Problems with my VZ Commodore. Help please!

[NAPOLI986]

Hi everyone.

Couple of issues with my 2005 VZ Commodore. I have had the car for nearly two years and just put up with the issues but I thought I'd come on this forum to get some advice and get them fixed.

1. Whine/whistle noise coming from engine:
This noise is always there and gets louder with a push of the accelerator. However at high speeds it cant really be heard unless I push down on the accelerator. I have been told that this noise is normal however I am sceptical as it does not sound normal. The noise can also be heard at idle. I really don't know much about cars and tried to do some research, and read that it could one of the following - a jock pulley, belt tensioner pulley, idle pulley under the tensioner pulley, balancer pulley, alternator, purge hose. What do you guys think??

I have posted a couple of videos on YouTube of the noise, hopefully you guys can hear it to know what I am talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWDg3PcBs4I&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2YU4YhYi9k&feature=youtu.be

2. Knocks and clicks coming from the diff:
I have done a little bit of research on this and it seems to be quite common in VZ's. Pretty sure my diff is a LSD, as I said I don't know much about cars! I've taken it to a diff specialist and he tells me I have nothing to worry about, just that it will be annoying, which it definitely is! The diff knocks when I turn the wheel at low speeds and also when coming to a stop it thumps. Sometimes it clicks when I come to a stop. Also it sort of knocks down into gears when I just rolling. Hope I've explained this well enough. I heard there is a special oil which can be placed into the diff to 'fix' it. I definitely can't sell it like this..

3. Tacho is out of whack:
Sometimes the digital speed is different to the analogue, sometimes just a couple k's out and sometimes as much as around 10kph. Sometimes it works fine but I don't know which one is correct? It is very annoying especially when passing speed cameras. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sickest]

the whine/whistle noise is normal, my car sounds the exact same and ive got a vz commodore aswell.

 

[NAPOLI986]

Really? Well that sucks.

Can anyone else give me their opinion on my car's other issues?

 

[88GreenVN]

If the bearings on the front pullies are shot - this could be the sound they make. Sounds like something that is going around - a bearing on the front of the motor maybe.

 

[routier1642]

My VZ Adventra Alloytec 190 engine sounds exactly the same, and it runs beautifully.

 

[Big Red VF-SII Go-kart]

The clunk-clunk-clunk from the differential in the circumstances you describe is indeed very common and is not a fault. People not familiar with Commodores may regard it ... even argue heatedly, that it is a fault, but it is not. The digital display and analogue display are two different technologies which will have their own distinct quirks. You will also have unreliable readings on worn tyres (conversely, reasonably accurate readings on new tyres). Use the digital speed if concerned about speed cameras. Otherwise, just slow down below the maximum.

The idler pulley makes that whining noise, which will also be heard whether the bonnet is up or down at idle. I have had mine replaced (123,000km). The faster the engine speed the more noticeable the whine is. These idler pulleys are quite the 'weak link' in the engine and have a lot of replacements made (source: my own techie serving VP, VZ Commodores).

Be aware that if there is a whine or a clicking from the rear of the car that could indicate the fuel pump is on the way out, but it would also be accompanied by other irregularies (stalls, rough idling, faltering when starting off from a stop).

 

[Auzziephoenix]

Answer to question 3, I had the exact same issue and i ended up replacing the entire cluster. 0 issues since.

 

[Don123]

I listened to your 2 videos. Music to my ears,the engine sounds beautiful just like my car.

 

[kangavxss]

Wow that engine whine noise is annoying...Note to self" dont buy a vzv6 in the future". Diff noise shouldnt be normal in any car. Get your mechanic to try changing the diff oil if that might help.

 

[NAPOLI986]

The clunk-clunk-clunk from the differential in the circumstances you describe is indeed very common and is not a fault. People not familiar with Commodores may regard it ... even argue heatedly, that it is a fault, but it is not.

The idler pulley makes that whining noise, which will also be heard whether the bonnet is up or down at idle. I have had mine replaced (123,000km). The faster the engine speed the more noticeable the whine is. These idler pulleys are quite the 'weak link' in the engine and have a lot of replacements made (source: my own techie serving VP, VZ Commodores).

Be aware that if there is a whine or a clicking from the rear of the car that could indicate the fuel pump is on the way out, but it would also be accompanied by other irregularies (stalls, rough idling, faltering when starting off from a stop).

The clunks that I am hearing definitely are not normal and is a fault. Sometimes even when I floor it, the car jolts and jolts like the diff is kicking back or something. Definitely not normal.

Thanks, I will have this idler pulley replaced. Spoke to a mate who's a mechanic, he says he's gonna pull the belt and that pulley off and if the noise goes away then he will replace it.

Yes there is a click from time to time (very rarely actually depends what mood the car is in). But I am fairly certain it is coming from the diff. The car is smooth on idle, doesnt stall etc. Thanks for the heads up anyway. You've been a great help mate.