Author Topic: High-Pitched Hum (Read 902 times)

Brigitte · « **on:** October 27, 2011, 06:36:09 pm »

Miss Jetta recently developed an odd little hum, mostly at low speeds (1st, 2nd, high RPM 3rd, low RPM 4th). Seems to occur/be exacerbated by turning left or right. Pick up a little speed, and it's gone. Slow down to 2000 RPM coming to a light, and it's back. While stopped at a red light tonight, in 1st and foot on clutch and brake pedal, I could hear the hum increase by lightly turning the steering wheel left and right, but you could still hear it when the wheels were straight.

Thoughts?

FYI, serpentine belt was replaced less than 5,000 kms ago. For you sticklers, she's a 2000 Jetta GLS 5-speed, 2.0L, with 215,000 kms on the odo.

blur911 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2011, 06:41:29 pm »

Power steering pump may be making the noise. Check the fluid level.

Brigitte · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2011, 06:49:57 pm »

Thanks, Blur! Will have a look in the morning, in proper light.

rrocket · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2011, 07:07:49 pm »

Yea...I was going to say wheel bearing, but since it's making noise at a stop I'm inclined to agree it's a power steering issue.

Brigitte · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:25:56 pm »

Anybody know if I can put any brand of fluid in there? The level is quite low... I wonder if something got damaged when I broke the oil pan.

blur911 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:30:20 pm »

If it's anything like my Audis, it's Pentosin fluid and pretty specific. Is it green?
Probably best to actually go to the dealer and get the right stuff and know it's compatible. In my experience it wasn't really any more expensive buying Pentosin there than anywhere else (yeah, it's not cheap, probably about $30-40 per liter)

Railton · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:31:32 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on October 28, 2011, 12:25:56 pm

Anybody know if I can put any brand of fluid in there? The level is quite low... I wonder if something got damaged when I broke the oil pan.

Any fresh oil spots under the car this morning? Just go to crappy tire and as the guy behind the counter to point you to the correct fluid. Pour it in and try it. $30-$40/ltr at Audi?!
Railton

Fobroader · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:35:51 pm »

Check your owners manual for what you need, THEN go to Canadian Tire to see if they have the right stuff.

Brigitte · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:40:04 pm »

Quote from: Railton on October 28, 2011, 12:31:32 pm

Any fresh oil spots under the car this morning?

I'll have to look when I get home. It's really dark (and dirty) in our parking garage.

Heading to Crappy Tire now (with owner's manual in hand). Thanks, guys. $40 a litre, Blur? No frigging way.

dr_spock · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:43:29 pm »

According to the VW Bentley manual--use only Volkswagen hydraulic oil G 002 000 in the power steering system. Do not use ATF or other non-approved types of power steering fluid.

blur911 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:48:46 pm »

Are you anywhere near these guys? They sell Pentosin CHF11S. You can shop for interesting stuff too.

Johnston Research & Performance
2344 South Sheridan Way, Mississauga,

Pentosin CHF 11S Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid - Fully synthetic hydraulic fluid for steering and central hydraulic systems. This synthetic fluid is correct for many later models which specify synthetic fluid. Temperature range -40C to +130C. Should not be mixed with ATF fluids or other power steering fluids. ***Note - this is currently sold as part # G00200 by Audi/VW as of 1990, replacing Pentosin CHF7.1 The CHF11S is correct for Audi/VW 1990 and later models, while Audi/VW 1989 and earlier models can use either 7.1 or 11S although 11S is recommended. Audi/VW states that 7.1 and 11S can be mixed if necessary but we suggest draining and flushing the system if you are changing from 7.1 to 11S***

Fobroader · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:09:54 pm »

Quote from: blur911 on October 28, 2011, 12:30:20 pm

If it's anything like my Audis, it's Pentosin fluid and pretty specific. Is it green?
Probably best to actually go to the dealer and get the right stuff and know it's compatible. In my experience it wasn't really any more expensive buying Pentosin there than anywhere else (yeah, it's not cheap, probably about $30-40 per liter)

I had to buy this crap for my 5000 when the power steering rack went out........$40 a liter.....thats insane, should be single malt scotch at that price. Do you think the newer VAG products use this??

Brigitte · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:17:52 pm »

Looks like I'm stopping at my local VW stealership on the way home. $24/litre.

I phoned JRP, and the guy said he didn't carry VW-compatible power steering fluid. They only have Royal Purple. Crappy Tire told me that when a VW comes in, they have to order the proper stuff from the local dealership. Holy fack.

tpl · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:23:53 pm »

Back in 2002 Cdn Tire had stuff labeled VWéAUDI Hydraulic oil for Power steering.

Brigitte · « **Reply #14 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:27:52 pm »

Just phoned my Meineke guys. They have some on hand. I'll let them top it up and check for any leaks that may have been precipitated by my oil pan-boulder merger.

blur911 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:45:28 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on October 28, 2011, 01:27:52 pm

Just phoned my Meineke guys. They have some on hand. I'll let them top it up and check for any leaks that may have been precipitated by my oil pan-boulder merger.

Perfect. I saw a link somewhere that JRP carried it, guess not any more. Sorry.
I had an Audi 5000 with a leaky rack. I had to buy this stuff a couple times a year and top it off, still far cheaper than replacing the rack. It really is good stuff though and has excellent cold weather performance.
I always seem to have a can of the "green gold" about.

safristi · « **Reply #16 on:** October 28, 2011, 02:15:12 pm »

sorry to hear about yer leaky rack..............how would the pan being ripped affect the rack...wouldn't Meneike have seen that (if indeed it was damaged) when they replace yer pan..........or is it just a coincy dinky do........?? $40 a Litre for a Good Malt...who said that...wash yer mouth out with Bridge's bathwater.............

Brigitte · « **Reply #17 on:** October 28, 2011, 03:26:58 pm »

I don't know how it would have been affected, Saf, although I can tell you that the pan is right below the power steering fluid reservoir. I don't think they touch, so who knows. Pure speculation at this point. Maybe I jarred the car enough to loosen a hose or a tube?

Fobroader · « **Reply #18 on:** October 28, 2011, 04:40:05 pm »

Was the pan the only thing damaged by the boulder-oil pan merger?? Did you get the car inspected or just the oil pan replaced?? Im just thinking if the rack was low enough.....god forbid....the rack might be affected.

Brigitte · « **Reply #19 on:** October 28, 2011, 05:35:04 pm »

Well, looks like it's the hose that's leaking, but not due to the boulder. Unfortunately, there's no aftermarket for this puppy - it's a $321 part. Meineke is going to call their used VW parts guy on Monday morning, and see if he's got a gently used one hanging around.

In the meantime, he topped up the reservoir and sent me on my way without charging me, with the promise that I will be in touch on Monday morning. I thought that was very nice.

Thanks so much for all your input so far, gentlemen.