DSM sound like a bus?

[PlanZero]

OK, not to sound like a total idiot but I can't figure this out. I picked up a 420a rs for my gf awhile ago, and since I got it it sounds like a small bus from inside the cockpit. When I look under the hood I don't hear it. The sound is mostly at lower speeds and changes increases with acceleration, and I can hear it while idling. The car runs fine, just sounds like it's straining or whirring or something, like my old 4runner in 4wd. I'm leaning towards a belt/ pulley issue.
To make matters much worse, this sound now started on my Tsi awd. The same exact sound. All my belts, water pump, etc. Have less than 20k on them. No performance issues, and it's definitely not the awd. It's freaking me out. I should also mention that in the extreme cold here in PA my Tsi makes a brief crunching sound upon cold start up (only overnite), coming from the timing belt area I believe. Originally thought it was the PS pump but no other symptoms.

 

[oneslowwdsm]

Might be a wheel bearing. I'm from Detroit so I know 2g's start making all kinds of funky noises in the cold, could be normal.

 

[Charcoal162]

did you rub a whole in your flex pipe thats right under your shifter even a small one can make your exhaust pipe vibrate and really make alot of noise when my powersteering pump went it was fine at idle then it moaned like a whore when i drove took me forever to figure it out i thought it was the water pump

 

[PlanZero]

Not the wheel bearing(s). This sound, on both cars, can be heard at idle, then gets louder upon acceleration. Also not the flex pipe.

 

[Charcoal162]

i would just get under your car with a flashlight and make sure nothings rubbing at first because obviously somthing in the condition of your car has changed and if you can rule out a wire touching a belt or maybe a loose motor mount thats making extra vibration. then it saves you from tearin into it when you dont have to. its possible you could of messed up a bearing in the tranny mabye the input shaft considering that spins at idle. its tough without actually hearing this noise

 

[luv2rallye]

The brief crunching sound upon cold start up is usually a loose belt or worn out harmonic balancer - check them.

 

[911gdsmboostin]

Bus sound most likely exhaust leak probly small one I've Diageo many leaks being a mechanic some are hard to find try holding rag over tip and get under car to listen for hissing air.. and if by any chance your in the Pittsburgh area I'm near it and could possibly help

 

[PlanZero]

Luv2rallye, what's the easiest way to check this? It's ridiculously cold with snow on the ground and I don't have a garage. I briefly checked the tension on all belts and they don't feel loose at all. After I let her warm up a bit, I think I smell a faint burnt odor, but it may be my imagination.
Also, let me clarify; the sound I'm hearing (from inside) reminds me of a city bus, sounding like a truck in four wheel drive. It's a straining sound, not a loud exhaust. It doesn't feel strained, just sounds louder than normal, if that makes sense.

 

[JackStieben]

Is there any way you can post a video? It might be easier to figure out what it is and what exactly you're talking about.