genuine VW new revision...the aftermarket ones are known to squeak or fail prematurely. It is expensive but if you shop around over time and wait for a bargain (like i did) you can get it for a lot less.

[AdamD]

See this thread Aaron: TSI squeal noise problem on acceleration

[The_Hawk]

Thanks guys, I'll go read over there too.

My car is a MY12 (2011 build) so I would have expected the later part already. It's due for a service so I will get some advice then, just wanted to prepare myself a little.

The car only has 26k on it at 4.5 years old so has only had an annual checkup with whatever the book says. Never had any issues with it otherwise.

[Mk R]

Sorry to hear that Hawk, at least you have plenty of time to source it cheap and maybe time the work with something else to save some $$.

It's too bad that a supercharger pulley upgrade for performance isn't really applicable for the 1.4 twincharger, would've sweetened the sour for you on the part change out.

[blower]

My car is a MY12 (2011 build) so I would have expected the later part already.

You would think so, but VW commonly will drop in older parts on some batch runs...why I can only assume they are using up stock or have supply issues.

Having just stripped my engine down to the pistons, I have seen some parts installed that were phased out years before MY10 (the head gasket for example has a part number that was superseded in 2007 according to ETKA).

You probably have the older supercharger clutch / water pump...part number 03C121004E or 03C121004L.......the new part that should be used is 03C121004J

[Umai Naa!!]

Aaron, if you've got good service history in the dealer network, see if you can get it done as a goodwill repair. You've owned this since new, yeah?

[The_Hawk]

Yeah, bought it new. The squeek comes and goes and there is always a chance I'm completely wrong about it's source.