My car is making a really strange noise. It's hard to describe but it sounds kind of like a vaccum cleaner powering down, only it is longer and more stressed. I don't think that it is any part of the engine because it's fine while idleing. It seems like it's coming from near the back left wheel. Anyone have any idea on what it could be? Thanks.

 

leaking intercooler? Wheel bearing? Struggling power steering pump?? Check your hoses! Does it happen only when the car is moving? If you hit the gas in N standing still does it do it? Try to give more details if you can.

 

air con fans shutting down/carbon canister flushing out, not a problem if its either as long as the engine runs well ( have you scanned for codes )

 

Yes, it only happens while the car is moving, including when it's in neutral. I would scan for codes but I don't have a VAG-COM.

 

Happens all the time or only after you start the car? Maybe the secondary air injection pump running/winding down?

 

Why was i under the assumption that only automatics have the secondary air injection???? Not saying you are wrong at all.. Im just wondering why i would have thought that, when it doesnt make sense...

 

It happens all the time. Only while driving though, not in idle.

 

Do you notice it happening when you are doing something specifically when driving? I know I had a noise that only happened when I wasnt on the accelerator. That helped me narrow my issue down a lot.

 

It's always there while my wheels are moving, if im idling and i rev the engine it's not there, if I'm driving and I put it in neutral it is there. I think it is something wrong with the rear axle or bearing?

 

???? rear wheel bearing or bad tire?