Gear box checkup

[Y2008]

I have 20k on mine now but the noise has been there since day one. It hasn't gotten any worse or better. It's been very consistent and isn't affected by other factors such as engine temp. Which really made me not worry about the issue. I wasn't planing on getting out of my way to get the car fixed as it can't be that big of a deal if most people i know have the same issue. But considering the convenience of it all I wasn't really fussed. They came and picked the car up from me at home and they will drop it back off, and ill have guests this week so having a having a Jetta is of even more convenience to me and at the end of the day they admitted to an issue and are attempting to fix it, so if something arises later on i will be on the safer side and there would be no chance for VW Australia to refuse to fix it or slack time wise as it would be already on their records.

[pixl]

Keep us posted with the outcome of this Y2008. I'm very interested to see if the VW dealer you've taken your car to report back on a fault.

If so, then I'll be sure to take my down to the dealer as well.

[Y2008]

Keep us posted with the outcome of this Y2008. I'm very interested to see if the VW dealer you've taken your car to report back on a fault.

If so, then I'll be sure to take my down to the dealer as well.

well they already have but didn't specify exactly. I took it in for a day about a month ago and they said there definitely is a problem but they are not sure exactly what it is and that they'd have to open up the gearbox to pinpoint it. They took it yesterday and today they told me that they are replacing the whole gearbox and that the new one should arrive within this week. So unless they are scamming VW Australia for warranty work to keep themselves busy, there must be an issue with the gearbox otherwise I don't think they would have gone through so much trouble.

[vdude]

Beware of the Whine saga with Polo TDI

My first post here. Wish it were under happier circumstances...

Ok, I've got the same whinning noise problem with a Polo TDI delivered about April 07. Got it tested about 3 or 4 times at the dealer (who have been very good with their time and service). VW Aust told them it was a "characteristic noise" for the model. Dealer took another car of the same model out for a drive and found even louder whinning noises. I took the car to the local Auto Club who recommended that the problem be fixed. Dealer advised by VW Aust to strip gearbox and search for problem. Strip search finds no problem. New gearbox ordered and replaced. Now, problem is not as bad, but whine is still there (most noticeable in 3rd from 48 to 58km/h) and louder under load. Dealer tests car again and mechanic notices noise in 2nd to 4th under load. VW Aust follows up with dealer and supposedly consults their technical folks. Verdict is that this is a "characteristic noise" for the model and they are not going to do anything about it as other cars of the same model have the same noise.

I'm at wit's end as to what to do. VW Aust suggests for "my peace of mind" that I go for a drive with the dealer in another car to hear that this noise is "normal" for this model. I'm trained as a mechanical engineer so I don't buy the argument that this whine is normal for a modern gearbox. I'm intending to take this to the Consumer Affairs but obviously would benefit from knowing that others have the same problem and that their dealers and mechanics don't think this is "normal.

I also notice that there is recall in South Africa for the same model to do with the turbo but was advised by VW Aust that the model here in oz is different even though it may have been assembled/manufactured in SA - which mine is. Has there been any issues with the turbos in oz? I have had a grating metal-to-metal noise, presumably from the turbo, on cold mornings for 10's seconds before it goes away. Sounds like an oil flow issue to me.

Apologies for the long post but I was feeling a bit isolated in my battles with VW Aust. Happy to join forces with others in dealing with these issues if someone can recommend a way forward (apart from lying down and letting VW Aust pretend it isn't an issue).

My advice to anyone thinking of getting a Polo TDI - think again!

Cheers

[Y2008]

Update 2

Thought to keep you guys posted on whats been happening. Got a call today from the dealer (Werribee VW) saying the car is ready for pick up and that the issue was with the thrust bearings but gear box was replaced as it was approved and ordered. I still didn't get the car yet as they will come drop it off and pick the jetta up. I will keep you posted on how the car feels now and if the noises have been dealt with or at least gotten better. But I must say I'm impressed with Werribee VW for the quality of their service and follow up. They are till now the best dealer I have dealt with in regards to service. But if you are buying new I still say go to South Yarra VW.

[vdude]

Thought to keep you guys posted on whats been happening. Got a call today from the dealer (Werribee VW) saying the car is ready for pick up and that the issue was with the thrust bearings but gear box was replaced as it was approved and ordered. I still didn't get the car yet as they will come drop it off and pick the jetta up. I will keep you posted on how the car feels now and if the noises have been dealt with or at least gotten better. But I must say I'm impressed with Werribee VW for the quality of their service and follow up. They are till now the best dealer I have dealt with in regards to service. But if you are buying new I still say go to South Yarra VW.

