Squealing when turning wheel (updated)....could be belt?

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice. I have a 2003 1.9TDI 130pd Leon with 112K on the clock. Its been running fine, up until a short while ago. Its started sounding very rough when idle and when the air con was on, (its fine when its not running but sounds quite loud when its on (almost like a belt is wearing?). I took it to the local independent VW specialist today to have the cambelt changed. I asked them to look at what was wrong at the front, explained that the aircon doesnt sound right, and that theres a squealing noise when the wheels are turning on full lock.

They replaced the cambelt and said that the aircon compressor/condenser was on its last legs. They didnt have the part until tomorrow so it'll have to wait.

However on driving it home (I dont usually drive it, the Mrs does) it still seems to idle quite loud when the air con is off, and there is a squeal that really doesnt sound right when the wheels are turning. This squeal on seems apparent when the car is moving at a slow speed.

I sat the car on the driveway, started the engine, (aircon off) and turnt the wheel ever so slightly and the noise is quite bad.

I have taken a video to try and show you what I mean...

Video here

Any ideas what might be causing this noise? If my memory serves me right, it only really started after we had the tyres replaced a month or two ago, just before the MOT. Is it possible that somethings not aligned correctly, or could it be the power steering?

Anyone?

Thats what I originally thought, however you can hear the squealing and it keeps doing it whilst I hold the steering wheel to one side slightly, and the tyre is no longer moving.

I haven't checked the level yet. When you say pump, do you mean it's faulty/shot?
How difficult would it be to DIY a replacement?
I do my own standard servicing and have replaced brakes etc, but have never touched the steering. I'm generally ok if I have some instructions to follow!

Well bit of an update, just been out and checked the power steering fluid level and its below the minimum, so I guessing this is not helping the cause!

I shall top up tonight (hopefully) and see if that makes a difference. Its never been touched in our 4 years of ownership, but presumably the only reason for the lowering of the level is a leak? Cannot see signs of a leak at the moment, so guessing the best option is to top up and monitor?

Any further suggestions?

Well not entirely sure, so just looking for ideas and suggestions. Obviously with the power steering fluid being very low, I guess thats a starting point. Anyone know what the correct fluid is? I have a GSF nearby so can pop by there tomorrow.

lol, have you read the thread?

OK, I have topped up the fluid today, didnt take a lot at all, I also had paper under the car to try and detect any leak. Nothing.

I started up the mk4 golf at work with the exact same engine, and I could tell straight away that there was a difference in the idle tickover.

Now from what I can see the drive belt (not sure if this is the right name for the belt) on my leon looks a bit worn with some cracks on it.



Also when running, the tensioner seems to be rattling quite a bit, on the golf it was near on still.

Ive upped a vid of it running Here

Now from what I can see and from what i've read on here, am I right in thinking that this belt is connected to the power steering and air con? This would seem to point to why i'm having noises from the air con and power steering, if this is the route of the problem.

I've read up how to change the belt on here and it doesn't seem too difficult, just a bit of scraping knuckles! So this will be my next step.

Anyone else think this could be causing the problem?

Also, the belt has not been changed in the 70K that Ive had it. Is it normal wear by the sounds of whats happening, or is it possible the tensioners gone as well?

Have you changed your yet? Any difference?

Well it went to our local independent specialist the other day, advising that it didn't sound right and that theres was a squeaking and it was worse when the air con was on. The just said the a/c compressor/condenser was on last legs.
I'm thinking they may not be too reliable, as there seems to be a definite problem with the belt/tensioner!

Good thread, thanks! I'll test that tomorrow! So im thinking if the pulleys gone, then change that first, belt needs to be done anyway, see how it goes and then change the gemstones if needbe!