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Strange Noise/Vibration Front Right

 
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suther
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Post27-07-2004, 19:12    Subject: Strange Noise/Vibration Front Right Quote

I hope you can help me with this:
My Ali (115 HP, 6-speed manual transmission) is now 2 months old (5000 km) and has been making a rough, slightly droning 'grrr' sound when maintaining a certain speed since the beginning.
'I can reproduce the noise quite well when I'm in second gear, driving around 20-30 km/h (1800-2000 RPM), and I'm holding or alternating between the load point (acceleration/deceleration). However, the noise is generally audible in all gears, sometimes louder, sometimes quieter (but always only around the load point, meaning when maintaining speed, and only at 1800-2000 RPM).'
'Furthermore, you can hear it when you accelerate quickly, release the clutch, and it briefly appears around 2000 RPM as the engine speed drops. If you shift slowly and release the clutch gently, you don't hear the noise.'
Similarly, when quickly and abruptly engaging the clutch, a clattering noise occurs (which doesn't happen with a cold engine), or there's a feeling that something is continuing to swing or resonate.

Here's what I've checked:
- Loose wires in the engine compartment => none.
- Exhaust system mounting => sufficient space everywhere.
- Attach heat shields to the exhaust system => everything is secure.
- Internal components of the exhaust system => nothing rattles.
- Error codes => none.

I'm open to any suggestions, as I recently visited my Seat dealer, who spent a day investigating the issue and then sought help from a nearby VW workshop. Apparently, their computer system indicated that the driveshaft support bearing could produce such noises due to design-related tolerances within the 1800-2000 RPM range. According to VW, there is no solution available.
Subsequently, the SEAT workshop test-drove other Alhambras, and it turned out that all of them exhibited the same noise (it's very subtle: 2nd gear, approximately 30 km/h, then play with the accelerator). With that, the workshop concluded the matter with an apologetic smile ('You'll just have to live with it').
Could it really be the bearing? Is it possible that the bearing is defective, or that it will become defective due to these resonances?
Does anyone else experience the same sounds?

Thank you for the answers.
Alex.


Translated on 07-09-2026, 12:17.
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Bee
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Post09-08-2004, 16:35    Subject: Strange Noise/Vibration Front Right Quote

Hi,

'I'm experiencing the same 'problem.' To be blunt: I suspect it's related to your accelerator pedal. I've noticed that for every speed, there's a specific position of the accelerator pedal where I can hear the 'Grrrrr' sound. The sound is similar to the engine's 'idle knocking' (but a bit faster, when you're around 1500 or 2000 RPM). I suspect that a direct injection system might sound like this when it's injecting the exact amount of fuel needed for idle.'

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'Micha'


Translated on 07-09-2026, 12:21.
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suther
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Post10-08-2004, 20:46    Subject: Strange Noise/Vibration Front Right Quote

Hello everyone,

After repeated visits to the SEAT dealer and an inspection I carried out myself with the help of a friend who is a qualified mechanic specializing in VAG vehicles, I am, at least, a little bit wiser.
Both constant velocity joints have noticeable radial and axial play in the inner bearing (tripod bearing).
The right driveshaft vibrates significantly more than the left at 1500-1800 RPM. The intermediate shaft remains completely still.
If the constant velocity joint is 'locked' (due to manual manipulation, ground waves, or steering angles) at the aforementioned speed, it may vibrate in resonance with the inner bearing.
In one comparison vehicle, it was not present, and in another, it was also not present.
Most likely, it's due to tolerances in the manufacturing process, but the workshop doesn't know for sure.
The right-hand wave needs to be replaced again. However, the SEAT field service team should also inspect the wave.
My question is: Is it permissible for the tripod bearing to have some play? If so, what kind and how much? Is the bearing also replaced when the driveshaft is changed?
Would a balancing weight on the drive shaft sufficiently dampen the vibrations?
Thank you for your responses.

Greetings from Munich.
Alex.


Translated on 07-09-2026, 12:23.
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