36 replies to this topic

[VIX]

Have had the VX NA for almost 3 weeks now. Have noticed a fairly high-pitched whooshing/vibration (ok an indescribable noise!) which tends to be most noticable on the over-run, slowing down, generally not on accelerating and goes away immediately you put the clutch in. It doesn't seem to have any effect on driving. Originally I had thought it was some sort of induction noise behind me but I can't actually work out where it's coming from and it's finally starting to bug me. Given that it stops the moment you put the clutch in it's presumably mechanical? Any ideas please?

[B4D_VX]

It's not a metallic sound is it?

[VIX]

It's not a metallic sound is it?

Possibly (sorry it is difficult to describe), but it doesn't sound like anything scraping. What do you have in mind?

[B4D_VX]

I've not got a fookin' clue sorry!! Just mine makes a metallic almost rattling noise every now and then.....not sure how to describe that either!

[Steve Crisp]

If it happens on over-run, then it's either timing chain (mine rattles a little bit), or some sort of induction leak (you get maximum vacuum on over-run). If it's easily audable, then Vauxhall should sort it?

[VIX]

Thanks guys. It's certainly easily audible so I think I will have to give Turboman a call. I guess it was more noticable on my home trip today as I had the lid on to keep the drizzle out. It sounds as though it's inside the car and is very odd!

[TheRockstar]

The only noise I know that is indescribable upon taking your foot off the pedal, is the Revcounter.... this 'clicks' at high frequency as the needle comes down, so you usually only notice it when you take your foot off the pedal. Doesnt sound exactly like what you've described, but might be.... If it is, this is normal.

[VIX]

The only noise I know that is indescribable upon taking your foot off the pedal, is the Revcounter.... this 'clicks' at high frequency as the needle comes down, so you usually only notice it when you take your foot off the pedal.

Doesnt sound exactly like what you've described, but might be....

If it is, this is normal.

Rockstar,

I thought it was some sort of induction noise but surely that wouldn't stop immediately you put the clutch in? I'll have to see if Turboman is working today and let him have a listen!

[TheRockstar]

If it is induction noise, then in theory, yes it will stop as soon as you dip the clutch, as this immediately removes all the load from the engine, and the engine rpm will stop sucking as much air in (overrun)... You're right though, if your not sure take it back to Wayne and prod him..

[VIX]

If it is induction noise, then in theory, yes it will stop as soon as you dip the clutch

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah so! Just shows what I know then! Still I'll get it checked out as it is annoying! Alternatively it's lid off or stereo on loud to drown it!

[turboman]

Hi Vix. Pop in and see me during the week, I'll get a techie to sit in the car and listen, I'm sure it's nothing that cant be fixed. P.S try to avoid 1 - 2 pm theyre all at lunch. cheers Wayne

[VIX]

Pop in and see me during the week, I'll get a techie to sit in the car and listen, I'm sure it's nothing that cant be fixed.

Turboman,

Thanks. I'll aim to call around 4pm Tuesday or Wednesday. It could be induction noise. It could be a TADTS. But I'd like to get it checked.

[paulr]

Sorry to bring this old baby up again, but I was hoping some light could be shed. When I'm driving along and I'm only just putting on a little bit of gas (so that the engine/exhurst does drown it out), I hear a metallic type sound/vibration. I can best hear it when doing about 30/40 mpg in 4th or 5th gear. Dabbing the accelerator can make the sound louder. Also coming of the motorway in fifth gear....off the gas and once the road noice decreases I can hear it. As soon as I dip the clutch the noice goes, so I don't believe it to be the undertray etc. being loose. I'm off this monday to have the timing chain looking at as I think thats the rattling I have when I start it up. I was hoping this was all related to this ???? Any advise would be useful as I can thenm pass this onto the mechanics to look into. WoodenDummy mentioned he was having the timing chain done and some other things ?

[DJG]

This 'noise' has come up many times before my car has done it from new as many others seem to have done. I think it's just vibrations through the ali that you would never hear in a steel sound proofed car. I think if I remember rightly one or two people had gearboxes replaced to try and cure it but it still came back. I bought some sound deadening aluninium sheet called Ivenhoe from a local ICE centre and put it behind the speaker panel at the rear, on the floor under the seats and on the panel behind the seats, this has reduced it quite a bit. But I suspect it's a case of TADTS.

[paulr]

It's like a servere case of "pinking". Used to get it in my old car after the engine started to get knackered and petrol got cleaner. ie, make the mixture richer and the "pinking" would get less. I'm sure the noice is louder than it used to be (there was always a slight metallic sound in the background)

[Shaun]

Do a search on 'engine ticking sound on overrun' dated 9 june. Hope it helps

[AndyB]

A high pitched whooshing noise. Like a whistling sound? Are you sure you haven't been sold a Turbo by mistake?! It's a bonus if you have as they are loads better than the NA's, and loads faster too!

[caleebra]

I get that noise too paulr, at first it made me paranoid that my gearbox/clutch was away to fall to pieces.

[paulr]

I get that noise too paulr, at first it made me paranoid that my gearbox/clutch was away to fall to pieces.

Mines a NA 2001. I'd be interested if it's something that happens on early or late models.

caleebra - have you had it checked out ? If so what was said ?

I've been speaking to another owner who has had a new gearbox. But it still came back.

On a seperate note, I've just down the topgear car survey. Let's just say the build quality and a few dealership questions weren't answered favourably

[paulr]

I've posted comments previously about a long running potential problem I've had...namely on overun at c. 3,800rpm I get a strange metalic ticking sound from the engine 

FG Barnes in Guildford and City Vauxhall Chichester failed to cure the problem dispite fitting a new exhaust return valve and then claiming that it's a TADT. 

Graham at Picador, assisted by two workshop guys had this long running problem solved in two minutes  - A loose bracket above the ERV 

Picador also are adjusting the side windows so they
seal with the roof and replacing the seat belt mounting cover... both items which I have been awaiting FG Barnes to fix for 13 months!

Guess where I'm taking my VX for future servicing

D'oh that'll teach me to learn to use the search engine properly. I'll suggest the mechanics look at the above solution. I hope it is this!

Shaun