Two annoying noises in the R32

[qcbtbx]

I just bought my R32 about a week ago. One issue I am having is a winding noise which lasts for about 30 secs to a minute on a cold start up. The guy I bought it from said the dealership told him it may be the water pump. I talked to another guy knowledgable about cars and he said it may be the alternator making noise until the voltage regulator kicks in. I am taking it to my dealer this weekend to have them look at it. Any ideas or suggestions until then? I will post a video later of the noise.

The second issue is a squeaking noise in the front right wheel. As the wheel turns (braking, accelerating, rolling, etc), there is a squeaking noise. It sounds like something is rubbing against the rotor as it rotates. I did a search to see what others were saying, but want to see if there are some responses that I am missing. The dealer is going to look at this too for warping in the rotor or to see if something is rubbing. Any suggestions/ideas until then?

[qcbtbx]

Here is the video of the noise.

http://youtu.be/D2preKhH0iM

[ikey3125]

The wheel noise is probably a rock caught between the rotor and shield. Or its a wheel bearing.

[qcbtbx]

Originally Posted by ikey3125

The wheel noise is probably a rock caught between the rotor and shield. Or its a wheel bearing.

what gives you the impression it's a rock?

[pgh_rugger]

The first noise is most likely the secondary air injection system, aka air pump or smog pump. It runs during cold starts to warm up the catalytic converter to operating temp more quickly.

[zevion]

I can't say what it is, but you can be assured this is NOT normal. Damn, it sounds like a vacuum cleaner!

[qcbtbx]

Originally Posted by zevion

I can't say what it is, but you can be assured this is NOT normal. Damn, it sounds like a vacuum cleaner!

it does sound like a mini hoover vac though, lol.

[qcbtbx]

thanks for the help guys!

[ikey3125]

Originally Posted by qcbtbx

what gives you the impression it's a rock?

Its either a rock or something else that got caught between the rotor and shield.

[qcbtbx]

I have heard different things about the whining noise from the alternator to the air pump to the power steering pump. I doubt its the power steering pump because it is only on startup and not while I am steering or driving.

I found some vids on youtube that helped. just type in "r32 whining noise" and a good one pops right up. it may be the air pump issue. my 2nd guess is the alternator...i am going to test alternator in a couple hours.

[ikey3125]

The R32 doesn't have a power steering pump, so it cannot be that.

[qcbtbx]

Update: was able to determine that it was not the alternator. I am confident it is the air pump...dealership will let me know what they find tomorrow. they will also check on the squeaking noise from the wheel.

[awd4416]

The R32 makes a ton of weird noises and it takes some time to learn them and not freak out. I have yet to hear my R32 sound like that and I bought mine a few months back when it was still 30 F outside in the morning. I did have a noise during start up, dealership replaced the drive belt. As for the noise from the wheels, once in a while I get a small pebble stuck between the rotor and shield that makes noise. I still remember the first time I heard it, it scared the poop out of me . The pebbles usually come off after some spirited driving

[Saabstory]

Originally Posted by zevion

I can't say what it is, but you can be assured this is NOT normal. Damn, it sounds like a vacuum cleaner!

My car has done this since i got it. More so on cold mornings.

[qcbtbx]

update: the dealer said that the noise on cold start up is considered normal for these cars. it is the starter. considering several others have reported this same noise, i can accept this answer. they checked the serpentine belt and that was fine. they checked other possible sources (i.e. air pump) and no issues. this VW dealership is known for good mechanics and stand up service so i trust their judgment.

the squeaking noise came from aftermarket brake pads that do not meet oem specs and missing clips to hold pads in place. they are just vibrating in the caliper. They also noticed that the bearing/hub assembly on the r/f wheel is worn, but that is not major.

[kuj5681]

It is kind of funny that dealer doesn't know what they are talking about. Someone already mentioned above that the noise comes from sai (secondary air injection) valve. only working during cold start when unburned fuel is rich in the exhaust system. if you don't hear that whining sound during winter (or cold day), that means the SAI pump is broken which is still fine. It will not causes any issue to your car, but just air pollution. All i can say is it is completely normal sound. As car gets older, the nosie might gets louder due to number of usage.

[qcbtbx]

Originally Posted by kuj5681

It is kind of funny that dealer doesn't know what they are talking about. Someone already mentioned above that the noise comes from sai (secondary air injection) valve. only working during cold start when unburned fuel is rich in the exhaust system. if you don't hear that whining sound during winter (or cold day), that means the SAI pump is broken which is still fine. It will not causes any issue to your car, but just air pollution. All i can say is it is completely normal sound. As car gets older, the nosie might gets louder due to number of usage.

very true indeed. i'm just glad things are straight

[qcbtbx]

needless to say, I got new pads with retaining clips and tires. i will get the hub/bearing assembly done soon along with 40k service. need a new passenger headlight bulb too.

i have what looks to be condensation in the brake light on the spoiler. anyone else notice this?

[Saabstory]

Take it back in, the LED spoiler brake light is warrantied for 100k because it cannot be separately removed or repaired; IE the entire spoiler has to come off to fix it...

Can't swear they'll do anything about condensation, but get the issue on the record so if an LED dies later you already have it tracked.

[qcbtbx]

Originally Posted by Saabstory

Take it back in, the LED spoiler brake light is warrantied for 100k because it cannot be separately removed or repaired; IE the entire spoiler has to come off to fix it...

Can't swear they'll do anything about condensation, but get the issue on the record so if an LED dies later you already have it tracked.

Will do

[qcbtbx]

How is the spoiler attached?

[Elliott]

Glue! It has to be cracked off using heat and fishing line.