Strange sound when accelerating in 1st or 2nd gear (audio link)

Hi all,

I suddenly experience a very weird sound when accelerating in 1st or 2nd gear. I don’t experience this sound whatsoever as soon as I’m in 3rd or higher. Only occurs while hitting the gas. Any ideas what this could be? I drive an Opel/Vauxhall/Buick Insignia/Regal CDTI (2010). Many thanks!

For the sound: Opel Insignia acceleration sound - YouTube

This is primarily a US site so explain a couple of things… 1) CDTI, turbo diesel engine? and, the biggie, 2) What transmission? Manual or automatic?

Might also be useful if you told us how many miles on this Opel.

I’d also say, I have no idea what this sound is but if it is only in 1st and 2nd, and this is a manual, I’d say you have a gearbox problem. That’s a wild donkey guess. Could be tires. Could be brakes. I’m blind here. Have a mechanic check it over or wait until it gets more expensive (louder).

Hi, sorry about that. Indeed, it’s a turbo diesel engine. Manual transmission and the mileage is at 175.000 km (around 110.000 miles).

Don’t believe it could be the brakes. Tires… can’t rule it out. Gearbox… might well be possible. I will have it checked shortly, but am mainly concerned about a long drive (500 miles) I have ahead of me later today. Thanks for your feedback!

While we are all guessing blindly, I agree that it sounds like a gearbox problem.

I’d at least check the tranny lube before your trip.

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