That sounds promising! Any chance of getting the details of which thrust bearings they replaced, and what they replaced it with? I'd like to take the information to my dealer and see if it's the same problem with mine (and others that have the problem). Yes, do let us know if the noises have been fixed. Pity I'm in Tassie otherwise I'd go to your dealer.
Cheers

[insanekiwi]

You have a very good dealer there. I have same problem as you guys. 'characteristic noise' is my diagnosis as well. Mainly from 50-60km as mentioned. The gearbox itself is not quiet. But it's been like this since I picked it up when it was 19000km. Now it's done 41500km. Chipped since 19000km. My gearbox oils were always very clean. No problem there. I believe my bearings or the flywheel is bung. I am out of warranty since feb this year tho... Sigh. Let us know how your car feels like... Some new cars I test drove had this noise but was quieter.

[insanekiwi]

I have finished doing about 700km since the change to Redline MT90. Absolutely no change in the noise, however, the shift feels nicer than before.

I let my girl, to practise driving my car yesterday. (she hasn't driven manual for like 9 years) Including hill start. She stalled about 6 times and also some jumpy stuttering runs.. Otherwise, no grinding etc.

I don't know if this exacerbated the problem now, but when I am in low rev in 1st or 2nd gear, and put the clutch in quickly (so stomping on the clutch), it makes little clack noise. It's audible.

Only seems to happen in 1st and 2nd gear, when in low rev.

I think there is a problem with my either bearings (i.e. release) or damaged dual mass flywheel.

For example, when I just get the car rolling, then just stomp on the clutch (press it in), it makes a soft clack noise.

I don't think I've noted this noise before. In gear whine, etc (as described on recent thread) - no changes at all.

Don't you think it's bearing / clutch / flywheel assembly problem rather than the gearbox itself??

[Y2008]

Had the car back for a day now and to my surprise, the whine has gone. The rattle in neutral was still there but next time i drove it was gone. Shifting feels slightly heavier but still smoother than when the car was new. Gear changes feel a bit more accurate with less side movement in the stick. To my surprise also they changed the gear nob. I haven't received any official report to what has been done as they dropped it over at my place after hours on Friday and picked the replacement car (7:30pm). I feel this gearbox is bedding in much faster than when the car was new. I will keep my ears up for any noises and keep you guys posted. I haven't had the radio on since friday
Also, the car was dirty inside and out when they picked it up, and was shiny and clean inside and out when they dropped it off. They did the same when I took it there for the service to. I'm really impressed by their service.

[insanekiwi]

That's very good. Happy for ya.

Now with my car, I need to get it to the stealer to get it looked at, but am scared as to how much it is going to cost.

I think I am going for ECS clutch kit 1 with original bearings, but unsure if there will be a lot more needed. I am keen to get the gearbox looked at too, but if it needs replacing -> I am out of warranty....

(

Sigh...

[pixl]

Had the car back for a day now and to my surprise, the whine has gone.

Wow. I hope they give you a detailed report on what they did, because this sounds good. Would love to be able to pass on the same info to my dealer to get them to do the same thing.

[vdude]

Update on the whine problem with my 07 Polo TDI: The whine is now apparent in 2nd gear at the same speed range for 3rd gear (50-60km/h) and in 4th gear at 85km/h + but mainly in an overrun (backing off accelerator) and not so much in acceleration. I'm beginning to suspect the diff which I think is also located in the gearbox - no?...- as it is mainly speed related. Would love to know what the Werribee dealers did.
Cheers

[RS2K]

Wow. I hope they give you a detailed report on what they did, because this sounds good. Would love to be able to pass on the same info to my dealer to get them to do the same thing.

Can you please post some details on the repairs completed to fix the whine please?

[vdude]

Can you please post some details on the repairs completed to fix the whine please?

I rang the Werribee service manager this week. Turns out he's only been in the job for the past few weeks and was not familiar with the job and not prepared to trawl through the records. So, we're back to square one. I can only repeat that if you're considering buying a Polo TDI be prepared to live with the "characteristic noise" of this model cause VW ain't gonna fix it!
Cheers