Hi guys I have a 2001 1.4 16v estate with about 65k on it, recently it's strated to make a strange noise honing noise like a hoover that increases when accelerating, sounds like it is coming from the passenger side in the engine bay?? When I leave the engine ticking over and open the bonnet there's an electrical noise (like something is stuck /jammed) form the passenger side of the engine near the headlight. Any ideas where this noise could be coming from and why the sudden loss of mpg?

Cheers

Edited 15 June, 201016 yr by Fabvag

anyone??

It could be anything and everything...

But my guess at 'hoover' would be the rad fan - which could possibly be being caused by a faulty thermostat, which would then account for your fuel economy being screwed...

Either that or you've got air con, and the hoover sound is the air con fan, which would also result in a loss of power and an increase in fuel consumption...

As you seem to think it's electrical - i'd locate the fuses for various items that are non-essential such as the air con etc, then pull them and see what takes the buzzing sound away one at a time.

The fastest way of course would be vag-com - but i'm guessing you've not got access to one...

Sorry I can't be more helpful - my tip would be process of elimination to try narrow it down.

thanks for the reply it was the O/S wheel bearing

thanks for the reply it was the O/S wheel bearing

you beat me to it. I was going to suggest that.

Wheel bearings make that kinda whirring/hoover sound. had mine go recently.