Unusual sound from engine at around 50-80km/h on Golf VI 103TDI

[khamtran]

Well the turbo's in those spool up at 1300rpm.

That's not conclusive but it could be related?

I'm not sure but I hope not. Performance hasn't been affected at all.

[khamtran]

I have thoroughly checked all tyres and haven't found anything apart from some very small stones which I removed.

Sadly, the sound is still there.

Is it possible that the sound could be caused by a wheel balance issue? I originally didn't think this was likely as there is no vibration at the wheel or in the car at high speed. The car also drives dead straight without me holding the wheel.

Do I have any other options than to bring it into the dealer?

[Greg Roles]

Seems odd it is only at a particular speed, and not specific revs in each gear. Makes me think the engine tray is loose and flapping around, sounds more like an aerodynamic effect than an engine thing based on speed alone.....but all you can do is drive around with the windows down and try to pinpoint it, but yeah, the dealer may be the best option, may need some serious problem solving.

[khamtran]

After some more driving and careful listening I can hear the sound (and slightly feel it) at speeds below 60km/h. As the speed drops the frequency of the sound slows too. A member from the TDIClub.com forums suggested that it could be a wheel bearing problem.

It is also possible that it could be a aerodynamic effect. I had a good look and feel around the endtry tray and it feels secure.

I think I may have to take the car into the dealer and have it checked out.

[khamtran]

I took the car into VW today and went with the technician for a drive.

He said the noise was definitely coming from tyres and that it appears that "tyre scalloping" is the issue. He also said that it sounds like it's coming from all tyres.

VW recommended that I take the car into Beaurepaires to have it properly checked which I am planning on doing.

The noise is best described as a drumming sound. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

My car has done just over 22,000km and the tyres were first and last rotated at 13,000km. The tyres are the OEM 17" Bridgestone Potenzas on stock suspension.

[khamtran]

I took the car into Beaurepaires who said the rears have severe signs of scalloping and the fronts to a lesser degree.

They said nothing can be done to apart from replace them.

BTW, the tyres are Bridgestone RE050 Potenzas. I'll definitely be looking for a different tyre when I end up replacing them.

[gldgti]

funny actually, this is exactly the problem i've been having with my mk3 golf. I got a set of pirrelli p6000 on it last year around april, and now they are about 3/4 worn and the noisiest tyres i've ever had. they are all "scallopped" aswell.

I always run my tyres at a bit over the recommended pressure (always get better handling, life and fuel economy) but these tires just seem to wear badly. still, i've got 45,000 km from them.

khamtran, is your car a GT? I thought the oem tyres were hankooks (on normal tdi's)

[benough]

I'm gonna say it's not those tyres would be more susceptable to ''scalloping'' than other brands, i'm gonna say it's your car's wheel alignment/setup.

Maybe you need to be a bit more vigilant in checking these things?

[khamtran]

I'm gonna say it's not those tyres would be more susceptable to ''scalloping'' than other brands, i'm gonna say it's your car's wheel alignment/setup.

Maybe you need to be a bit more vigilant in checking these things?

The wheel alignment isn't out but I do regret not having the tyres checked and balanced more regularly. The car always drove dead straight and there was never any vibration in the wheel while driving at freeway speeds which gave me the sense that everything was okay I guess.

I'll definitely be more vigilant with my next set.

[benough]

You just need to look at the tyres for wear every week or so, when you are walking to your car etc.

That said I only got a balance on a rotation but that's every 7-8000 kms.

Don't worry, it took me about 10 years to make a habit of it.