How Much Buzz?

[911/Q45]

Several questions lately on back seat buzz, probably from the fuel pump. Any thoughts on what buzz level is normal and what warrants replacement? Enquiring minds want to know!

[PalmerWMD]

any buzz level can can be made out with too mcuh effort, means fuel pump should be replaced.

If you wait ,you could be stranded, or worse take out the (much more expensive) fuel pump controller.

Fred....

[DAEDALUS]

Sorry Fred, I can't agree with that. My brand new factory pump was audible from day one, and the pressure reading is fine on it. Actually it was a little noisier on the first day than today; I assume it's breaking in.

[PalmerWMD]

Hmm ,

Interesting.

I defer to your judgment on his, we all wanted you as an online mechanic for a reason.

Fred...:thumbup

[greg_atlanta]

Mine has gotten a little noisy in the last 6 months, but only sporadic. Notice it more at 85-90 mph, but don't drive that fast for extended periods of time right now (did for thanksgiving/xmas road trips). I'm guessing that was the highest of the 3 speeds where it made the most noise.

I'll probably replace in summer to be safe, new pump should last longer than everything else on the car.....

Filling up at 1/3 to 1/2 a tank seems to help!

[Jman]

Hey guys,My fuel pump has buzzed for well over a year now. I tried to get it replaced when it got loud enough to hear over the radio at low volume. Passengers also commented "what's that noise. Warranty company wouldn't replace it till it fails. I thought for sure it would have gone by now, but it hasn't. In fact the buzzing went away for quite a while, but has recently started again. I'm sure the pump and the controller will fail just after the warranty expires. I'm not complaining though because I definitely have saved a ton of money from the warranty claims that have been covered.

Jman

[Q451990]

I think your ear gets tuned to a noise once you hear the part in failure mode... After the first pump was really noisy, I could still hear the new one operating if I listen closely. They make the same noise, one's just a lot louder than the other. My best test of any noise to see if my girlfriend can hear it. If she can, it's a problem! I think her hearing is detuned for anything mechanical.

Same deal with the transmission. Every Q transmission I've ever heard since my first one got noisy sounds like a ford power steering pump to me when it's cold.

Heath

[landtodd]

Hey guys,Passengers also commented "what's that noise?"

Mine, too. Before I replaced it, it sounded like an angry blender in the trunk.

Best time to listen for it is motor off, turn the key to run. It pumps full speed for 5 seconds. My new pump, 6 months old now, hums a little. I can hear it, but I listen for it. I absolutely never hear it when the motor is running.

Heck! The fuel pump needs replacing only every 80,000 miles or so. Go ahead and spend $270 on some peace of mind, plus protect that $450 fuel pump controller by doing so.

This is really easy DIY and a great place to save some money.