Hi,

Strange one this. Intermittently for the past couple of months (and gradually becoming more frequent) I've been getting a loud an unpleasant noise similar to 'exhaust with a hole in it' noise!

It seems to only happen under g's, for instance going around a bend or accerating hard. Might only happen once or twice a week. My only thought has been that maybe one of the connections/welds on the exhaust is slightly loose and only opening up when cornering etc? Could it be anything else? As I said, it sounds horrible, like the silencer is gone from the exhaust but only lasts about 2secs!

Car is 1.8 20V NA engine.

Thanks in advance chaps.

going round a bend or under load would make me think of wheel bearings... but they don't really sound like a blown exhaust. a loose heat shield moving about near the exhaust and vibrating possibly? some one on hear will know..

I fit gets louder the harder you turn, the it's definitely likely to be a wheel bearing. Normally sounds worse one way than the other too.

I had one go recently. I know what you mean about hole in the exhaust kind of sound, but it's not that bad.

It's definitely not a wheel bearing - I'm familiar with the noise they make.

It's powertrain/drivetrain related, presuming its exhaust unless its diff or something?! Must get under and have a look this weekend anyway see if I can find a hole....

Is it noiser when you turn left or right? Could be your down pipe