Golf R Metallic Ringing Noise

[turbojetta83]

I can hear this sound in my Golf Alltrack too, in about the same rev range (between 2000 and 2500rpm). I wasn't sure what it was, but I'd expect it's the same thing as mentioned above. Pretty sure the 1.8 litre TSI is from the same EA888 engine group as the 2.0 litre GTI and R variants.

Agreed, it does take a little shine off an otherwise brilliant engine package.

[andrew7]

Nope, I have a GFB DV+ and it still exists.

damn......

next theory: there was someone on the VW Vortex forum who installed a new ABT downpipe which somehow eliminated the ringing noise. He theorises that the existing OEM heat shield above the OEM downpipe amplifies the sound (the ABT DP comes with a titanium thermal wrap)....

[Primordial]

damn......

next theory: there was someone on the VW Vortex forum who installed a new ABT downpipe which somehow eliminated the ringing noise. He theorises that the existing OEM heat shield above the OEM downpipe amplifies the sound (the ABT DP comes with a titanium thermal wrap)....

On man.. actually.. I had a CTS downpipe fitted on the weekend. You know what, I think the sound might actually be gone on mine too now that I think of it! I usually cringe whenever I hear it in the morning after cold start, but I don't think I've cringed all week!

Shall test later today and let you know.

[andrew7]

On man.. actually.. I had a CTS downpipe fitted on the weekend. You know what, I think the sound might actually be gone on mine too now that I think of it! I usually cringe whenever I hear it in the morning after cold start, but I don't think I've cringed all week!

Shall test later today and let you know.

Well that's promising! Looking forward to your report

[Dutch77]

Indeed.

And a spouse-friendly reason for why one must go to stage 2.. "just clearing that ringing sound".

[andrew7]

Indeed.

And a spouse-friendly reason for why one must go to stage 2.. "just clearing that ringing sound".

lol good point dutch

[Primordial]

Ok yeah, it's definitely gone. We have a solution - Stage 2!

I've got the stock DP in the garage, I'll take a look tomorrow and see if I can pinpoint the bit that's vibrating. Maybe if you can attach a lead weight to the heat shield using some heatproof silicone adhesive, it may stop it resonating. I'll post up some photos when I find out what's vibrating.

[andrew7]

Sensational news Primordial! Appreciate your work

(btw, I noticed this morning on drive to work I had less ringing/rattle in "Normal" mode....).

So, stage 2 is looking good! (I have a recommended VW independent specialist in Melbourne who supply/fit CTS downpipes with Revo tunes so that's probably the way I'll go I think. Wondering does the CTS DP come with is own heat shield?).

[TFAD]

Seems like good news! I wonder if this can be transferred into a fix through the dealer

Andrew7 I thought the noise was less in Eco mode and that it was something to do with the sound actuator not sending as much sound through into the cabin, but it wasn't really that distinguishable from Normal and Race modes

[rosslm]

Primordial appreciate the feedback, I've got an R on order due around Christmas was starting to have second thoughts after reading this thread. Sounds like a component change may have caused this issue no doubt many sources of parts for cars today. Can't see myself going Stage 2 day one so hopefully a fix to the heat shield drillings or balast may fix. Looking forward to all the other mechanical sounds the R makes though.

[andrew7]

Seems like good news! I wonder if this can be transferred into a fix through the dealer

Andrew7 I thought the noise was less in Eco mode and that it was something to do with the sound actuator not sending as much sound through into the cabin, but it wasn't really that distinguishable from Normal and Race modes

^ Re the soundakator, there have been previous issues with it rattling, but the noise you describe is identical to mine which is clearly in the engine bay somewhere (or above the OEM DP). Increasing the level of the soundakator to my mind just hides or makes it slightly harder to hear the ringing noise (though it is still there), shouldn't on the face of it alter the ringing noise (I hear it loud and clear when in Eco mode).

I may as a starting point investigate ?replacing/upgrading the DP heat shield and see if that's the solution. Suppose an exhaust/muffler mob could help with this (?). (it does seem slightly extreme to need to go to stage 2 to sort out a factory problem )

[Primordial]

Sensational news Primordial! Appreciate your work

(btw, I noticed this morning on drive to work I had less ringing/rattle in "Normal" mode....).

So, stage 2 is looking good! (I have a recommended VW independent specialist in Melbourne who supply/fit CTS downpipes with Revo tunes so that's probably the way I'll go I think. Wondering does the CTS DP come with is own heat shield?).

The CTS downpipe does not have a heat shield. None of them do except for one to my knowledge (which I can't remember the brand), but that one was stupidly expensive.

I wrapped mine with titanium wrap: DEI TITANIUM EXHAUST WRAP 2''X50' | Heat Management | Revolution Racegear

It's pretty easy to do actually, and the under-bonnet temps are now lower than the stock downpipe. It seems the heatshield on the stock one was to block heat from sensitive components, rather than keeping under-bonnet temps down. Titanium wrap keeps the outside of the pipe cool (keeps the heat IN), all the way down out of the engine bay. Also the higher temperature inside the downpipe speeds up the exhaust flow. You want gasses on the hot side of your turbo as hot as possible - higher heat means lower density. How much of an effect this has I don't know, but for a little extra, the wrap made sense to me

Suppose an exhaust/muffler mob could help with this (?). (it does seem slightly extreme to need to go to stage 2 to sort out a factory problem )

I was kind of kidding when I was suggesting that stage 2 is THE solution. It is one solution, but not the be-all/end-all. You're right, an exhaust mob may be able to help. I'll try to pinpoint the part of the heat shield that's vibrating tonight and post some pics. It may be a simple fix, not requiring professional help.

[andrew7]

You're a legend Primordial, very much appreciated

[Primordial]

Ok guys, well I have good news and bad news.

I'm pretty sure I've found the source of the rattle. The bad news - I don't think it's going to be easy to fix, without removing the dump pipe to fix, or by replacing it obviously..

The rattling sound sounds suspiciously like the metal shroud/cage around the downpipe flex joint. Unfortunately this will be pretty difficult to access without removing the downpipe. Likely why VW wont release a 'fix' for it, because its at least 3-4 hours of work just to get the downpipe out!

I made a quick video to explain:

https://vimeo.com/148324847

You're a legend Primordial, very much appreciated

All good bud, happy to help

[andrew7]

Thanks Jon, great detective work. It's looking more and more like a new DP is the way to go 😄 (and therefore an intake and tune as well 😜 )