Loud whooshing noise coming from Turbo on GTI 1.8

[gravro]

Hi guys,

I have an '03 GTI 1.8 with about 19k miles on it. At about 15k the noise the turbo makes started to change but I didn't think much about it. It's gotten to the point now where it makes a really loud hissing/whooshing sound whenever it engages. I think also there might be a loss of power but I don't know for certain because I've been laying off of it since the noise became really loud.

So my question is, does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this, how serious a problem it is, etc.? Also is it a bad idea to drive it before I can get it in to be serviced? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

~RG from Santa Rosa

[veedubmechanic]

Its most likely one of your turbo pipes has come loose some how or it might be your "turbo recirc valve" aka "bypass valve/blow off valve". Vw has alot of probs w/ the ever so intelligent rubber valve they decided to put in and it breaking causing loss of boost. Replacement is covered under warranty, but yea, aftermarket ones sound soo much cooler! Check all yout turbo piping connections and intercooler for holes

[gravro]

Thanks for the response veedub. Should I avoid driving the car before I'm able to get it into the shop to get fixed, or is not likely to cause secondary problems?

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

Its most likely one of your turbo pipes has come loose some how or it might be your "turbo recirc valve" aka "bypass valve/blow off valve". Vw has alot of probs w/ the ever so intelligent rubber valve they decided to put in and it breaking causing loss of boost. Replacement is covered under warranty, but yea, aftermarket ones sound soo much cooler! Check all yout turbo piping connections and intercooler for holes

[veedubmechanic]

Well driving w/o the pipes connected will eat up the turbo and or possibly blow the oil seals =(. But u could do what everyone alse does... just drive it ! lol

[edspecR]

????

i agree on a possible boost leak somewhere... but your Diverter (not BOV) doesn't tear unless boosted above 17 psi or so. an aftermarket valve doesn't sound very different anyway, so no point buying those unless your running higher boost.

running with a leak in the pipes will get more noticeable over time, as constant boost pressure will open up the leaks. you should feel a huge difference in power, so if you haven't felt thatyet, then the leak isn't major. either way, go to the dealer. if they dont help you then find someone with a boost gauge and/or vagcom.