So I have a weird issue here, I've noticed it for probably about 6 months. Didn't do it when I first bought the car last year though.

Whenever I have the car in boost (under a load) I can hear an audible ticking sound from the passenger side footwell. I can hear the turbo spool, which is a separate sound from the ticking noise. Not like a valve tick at all, but sounds exactly like an exhaust leak "tick". I've put the car on the lift and cannot find any exhaust leaks, but thats obviously with the engine off, so its hard to tell.

Car is all stock besides Hahn Intake.

Anyone else experience this issue or have any ideas what it could be??

 

is ur heater fan on, cause the fan ticks on my car on low speeds. but im sure thats not it

 

passenger side foot well... ya the blower motor?

 

My blower motor ticks too, but no, that is not the noise.

This is much more audible and comes from the passenger side footwell area under boost.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

Could it be the grade of fuel being used? I know on certian f/i cars low grade fuels will cause ticks/tings under load.

 

Definitely not a "ping" from detonation.

I only run Amoco 93 octane fuel. There is also no power loss. The noise is consistant, not abrupt like detonation is.

Sounds exactly like an exhaust leak to me. But from where is what I'm wondering about.

Thanks for the contribution though, all input is appreciated.

 

I'm no expert but I'd say check your suspension. Tie rods, CV joints and boots, axles, etc.

Does it do it under braking at all? Does the sound seem to follow the speed of the car and not the engine?

 

Is it cold out or anything? I was getting a lot of noise when my car was cold and cold outside. Some kind of ticking directly from turbo region

 

I had something similar that mostly went away but can sometimes faintly hear it. I can tell you it was not fan/suspension related because the tick speed increased with turbo speed/boost. Had it taken to the dealer and they couldn't find out what it was.

 

Replace the exhaust manifold-to-downpipe gasket (more like a crush washer.)

 

Hmmm.... would make sense in my case since my turbo was removed for a warranty issue.

 

I forget the part number. IamBroke has it.

Found it:

 

Good call...it definitely sounds like an exhaust leak.

I'll have to order one of those and replace it!!

Thanks for all the help everyone.

 

OP, did this resolve your issue?

I have the same noise. I was thinking maybe a bearing in my SC, but since you have a Turbo, an exhaust leak makes sense now.

 

I think I have the same problem sounds like its coming from the turbo. My car has been at the dealer for two weeks and they put in a new turbo and the sound is still there.

 

Haven't had a chance to do it yet actually!!

Been so busy working on other people's cars, no time for my own!!

 

OP have you tried this yet? I have the same noise.

 

Does it sound like this?
Cobalt - YouTube

 

^^^sounds like a cricket that likes the sound of throttle lol

 

Yes, that is exactly it. Seems to go away after the engine warms up.

 

That almost sounds like turbulent air hitting the turbo blades or something..... or maybe it the sound from the air hitting the turbo is resonating in the intake maybe? Does the boost fluctuate when it happens or stay steady?


I have a high pitch siren like noise at full boost in 2nd gear...... weird it doesn't do it in third or 4th . It almost sounds like interference with a microphone and speakers.

 

you are not going to believe me when I tell you this. But that sound is your wastegate. My car was at the dealer for this issue. They too couldn't figure out what the noise was. If someone can provide me a picture of the internal wastegate I can explain. Only reason I figured out what it was is because I replaced my turbo and was inspect the old one. And as soon as I touched the wastegate it made the exact sound. It's normal sound.

 

Wow, as in normal you're saying its not affecting performance? Should I take it in, its still under warranty?

 

I have the exact same problem more info please!!

 

No. It is not affecting performance at all. And even if you got it replaced the next one will do it too.

Let me see if I can find a picture to try and explain