Engine Squeaking

[aymen_a22]

My car has developed a squeak from the engine. When I rev the engine just above idle and let it settle there is a squeak. It doesn't vary pitch with engine speed it is constant and it does not come on any louder or more if I turn everything electric on, use the air con or power steering.

Any ideas what it could be?

By the way its a 110 TDI.

 

[leon_lee]

my lc used to squeak for a few seconds when i first started the car with air con turned on, it turned out that the belt which drives the air con pump was shot (cracked and split like mad), not done it since it was changed. didn't change pitch with revs.

 

[MATTCR]

Yeah it'll be the drive belt. Easy change, did mine in about 15 mins. Cheap part too.

 

[aymen_a22]

Stupid question but is the drive belt the 5 grooved belt? Also I just went to have a look at it and with the engine running the tensioner jumps around quite a lot, there are also quite a lot of little cracks in the belt, does this point further towards the drive belt? Also should I change the tensioner?

 

[aymen_a22]

Does anyone know what is classed as "Excessive Movement" of the Aux Tensioner?

I have been looking for a while and am unsure if the tensioner needs to be replaced or not. The current belt has a lot of little cracks in it and the tensioner does move.

 

[MATTCR]

I had to replace the belt tensioner too - so advise to change that if its wobbling about a lot (its suppose to move but mine was wobbling and making a right racket)

Belt is cheap and worth doing on any car

 

[rk696]

Try touching the radiator when it's squeaking - My octavia does the same thing when it's idling and it sounds awful as the radiator rubber mounts are shot.

If that doesn't help, try putting a bit of water on the aux belt. If it stops, the belt is the problem.

 

[aymen_a22]

I have bought a new belt to try first, any tips on fitting it? Screw driver and lever it or a 16mm spanner?

 

[rk696]

Get a spanner on the tensioner and pull it back. You will need a drill bit or similar to lock the tensioner in place while you change the belt over.

 

[aymen_a22]

I have replaced the belt (which was really stretched) and the tensioner pulley is hardly moving now however there is still a squeak around idle.

Is the pulley serviceable as the tensioner spring and damper seem strong still however the bearing in the wheel is giving up I think. Either that or is there another place it could be squeaking from? Maybe the alternator?

 

[rk696]

Try running the engine without the belt on. It won't damage anything. If the squeak stops, then something on the aux belt path is causing it.

 

[aymen_a22]

I am convinced it is something on the aux belt path however I am struggling to pin point where it is coming from. Is it worth spraying GT85 on the tensioner pulley or anywhere else? Also how do I test the alternator pulley?