The last few days I have noticed a loud weezing sound that happens at idle. It appears just after the engine revs drop back down after hitting the throttle. A bud of mine thinks its a bearing in the supercharger. When you locate and listen in to the sound, it really sounds bad. Anyone have or had a problem like this?


Cheers,

JJ

early 2003 Cooper S

 

Ok,

This is just a guess, so treat it as such. Check the big black PCV hose that can be seen on or near the valve cover. See if it appears mushy or oil saturated.This was a part that was eventually replaced on 04's I believe. You could try to have someone watch the hose while you rev tthe motor and then let off. Apparently it swells up under pressure then shrinks again under vacume.
Others have described it as making a "elephant" type of sound. Mine was replaced by the dealer when I showed him it had become mushy. It hadn't started making any noise yet, so I can't describe what your hearing, but it was definetly oil saturated. The part has been upgraded and now has a new part number.
Hopefully that's it.:smile:
If not, check it anyway, since it should be replaced for free by the dealer with the new one.

 

Gmack,


Thanks for the advice. I will check that hose. The sound is definately in that area under the intercooler and it does sound like an elephant that smokes alot of cigars. Hopefully it's just that and not a blown bearing in the supercharger.


Cheers,


JJ

 

Your welcome.

If that's it , the credit must go to Ryephile, since he informed me of the issue.

I doubt it's it's a failed bearing in the supercharger. I think the seal needs to fail and let all the oil out first. You should be able to see the oil. But, again I am certainly not a expert, seems like a lot more people have had issues with the hose though.

Good Luck.

 

I had the same issue with the vacume hose. All I had to do was push the hose a little farther onto the other tube that it connects to and vuala the noise was gone

 

Gmack,


You were absolutely correct. The noise is coming from that mushy oil soaked hose. It should be a quick fix at the dealer. I pinched it and the noise went away! Thanks again.

Cheers,

JJ :smile:

 

You are very welcome. That's what makes this board worthwhile !!!!:smile:

 

I think I may have the same problem (I have an '04 S). I just noticed for the first time last night a high-pitched, oscillating sound coming from the engine. I would describe it more like a thin-sounding table saw than an cigar-smoking elephant though, so I'm not sure if it's the same problem. I'll have to see if I can locate that valve. It does not sound healthy though.

 

If what your hearing is a very high pitch noise, that oscilates or changes when you move the steering wheel, that's completely normal. It certainly is unusual to here it when you first get the car, but you get used to it.
That sound comes from that electric motor powering the the powering steering.