Driving Noise

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runboy

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Any thoughts on this?. From about 30mph, I can hear a noise (description later). This noise get's steadily worse until it seems to peak at around 50-60mph (haven't had chance to go much faster, plus cabin noise in general increases).

The noise sounds like a 'whine', similar to the noise old Morris Minors used to make!.

I've tried going up and down gears and that doesn't make a difference, so I think it's coming from the wheels/tyres and not the gearbox or driveshaft. I can't be more specific as it just fills the cabin rather than coming from front/back etc.

Thoughts are wheel bearings (surely not) through to tyres. Anyone else want to chuck anything in?.

Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
 
That's definitely the engine Runboy! Or you've probably left a window open. Just being facetious - have you actually changed the tyres/wheels since taking delivery?
 
Harps

Mmmmmm, not sure if it is the engine-I've tried going from 5th to 4th at 55mph and the sound stayed extactly the same. The sounds doesn't appear until 30mph+ and then increases to it's loudest at around 55mph.

I have a feeling it could be the tyres-I wonder if they are a different make/model since my last A2 (as this didn't make the noise)?. But equally it could be the drivetrain (wheel bearings etc) or driveshaft.

And no, I haven't changed anything, and the noise doesn't sound like it's 'wind' related (no jokes now!).

Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
 
Steve,

Presumably this is your new replacement car which you are talking about ?

Trying to describe a noise is always difficult, and I guess as hard as describing a smell, but perhaps you could try to build up a better picture in carrying out a few different tests. Does dipping the clutch make any difference ? – or cruising along with the car in neutral. What about turning off the climate control ?

In terms of tyres I have recently read that Michelin “Pilot’s” are said to produce road noise. Are these still fitted to all A2’s ?

Anyway, perhaps the car will get better after a few trips to Tesco’s.

Regards
John Disdale
 
JD-good point. I've been trying to do various tests as best I can depending on the road conditions (including dipping the clutch which made no difference). It all leads me to believe it is something other than the engine.

I've thought about producing a spreadsheet for the mechanics showing what tests I've done and the results, but then they may think I'm strange.......

Yes, they are Michelin tyres-not sure of the model.

And yes, it is my replacement. So far so good, except the noise and the boot only open button on one remote doesn't work-may try reprograming first before I raise it.

It's just the noise that concerns me at the moment. Apart from that it's good. Bigger tank, suspension feels good-but the double wiper arm is fitted-thought they were changed to single on 2003....

Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
 
So how many miles can you do on the bigger tank? I was jolly pleased with over 300 on a £21 tank yesterday - but I think I have the small tank. I think my Volvo would have used double that.
 
Runboy - you're actually keeping uncharacteristically quiet on this replacement A2 - any reason? Apart from the noise. Other than the tank, it is exactly the same isn't it? I think you said it would be a 52 - when did you pick it up?
 
If the noise is related to road speed rather than engine speed then it could be a wheel bearing / diff / driveshaft problem (e.g. final drive onward)

If it a front wheel bearing then it should get worse/better if you steer left or right.

However wheel bearings tend to last a long time - my A6 lasted 80k miles before giving in, the noise getting steadily worse.

Dave
 
Are you sure its not wind noise?

There seems to be a kind of highish pitched whinning sound coming from around the front drivers side A pillar of wing mirror.

Could it be this?
I notice it a bit on my new A2, but so far its not too distracting to annoy me, the stereo's so good you can't here much outside noise anyway.

Soon to be 03 A2 1.4 SE in Cobalt blue, black interior, Climate Control, Winter Pack
 
Kslevi,

I refer to an old post on the forum (some time after the Battle of Hastings in 1066) when a warrior very cleverly pointed out that what might appear as wind noise hitting the front pillars is in fact noise created by air from the windscreen wiper blade assembly. This is easily tested by driving along with the wipers on, and concentrating on the actual position of the wiper blade as it crosses the screen, because you will find that during its path a specific point is reached where the air noise disappears. This was one reason why the wiper blade was redesigned for 2003 cars, although it’s still a total mystery why some UK cars still do not have the new wiper.

Regards
John Disdale
 
Runboy,
Tires is possible. My A4 does this but it's more noticeable at lower speeds (and increasingly noticeable with more wear on the tires). I did all the stuff that you mention... different gears at the same speed, dipping the clutch etc. etc. and eventually (when MOT was due) asked Audi to really check the wheel bearings... nothing. I live with it - but will specify different tires next time around.

Another possibility. I had another sound from my A4 a while back. Sounded like an electric drill /motor running at the front of the car (a whine as you describe). It only started above 50 ish and once it started would continue until you dropped below maybe 30- 40. It turned out to be the bearings on the fan that sits behind the radiator failing (expensive!) - something to do with aircon I think. Basically, once road speed increased to a certain point the fan started spinning - and the bearings started whining. Once it was spinning it had enough momentum to keep spinning below it's starting speed (50ish) so the noise contiued down to ~40. Could be you have a noisy fan up front (not to say failing bearings, maybe a mounting issue or resonance).

We do have a 'whine' on our A2 (sounds like a fuel pump...left side of the engine compartment). Audi have been unable to isolate what it is but it's only really noticeable when idling around town and not really intrusive.
 
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