2003 1.8 turbo start up noise

[87biggerblue]

I have a 2003 VW Jetta with the 1.8 turbo. It has about 150 K miles on it now. The car runs great but lately when I start it up the engine is making a loud humming noise, almost like a turbine spinning (almost sounds like a high pitch whistle). It only lasts about 1 minute but does kick back on sometimes while driving. It doesn't seem to matter if I increase the RPM's or not, the noise stays the same. Has anyone ever heard of this or know what it is?

[Franco2112]

Turbo whine is what it is called. With your mileage, it's most likely your turbo bearing wearing out and or the gasket has a leak. Drive it until the whine is constant and unbearable. Then have the turbo rebuilt or replaced with a new one. Either way you're getting more out of your turbo than most. 150k nice!
Franco