Squeaky engine

[rf860]

Recently i have notice that my car is squeaking on idle slightly. On start up the engine sounds quite 'ticky' when cold only. I think that is is coming from the cambelt or alternator belt and i sprayed them both with some WD40 (not sure whether this is a good idea or not), but the noise persists. The alternator belt was replaced under warranty as apparently there was a split on in back in january. I made this short video to try and show you the noise but it does not show up too well. At the time of the video, the engine was up to temperature and the mileage is 38k. The car is due a service in 3k.
http://s741.photobucket.com/albums/xx57/rf860/

 

[Jimski]

Did you ever solve this, im in the same position at the mo!

Jimski

 

[stezo2k]

Fan belt? Mine squeeked like hell when it first starts up then eventually goes away, got it changed and all is good

 

[Jimski]

Hmmm, mine squeeks on startup, and never 'really' goes away, which is why i was leaning towards a pulley bearing.

Suppose its just one of those jobs, where you need to change a couple of things!

Jimski

 

[rf860]

Hmmm, mine squeeks on startup, and never 'really' goes away, which is why i was leaning towards a pulley bearing.

Suppose its just one of those jobs, where you need to change a couple of things!

Jimski

mines is gone now, i think the bad weather with all the grit dried out the belt and it started squeaking, just sprayed LOADS of wd40 and its went away

 

[Martin_FR]

mines is gone now, i think the bad weather with all the grit dried out the belt and it started squeaking, just sprayed LOADS of wd40 and its went away

You really shouldnt spray any WD40 on any belts.
If it was the alternator belt then it is squeaking due to it slipping, hence while it will often be worse in the rain/wet weather. Spraying WD40, a lubricant will make it worse.
Try increasing the tension on the belt using the tensioner to adjust it

 

[rf860]

You really shouldnt spray any WD40 on any belts.
If it was the alternator belt then it is squeaking due to it slipping, hence while it will often be worse in the rain/wet weather. Spraying WD40, a lubricant will make it worse.
Try increasing the tension on the belt using the tensioner to adjust it

isn't wd40 a water displacement spray, hence the 'ed'?

 

[GlanzaV]

Straight from WD40.com

It also displaces water by the virtue of it being an oil.

 

[Martin_FR]

Yes it does displace water from the likes of ht leads, electrical connections but at the same time it does act as a lubricant, hence why it frees up locks, bolts, hinges etc.
Im sure many more people would agree with me in saying it shouldnt be sprayed on belts. It wont help the belt to grip better, and the squealing noise is most likely to be the belt slipping.

 

[Bondiblu]

Yes it does displace water from the likes of ht leads, electrical connections but at the same time it does act as a lubricant, hence why it frees up locks, bolts, hinges etc.
Im sure many more people would agree with me in saying it shouldnt be sprayed on belts. It wont help the belt to grip better, and the squealing noise is most likely to be the belt slipping.

Agreed, belts are not meant to be lubricated, generally if they slip, they are worn or incorrectly tensioned as already mentioned.

 

[MillsyFR]

I seem to have the same problem on my Ibiza FR TDI, really is annoying! So what is it likley to be? The alternator belt, the fan belt or a pulley?

 

[Blanco92]

I seem to have the same problem on my Ibiza FR TDI, really is annoying! So what is it likley to be? The alternator belt, the fan belt or a pulley?

If you sit the car in neutral, lift the bonnet, then turn the steering to full lock (either direction) do you hear a clattering noise? Or do you see the poly V belt vibrating?

If so, your alternator pulley needs replacing.

 

[neil_g]

in fact WD40 doesnt really do a good job of keeping out water.. the oil causes dirt to stick and the dirt attracts water.

 

[Jimski]

I seem to have the same problem on my Ibiza FR TDI, really is annoying! So what is it likley to be? The alternator belt, the fan belt or a pulley?

I changed my fan belt, solved the problem, 10-15mins work!


Jimski

 

[MauriceRKK]

If you sit the car in neutral, lift the bonnet, then turn the steering to full lock (either direction) do you hear a clattering noise? Or do you see the poly V belt vibrating?

If so, your alternator pulley needs replacing.

I also have the same problem! On idling I have a loud squeaking, when I switch my lights on, Wipers, press brake or use anything electrical that would suck a heavy load it squeaks. I just had the alternator pulley belt replaced so what could be causing mine?

 

[Blanco92]

I also have the same problem! On idling I have a loud squeaking, when I switch my lights on, Wipers, press brake or use anything electrical that would suck a heavy load it squeaks. I just had the alternator pulley belt replaced so what could be causing mine?

Maybe the auxiliary belt... difficult to say without seeing the car, I'm purely speculating.

 

[darkhorse]

Sometimes self adjusting tensioner can stick. I've removed the belt and turned the tensioner through it's full movement range, refitted and that's solved the squeaking.

 

[MillsyFR]

If you sit the car in neutral, lift the bonnet, then turn the steering to full lock (either direction) do you hear a clattering noise? Or do you see the poly V belt vibrating?

If so, your alternator pulley needs replacing.

Cheers, I'll try changing the fan belt and alternator pulley.

 

[Edward9th]

I agree with Martin FR - WD40 on belts? Absolutely not!!! If you have, then I'd advise a quick degrease ASAP!

 

[Martin_FR]

If the squealing gets worse when putting on lights, rear demister or the heaters then its most likely to be the auxiliary belt slipping due to not enough tension. Try adjusting the tension more, and if that doesnt solve it then it will need a new belt as the belt will be stretched. The belt starts to slip because more current / voltage is being drawn from the battery and the alternators having to work harder.
Also, aux belt is sometimes referred to as fan belt but thats just because on older cars the fan was driven by a belt and often squeaked.
I would try tightening or replacing the belt first before going for pulleys, although Iv heard a few VAG cars with the problem when on full lock and it is the pulley on the alternator, but think it only happens when on full lock?