Wheel spin = 'grating' noise...?

[The_Edge]

Wondered if anyone could help...

With the onset of acrtic conditions, noticed that when the front wheels of the Golf (GTi 150, '99) spin on the ice/snow, there's quite a pronounced grating type noise which I've not noticed before Sounds like it's coming from the front under-engine area, but can't be overly specific I'm afraid.

Some initial investigations via Google suggested it was potentially the diff, and that the noise was 'normal' !

Personally, being a Tiv owner, I find a noise like that difficult to ignore, so wanted to see if anyone more qualified than I could suggest:

1. If its likely to be the diff, or something else?
2. Is that kind of noise really normal or expected?
3. If I get it replaced (assuming it's required) then any idea on the level of complexity and cost?

Welcome any info in it to be honest, as I don't like leaving anything, so want it fixed asap if it's a proper problem, requiring attention.

Thanks in advance.

[Dr G]

I don't know about this specific problem but maybe a gearbox oil change as a starting point? If it comes out clean you've probably got no reason to worry about anything breaking down.

If it's full of iron filings you kno where to start looking.

[Tame Technician]

Has it got traction control????????

Its probably just the ABS pump running. Diff gearbox etc will make noise all the time if this is only when your spining in ice etc sound like the ABS pump to me. Is normal.

Try it with the TC switched off.

Disregard if it doesnt have traction control.

[Rollcage]

Tame Technician said:

Has it got traction control????????

Its probably just the ABS pump running. Diff gearbox etc will make noise all the time if this is only when your spining in ice etc sound like the ABS pump to me. Is normal.

Try it with the TC switched off.

Disregard if it doesnt have traction control.

My vote is for this - Z3 does the same. When on ice, the t/c will be working overtime, so it will be very pronounced.

[Mr Gearchange]

My puma does the same - i'm sure it's the ABS system kicking in to arrest the slip. Does sound horrible though.

[Silver940]

Ignore it my does the same always has. I suspect just a noise the diff makes as one side spins up.

[krallicious]

I have a Leon Cupra that does exactly the same. Turn the TC off and the sound does not seem to be so bad.

[Karlos69]

My Octavia does the same noise. I think it's just the traction control doing its thing.

[cptsideways]

Its the traction control asr stabibilty pump priming or activating, with the ASR switched off it wont do it until you set the abs off braking. Perfectly normal.

It'll run for a good 20 seconds with "handbrake" manouvers

[stewies_minion]

I've got a VW of a similar vintage.

I think I know the noise you're referring to.

Unless it sounds like the world's about to end, it's the traction control gear.

[The_Edge]

Appreciate the response - most reassuring, in the main

Will get the gearbox oil looked at irrespective...

Thanks again!

[Silver940]

Only traction control on my 99 golf is my right foot - doesn't work too well

Noise is normal, ignore it. Mines done 175k, time for a gearbox oil change?

[The_Edge]

Silver940 said:

Only traction control on my 99 golf is my right foot - doesn't work too well

Noise is normal, ignore it. Mines done 175k, time for a gearbox oil change?

Yes - same - mine's a '99 GTi (150). Got Katie Price's 18" alloys on though, so effective traction control via the loud peddal as well... no fancy gizmos here

[sider]

stewies_minion said:

I've got a VW of a similar vintage.

I think I know the noise you're referring to.

Unless it sounds like the world's about to end, it's the traction control gear.

I thought the same.

It does sound like a very 'broken' noise though doesnt it?

I once did a bit of off-roading and the hill descent control on a Land Rover is similar - sounds like every bit of the engine is breaking - but thats how its supposed to be apparently!

[Tim Netherton]

krallicious said:

I have a Leon Cupra that does exactly the same. Turn the TC off and the sound does not seem to be so bad.

My Leon Cupra does the same too

[Greendubber]

My A3 does it too, all the time in this weather!.

Nothing to worry about though.

[Johnyanorak]

It could be the noise of tyres on the road ?
hard wear tyres ?