T6 Ocean TDI 4M DSG with 3 zone AC - rattle / vibration from area behind rear near side air vents

[Gavin UB]

First of all I just want to say what a fantastic resource this forum and its members are and have been throughout our 9 and a half years ownership. I have posted very little as we don’t normally use any social media. In all that time I have never failed to find the answer to any problem, until now!

Our vehicle has developed a significant rattle and vibration that emanates from behind the air vents on the rear near side beside the C pillar. The rattle occurs on any surface that is not perfectly smooth and the rattle / resonance occurs when engine rpm is approaching 1400, especially under torque.

I am pretty certain that I have eliminated all usual causes and have had an independent VW mechanic listen who believes part of the ‘mechanism’ behind vents has become loose. I have an appointment for a trim specialist to take out the trim and casing and inspect area behind for any obvious causes.

I have found a schematic plan for area behind the C pillar but not the area behind fans. The vehicle has 3 zone air conditioning, I have been unable to establish if the fans in that area have their own motor / condenser or something else sited in that area to cause such a rattle if it has become loose. If it is only air ducting I’m not sure how it is attached behind trim but doubt that could cause the noise. Even rocking the van from side to side can cause the rattle.

If anyone can help we would be very grateful and we certainly value the knowledge, time and effort many members put into making this forum so valuable.

Very much hoping someone can help.

Many thanks.

G

 

[WelshGas]

First of all I just want to say what a fantastic resource this forum and its members are and have been throughout our 9 and a half years ownership. I have posted very little as we don’t normally use any social media. In all that time I have never failed to find the answer to any problem, until now!

Our vehicle has developed a significant rattle and vibration that emanates from behind the air vents on the rear near side beside the C pillar. The rattle occurs on any surface that is not perfectly smooth and the rattle / resonance occurs when engine rpm is approaching 1400, especially under torque.

I am pretty certain that I have eliminated all usual causes and have had an independent VW mechanic listen who believes part of the ‘mechanism’ behind vents has become loose. I have an appointment for a trim specialist to take out the trim and casing and inspect area behind for any obvious causes.

I have found a schematic plan for area behind the C pillar but not the area behind fans. The vehicle has 3 zone air conditioning, I have been unable to establish if the fans in that area have their own motor / condenser or something else sited in that area to cause such a rattle if it has become loose. If it is only air ducting I’m not sure how it is attached behind trim but doubt that could cause the noise. Even rocking the van from side to side can cause the rattle.

If anyone can help we would be very grateful and we certainly value the knowledge, time and effort many members put into making this forum so valuable.

Very much hoping someone can help.

Many thanks.

G

The T5 & 6 are the same.
There is a lot behind that trim panel.



And a video to show it being removed.

 

[Gavin UB]

The T5 & 6 are the same.
There is a lot behind that trim panel.

View attachment 137346

And a video to show it being removed.

 

[Gavin UB]

Many thanks WelshGas. You have, and despite moving on, always been a wealth of knowledge. Just between tube and train at moment but will view video later. I’ll let you know how we get on.

Very best with your new vehicle and next stage of your life.

Once again, many thanks.

Gavin

 

[Gavin UB]

Hi

Many thanks WelshGas. You have, and despite moving on, always been a wealth of knowledge. Just between tube and train at moment but will view video later. I’ll let you know how we get on.

Very best with your new vehicle and next stage of your life.

Once again, many thanks.

Gavin

Hi WelshGas,

Having watched video it sounds as though the only item behind the air vents is the AC metal ducting pipe. If a retaining clip has come loose that may account for both rattle and vibration.

For clarity it is from behind these air vents that rattle / knocking is coming from.

Many thanks.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi

Hi WelshGas,

Having watched video it sounds as though the only item behind the air vents is the AC metal ducting pipe. If a retaining clip has come loose that may account for both rattle and vibration.

For clarity it is from behind these air vents that rattle / knocking is coming from.

Many thanks.View attachment 137365

Ok. I cannot think of anything behind those vents that could such problems. But noise can be transmitted. Have you raised the roof and check all the roof fittings on that side and compare closely with the other side. Look in particular for a small piece of rubber tubing on the rear roof scissors.

 

[headsuk]

First of all I just want to say what a fantastic resource this forum and its members are and have been throughout our 9 and a half years ownership. I have posted very little as we don’t normally use any social media. In all that time I have never failed to find the answer to any problem, until now!

Our vehicle has developed a significant rattle and vibration that emanates from behind the air vents on the rear near side beside the C pillar. The rattle occurs on any surface that is not perfectly smooth and the rattle / resonance occurs when engine rpm is approaching 1400, especially under torque.

I am pretty certain that I have eliminated all usual causes and have had an independent VW mechanic listen who believes part of the ‘mechanism’ behind vents has become loose. I have an appointment for a trim specialist to take out the trim and casing and inspect area behind for any obvious causes.

I have found a schematic plan for area behind the C pillar but not the area behind fans. The vehicle has 3 zone air conditioning, I have been unable to establish if the fans in that area have their own motor / condenser or something else sited in that area to cause such a rattle if it has become loose. If it is only air ducting I’m not sure how it is attached behind trim but doubt that could cause the noise. Even rocking the van from side to side can cause the rattle.

If anyone can help we would be very grateful and we certainly value the knowledge, time and effort many members put into making this forum so valuable.

Very much hoping someone can help.

Many thanks.

G

Long shot ! Had a rattle for a while at the rear done everything possible and it drove me daft. But eventually found it, the brake shims at the rear were the culprits. When it starts to rattle push the brakes and see if it stops.

 

[Gavin UB]

Ok. I cannot think of anything behind those vents that could such problems. But noise can be transmitted. Have you raised the roof and check all the roof fittings on that side and compare closely with the other side. Look in particular for a small piece of rubber tubing on the rear roof scissors.

Had that rattle a few years ago and replaced piece of hosepipe! Current noise is apparent with roof up as well. Hoping that it is just an AC pipe attachment lug that needs tightening or reattaching? It’s definitely from that very specific area.