MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: hcmzah on December 03, 2025, 06:14:05 pm

Title: Chirping sound at low RPM - what could it be?
Post by: hcmzah on December 03, 2025, 06:14:05 pm

Hi all,

I'm getting a bird chirping sound when I accelerate very slowly up to 2k rpm. It sounds like it's coming from the right hand side of the car when in the cabin.
It only happens when I have my foot on the accelerator pedal, as soon as I let go, it stops. Doesn't happen if it's just rolling.

The sound is a lot more consistent when turning sharply.
I've jacked the front of the car up and tried driving, but no sound. So it seems like it only happens under load.

I've replaced both lower control arms, alternator belt and the dog bone mount but the sound is still there.
Could it possibly be the tensioner/pulley?

Title: Re: Chirping sound at low RPM - what could it be?
Post by: hcmzah on December 16, 2025, 10:58:13 pm

bump, any ideas?

Title: Re: Chirping sound at low RPM - what could it be?
Post by: mjmallia on December 17, 2025, 08:38:20 am

The alternator belt if not changed in the last 5-10 years.

The one way pulley on the alternator (made by INA) do fail, and the chirping can be the belt slipping

A pulley on the cam belt loop

I had them all LOL when I got the car years ago.

Title: Re: Chirping sound at low RPM - what could it be?
Post by: hcmzah on January 01, 2026, 01:28:38 am

thank you, i've ordered a new pulley for the alternator. i'll update on the results

Title: Re: Chirping sound at low RPM - what could it be?
Post by: hcmzah on January 03, 2026, 05:02:47 pm

still have the sound after changing the alternator pulley