11 replies to this topic

[Richey]

During the past week I've noticed a squeaking sound coming from the engine, sounds as if it's directly behind the heater - but it's not the heater...

Originally I could only hear it when accelerating in 1st or 2nd, but this morning it was non-stop, for around 5 minutes when cruising in 4th. It eventually disappeared, and I didn't hear it again. Have recently fitted a new fan belt, so I don't think it's that.

Any ideas? Oh, and I need to drive tomorrow, anyone think it would be dangerous to do so?

[kingbenvolio]

Engine steady bushes?
Mine kept squeaking when they needed changing! ><

[Algordo1100]

If it where me I'd look at the fan belt first. All the more so since a new one has recently been fitted. It may need tensioning back up,
Just push down on the belt (Enigine off!!) to feel how much tension there is. Its easy to tighten it up if it needs it.

Having said that, fanbelts squeel more than squeak if they are loose or knackered (or both ;)

Al

[cliche]

During the past week I've noticed a squeaking sound coming from the engine, sounds as if it's directly behind the heater - but it's not the heater...


Any ideas?

I reckon it might be your avatar

[Richey]

Drove home, squeak was still there. It does actually sound like it could be coming from the fan belt. Sprayed a little WD40 there, and it seemed to help a little, but it's still there. How tense should the fan belt be? I wouldn't say it's slack, but it's not super tight...

[M J W J]

Is the squeak only there when moving or when the engine is running?

Could be anything from a belt, wheel bearing or clutch release bearing. Have had all of these squeak on me.

[Algordo1100]

Drove home, squeak was still there. It does actually sound like it could be coming from the fan belt. Sprayed a little WD40 there, and it seemed to help a little, but it's still there. How tense should the fan belt be? I wouldn't say it's slack, but it's not super tight...

Do not spray a lubricant on the belt! The belt needs to grip the pulleys. Its when it slips on them that it squeels!
Belt needs to be tight. not streatched but tight! If you can physically wiggly it about on the pulleys it is too loose. It needs to feel tight. Not tuned to an F Sharp tight but it should have noticable slight tension on it. Too tight will snap it, too loose and it will slip.

Al

Edited by Algordo1100, 28 February 2012 - 06:39 PM.

[Richey]

The squeak (or squeel) can only be heard when you've got your foot on the accelerator, moving or not. WD40 was used more on the alternator than fan belt. It's the original alternator (the car is a '95 Sidewalk) so it may be something to do with that... When I press on the fan belt, I can kind of move it a little. It's definitely not a tense fit at the moment. Going to take another look in the morning. Any suggestions for how I can tighten the fan belt? Also, am I taking a risk taking it out tomorrow? I take her out daily.

[Algordo1100]

The squeak (or squeel) can only be heard when you've got your foot on the accelerator, moving or not. WD40 was used more on the alternator than fan belt. It's the original alternator (the car is a '95 Sidewalk) so it may be something to do with that... When I press on the fan belt, I can kind of move it a little. It's definitely not a tense fit at the moment. Going to take another look in the morning. Any suggestions for how I can tighten the fan belt? Also, am I taking a risk taking it out tomorrow? I take her out daily.

It does sound like the belt. (difficult to diagnose from a description )
It will slip as the engine is revved and make a noise. The belt normally slips on the alternator pully as that is where the load is. If it is slipping then the alternator isn't being turned as much as it should be. This may cause the battery to discharge, and heat up the belt due to friction untill it snaps. Try putting a load on the alternator to see if it slips (and squeals). Start it and turn everything on, full beam, radio, fogs, the lot! Then listen to the belt for a while at tickover. As more electricity is needed the laod is higher on the alternator, it gets harder for the engine to turn it so if your belt is too loose it will slip and make a noise.

To tighten it normally I loosens the alternator, lever it forward and tighten it back up.
But Ive never done this on a 95 sidewalk so you shouldn't listen to me

Al

[Richey]

The squeak (or squeel) can only be heard when you've got your foot on the accelerator, moving or not. WD40 was used more on the alternator than fan belt. It's the original alternator (the car is a '95 Sidewalk) so it may be something to do with that... When I press on the fan belt, I can kind of move it a little. It's definitely not a tense fit at the moment. Going to take another look in the morning. Any suggestions for how I can tighten the fan belt? Also, am I taking a risk taking it out tomorrow? I take her out daily.

It does sound like the belt. (difficult to diagnose from a description )
It will slip as the engine is revved and make a noise. The belt normally slips on the alternator pully as that is where the load is. If it is slipping then the alternator isn't being turned as much as it should be. This may cause the battery to discharge, and heat up the belt due to friction untill it snaps. Try putting a load on the alternator to see if it slips (and squeals). Start it and turn everything on, full beam, radio, fogs, the lot! Then listen to the belt for a while at tickover. As more electricity is needed the laod is higher on the alternator, it gets harder for the engine to turn it so if your belt is too loose it will slip and make a noise.

To tighten it normally I loosens the alternator, lever it forward and tighten it back up.
But Ive never done this on a 95 sidewalk so you shouldn't listen to me

Al

Many thanks for your help! I'm going to take another look in the morning.

[Algordo1100]

No probs . I hope you sort it.

Al

[Richey]

NEWSFLASH!

I decided there was no point in waiting until the morning... Moved the alternator forward,started the engine, gave her a few revs and (touch wood) it's gone! Haynes manual said the fan belt shouldn't be slack by more than 13mm, which is was before. Nice and tight now.Topped her up with a little oil and water for good measure, too. Many thanks for your help, guys!

Edited by Richey, 28 February 2012 - 10:03 PM.