[dzelden]

Hi All, I'm new to the forums, and working on my 3rd 2.5 engine.
This is a 2012 Passat. I've confirmed not from the accessory area of the engine (acoustically confirmed from the rear of engine and loudest above the valve cover near the middle.
Here is a link to the video:

Here is a couple more:

I am lost for what this is without taking off the valve cover.

I don't expect many if any to have an explanation or idea or suggestion. The belts, pulleys and tensioners are good.

Thanks,

 

[-PLP-]

No, I do not have an idea yet.

But there are two things I would do.

One is to, with engine off, shake it, move it, with my hands. If that is a mount or the elastic exhaust pipe, it will squeak.

Second - to definitely exclude the belts, put a wrench on the tensioner and when the engine is running and squeaking, release the tension what should stop the belt from spinning other pulleys.
Sure, there is AC as well, so this one may be disconnected separately.

 

[dzelden]

You think it is possible the flex pipe is loose/damaged?
I have been reluctant to take off the belts for pulley/tensioner as the sound is clearly coming from the valve body area, but not necessarily the valve body. That is not a sound possible from the valve area, I believe.
I'll give it a go and remove belts and run car for 5 mins to see if we have the anomaly. It is strange.

 

[-PLP-]

Do not completely remove them.
correct me if I am wrong, but it seems the main belt (water pump) is loaded using spring tensioner, right? Then simply use a wrench to lift it up when the engine is running. Of course, I assume you know how to do it safely.

Can the flex be damaged? Yes, mine is... and mine leaks.
But it may be squeaky before it gives up (rust on the net).

 

[dzelden]

Every point checked in accessory area. Conclusive sound is not emanating from there. You can clearly hear it from the engine area. Taking to VW.

 

[Boomer Guy]

Every point checked in accessory area. Conclusive sound is not emanating from there. You can clearly hear it from the engine area. Taking to VW.

Mini Cooper's have a problem with premature wear in the vacuum pumps. This is a stretch, but you may want to check there, as well.

 

[dzelden]

Mini Cooper's have a problem with premature wear in the vacuum pumps. This is a stretch, but you may want to check there, as well.

Thanks. There is no vacuum leak and no oil from the gaskets. Sound has not been originating from VP.

 

[hsproyaya]

Sounds like something that is turning with a bad pulley bearing. Sounds can bounce around the engine bay pretty easy. I would use a mechanics stethoscope before ruling anything out.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Boomer Guy]

Sounds like something that is turning with a bad pulley bearing. Sounds can bounce around the engine bay pretty easy. I would use a mechanics stethoscope before ruling anything out.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

If you don't have access to one of these tools, you can use a long screwdriver with the handle touching your ear while touching the metal end to the suspect part. It will transmit any vibrations almost as well as the mechanic's stethoscope. I've seen several mechanics do this.

 

[-PLP-]

If you don't have access to one of these tools, you can use a long screwdriver with the handle touching your ear while touching the metal end to the suspect part. It will transmit any vibrations almost as well as the mechanic's stethoscope. I've seen several mechanics do this.

They are cheap.
Get one for like a few dollars from Harbor Freight...
I have one and it is great tool.

 

[Ichabod0525]

Disconnect the belt, run engine briefly & listen. Should narrow it down.