I have posted a positive thread about how great the vRS is today. However, I need a bit of advice and maybe a photo or two. Over the last couple of months, the turbo whistle is getting louder and even SWMBO asked "What's that noise?" yesterday. The performance is still there, but the whistle is now quite loud.

I need to know what to check, but also where these bits are. If you have any photos that may point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it as I've never had cause to look at the pipes/tubes so far. I'm not scared to have a go, merely don't want to do any harm due to ignorant meddling.

Thanks in advance.

Ok if it's not thrown a fault code and performance hasn't changed then if there is any kind of leak it would be before the turbo, or you would be losing boost.

First step take off the engine cover, there are four plastic screws (circled in red), twist them a quarter turn to release them (a coin is perfect for this)

Now the engine covers off you need to be looking at the large pipe to the back right of the engine, between the air filter box and the turbo.

Here's a closer pic. Ignore the Forge DV as if you have a standard one it will look a bit different. The main hose to check is the one marked in green, check there are no splits in it and that the hose clips or single use clips that join it at the ends to the metal pipe to the turbo and to the MAF are secure. The MAF is the little plastic bit of tubing between the rubber pipe and the air filter box, with a multiplug going to it. If you have a couple of spare 35mm hose clips then you can remove the original DV from the pipe work, check the spring is ok and clean it out, it will probably have a bit of oil in it. If not then just check it is secure. Lastly have a good look at the air box (marked in red) to see if the lid is tight on and that the box is not warped.

Might also be worth having a peek under the scuttle panel (under the wiper) to see if the pollen filter is ok, if this is loose then there will be a big hole through to the air con system behind the dash which will explain why the passenger can hear the turbo more clearly.

Lastly this pic shows where the exhaust downpipe connects to the turbo right at the back of the engine, you can just about see one of the bolts. Check that this join is tight, although you would notice if not because the exhaust would be making a racket.

Hope these pics help. I find mine can be louder when the outside air temperature is cold, also if I have all the dashboard air vent flaps open it is louder.

Edited 6 April, 201016 yr by chicken_eyebrow

Brilliant info Mr Eyebrow. I'll have to find a spare half hour and follow your guide. That's what makes this forum so good, the advice and fantastic attitude of the folk on here.

Just an afterthought. Could the rattle I've had recently be either an exhaust mount allowing the downpipe from the turbo to work loose? Or could it simply be the pipe from the turbo itself being loose which is rattling and also creating the whistle?

Edited 6 April, 201016 yr by skinnyman

Brilliant info Mr Eyebrow. I'll have to find a spare half hour and follow your guide. That's what makes this forum so good, the advice and fantastic attitude of the folk on here.

Just an afterthought. Could the rattle I've had recently be either an exhaust mount allowing the downpipe from the turbo to work loose? Or could it simply be the pipe from the turbo itself being loose which is rattling and also creating the whistle?

No worries If the downpipe is loose from the turbo it will be pretty obvious as it will make a hell of a noise (like if you get a hole in the exhaust), I think if the whistling is louder it would be more likely to be something on the intake side of the turbo like a leaking air box, or just that something has moved in the engine bay or bulkhead (like the pollen filter, or maybe the rubber seal with the bonnet at the back of the engine bay) allowing the noise from the turbo to be heard more clearly.