VR6 Bearing Noise

[M7STN 0]

Hi there,

I've recently just bought a 1994 Golf Vr6 with 111k miles on her. She has a full Vw service history.

A few mild modification to the car, Air filter, Stainless steel backbox, Coilover suspension and 17" wheels which I plan to change very soon.

I have 2 problems with the car:

1, When at idle the car makes a bearing sound from the left hand side of the engine, could someone tell me and if possible show me a pic of where the waterpump is located? The noise gos away with the slightest touch of the throttle but its really annoying and doesnt sound very nice.

2, After the car has been opened up it misfires when driving normal, if you put your foot down again its fine just seems to be missing when accelerating slowly are at a constant speed. Sometimes it wont do this for a few days then it does. Any ideas?

Your help will be much appreciated.Thanks, Stephen

[rodney 17]

left when you look at it I.e the drivers side???

[M7STN 0]

Sorry, left when I look at it from the front. I.e the passenger side.

Could be the oil pump?

Thanks

[Phat VR6 3]

Drop the belt off for a few minutes (not too long as it will overheat) and see if the noise goes away.

If is does then you know its alternator/ water pump/ tensioner/ PAS or air con if you have it

Then spin the the water pump and belt tenstier ect by hand and see if one feels ruff/ noisey ect

Hope that helps Tom

[M7STN 0]

Hi there,

Thanks for your help. I had a proper look at it tonight, after closer inspection it is down the right hand side of the engine, I.e the passenger side.

If you look down the back of the engine it is to the right of the manifold and down a little bit. The noise seems to be getting worse. Anyone know what it is? I think its maybe the oil pump. Thanks

[thegoth 5]

if it sounds like ball bearings in a can and is loudest at around 1500 rpm then most people will say it's your chain tensioners, esp on a 1994 which will have the early style which don't last up as well.

[M7STN 0]

No doesnt sound like the chain tensioners, they would be at the top of the engine?

Its only there at idle, isnt there on initial startup doesnt start until the Oil temp is approx 50 degrees. It sounds more like a dry bearing or a knackered bearing. It isnt very loud its just annoying and I know its not meant to be there. As I say its down the right hand of the engine, below the cylinder head.

[Phat VR6 3]

ummm ok theres a AUX water pump. electric... but that wont realy make a dry bearing noise.... you could disconect the plug off that and see if that stops as can get abit noisey somtimes

apart from that there nothink else apart from a chain guide which is about 3/4 up the engine. Oil pumps on the bottem so wouldn't be traveling that far up..

[Samson 0]

You have two chain tensioners, one at the top of the engine and one at the bottom of the engine, located between the block and the gearbox.

[Samson 0]

Plus when the oil gets warmer it thins so it could be something to do with that too

[M7STN 0]

I have added a picture of where the noise is coming from. Its circled in red. Please ignore the yellow arrow. Cheers

[M7STN 0]

The pic is on the first post. Thanks