Renzan

Hi everyone,

I did several searches on this issue but couldn't find a direct answer, so I decided to start a thread for this.

Vehicle: 2008 RDX.

Symptom:
- At low rpm (roughly 3500), when turbo spools up and turbo gauge needle rises, I hear a distinct pressurized air-venting sound. The sound is like when you missed the tire hole when filling up tire pressure. My foot is on the gas pedal, applying constant pressure. The air "sssshhh" sound is always there. To get rid of the sound, I have to let go of the gas pedal. When my foot is off, I hear the BOV venting air. I know what BOV venting sounds like. This constant strange air "ssshhh" sound didn't sound like BOV. When I go full boost (needle to the max), I can hear the strange leaking noise as well.

- I notice my turbo gauge needle doesn't jump as fast as all other RDX I've test driven. My RDX also seems to be have weaker turbo power.

My searches brought up Blow Off Valve (BOV) stuff, but BOV is designed to vent air when you "shift" or "letting go pedal", and I am not doing these 2 things. I know what BOV sounds like and also know what turbo "spools" sound like. The air venting noise I am describing here is not spooling or BOV. It sounds really like a leak coming out from somewhere.

To all 1st generation RDX owners (especially 2008-year owners), do you hear air venting "sssshhh" sound constantly when your turbo spools up?

Do you guys think this is a leak from somewhere?

I found two youtube videos where my air venting noise matches closely. In the video, you hear two sounds. One is from BOV when he shifts and this is correct. The second sound is when he is accelerating and the sound appears.


This one also has it:

Please let me know what you guys think and if your RDX does this.

I appreciate your help and input! Thank you.

wrestrepo

I don't think that there are any leaks in your turbo. My 07 would always have the hissing sound, but that's just the air flowing. Also keep in mind that the RDX turbo has a variable turbo valve that changes the volume of air coming in, and you "can tell" when the valve is in the open or close position.
I think that if there was a leak there would be a different sound (watch the SRT video 0:17 mark)

zerogravity

Our RDX.are pretty loud especially if.you have a.cold air.intake. and even without cai its still loud. Plus If it was a leak I don't think you boost gauge would hit.max...... sorry using my CEL phone

pickler

my rdx has been loud like that since day one. that's why i removed my SRI and went back to stock. scared some of my passengers sometimes if there is any leak it could be the BOV.

BigHatch

some of thos data logger apps can tell you how much boost you're making. Thats a solid answer.

pickler

just get it dynoed. it will can less than the cable sometimes.

danzio2020

My RDX is quite loud too, but reading through the forums I believe they are designed to be that loud. But a data logger or dyno will give you a definite answer.

08FLrdxSH-AWD

Personally, I really like that sound

bsn321

resurrecting an old thread but I'm looking at a used 2011 RDX - car is in great shape BUT it definitely makes a hissing noise upon acceleration - and not all the way through just in the beginning of accelerating. Definitely turbo related as no noise when revving in park. I have test driven about 6 other RDXs the past week and none of them made this noise. Any more thoughts or findings from this thread? Car dealer is Toyota but car is still under warranty to they are looking to see if they can find issue themselves or will ship off to Acura dealer down the street.

Many thanks!
Brad

Mtna2010

Brad... I have a 2011 RDX and get the hiss when I accelerate or let off the gas. The Acura tech said "maybe it does that after a while". Not happy with that diagnosis. Did you find out anything else? Did you buy it?
Ken

KenB350z

lol, half throttle the stock turbo is at over 10lbs. The turbo is super responsive. So, 15-20% throttle you are going to hear the little tiny turbo. Time for big lag prone turbo!!! GT35r!!!! Coming soon. Venture to the performance section!

crxtype-r

turbo car's make that noise . varies by car , turbo ,engine and throttle.
IT's NORMAL!!. btw that video of the srt with the cel on sounds horrible. but ken350z is right 1/2 throttle yore at 10lbs or so. the stock td04hl is super responsive . just a characteristic of the car you will have to get use to. rdx is a super reliable car as long as you don't abuse it and put it away . and keep up on maintenance.
renzan how many miles on your car. and did you buy it used? doubt there is any problem with the turbo unless your don't or the previous owner didn't take car of the car . I replaced 1 turbo at the dealer since the rdx came out 7 years ago. and it was for the customer changing the oil every 10k , same problem you get with the TSX timinig chain stretch p0341. those turbo's been around since the late 80's so their has been a lot of r&d done on them and yes the variable turbo flapper opens up as boost pressure increases to allow more top end power. And only run teir 2 gas!!!! per acura service news , directly recommended from acura .

crxtype-r

And yes the performance section is a must !

BigHatch

...there may be something to this...mine has also had a noticeable intake like sound, with the stocker back on. dealer even tried stock IC also...trying to track down what may potentially be a leak somewhere?? Problem is, its only really apparent under load/boost...so they are having a hard time in the shop trying to Dx.

..then again, these other posters didn't mention any codes. Maybe they have used RDX's without stock intake silencers

Spartan789

I'm resurrecting this post! I have a 2007 RDX with the same sounds as described. I am familiar with turbo cars. The turbo wooshing sound is coming from the extreme left dash area behind or near the turbo guage. Are there any vacuum lines in the dash? I'm going to tear it apart this weekend but just looking for some info. Thanks!

Spartan789

I'm resurrecting this post! I have a 2007 RDX with the same sounds as described. I am familiar with turbo cars. The turbo wooshing sound is coming from the extreme left dash area behind or near the turbo guage. Are there any vacuum lines in the dash? I'm going to tear it apart this weekend but just looking for some info. Thanks!

BigHatch

If you hear any hissing, check the intercooler to intake manifold coupler. after a ridiculous ordeal, a tear in that cheap lil part was the "overlooked by the dealer" culprit for me.

Spartan789

Well it turns out the rubber seal around the steering column as it passes through the firewall had become dislodged, allowing sound leakage to occur. Put it back in place and now it's silent as can be!