Ticking noise when cold

[rourkemason]

Rapid “ticking” in engine area, noticed this morning on cold start. Car is Leon FR 184 TDI and i thought could it be just typical diesel cold start but i think it’s more than that. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SuperV8]

Sounds like your vacuum pump to me. Is that on your RH (timing belt) side?

 

[rourkemason]

Yeah it is on the timing side, what’s the typical cost of vacuum pump is it fairly straightforward and an at home job or garage? Not personally had one of these have issues before so it’s new to me.

 

[SuperV8]

Check for vacuum leaks first.
Has it suddenly got louder - or have you only just noticed?
New pumps are listed at around £350. Mounted in the sump - quite involved job to change, I would say beyond the average DIYer, If you wanted to change the vacuum pump, you might as well also change the timing belt.

However vacuum pump noise seems common and I have read that someone had theirs changed at the dealer for it only to stay quiet for a short while.
It's a simple robust vane pump so I wouldn't be concerned about it's reliability.