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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 17:45

Title: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 17:45
Hi there,

My 1992 1.8 GL has been bugging me for a while with a belt noise which is audible when cold, as soon as the engine heats up it goes away though.

I had a look at the cam belt and this is what it looks like, is it normal for it to have a gap at the side?

(http://i.imgur.com/uihT8T2.jpg)

Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: Screech16v on 23 May 2013, 17:54
Ive done three vw cam belts in the last couple of weeks and all seem to run like that,as long as the belt isn't hanging over the otherside I wouldn't worry,is it due a belt?
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 18:09
Ive done three vw cam belts in the last couple of weeks and all seem to run like that,as long as the belt isn't hanging over the otherside I wouldn't worry,is it due a belt?

Don't think so. It's on 95000 miles, had it changed at 55 I think.

I've replaced the water pump recently and that belt looks fine. Only other one is the PAS pump one? How easy are they to replace?
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 23 May 2013, 18:10
My belt position sits exactly the same, before and after I changed it. As for the squeaking it could be down a worn belt tensioner bearing.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 23 May 2013, 18:11
PAS belts are an absolute doddle to change and only cost a few quid.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: GOLF-MK3-GTI on 23 May 2013, 18:12
My belt position sits exactly, before and after i changed it. As for the squeaking it could be down a worn belt tensioner bearing.

If it is then i would change it asap. Dont want the tensioner to break.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 23 May 2013, 18:16
Not unless you like bent valves anyway.  :rolleyes:

I'd get that PAS belt swapped over first though mate.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 18:28
You can hear it in this clip though it isn't very loud.

http://snd.sc/197UYWD

How difficult is it to replace the belt tensioner?
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: GOLF-MK3-GTI on 23 May 2013, 18:45
If you are going to replace, I would also get the cambelt done. Infact if you buy a cambelt kit, you'll get tensioners with it.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 18:50
If you are going to replace, I would also get the cambelt done. Infact if you buy a cambelt kit, you'll get tensioners with it.

Well I'll try the PAS belt first, see if the noise goes away. Has any one got any info/guide on how to change the PAS belt?

I've replaced the waterpump and had the alternator out twice in the past fortnight so I'd rather avoid taking it all out again to do the cambelt if it's the PAS belt.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 19:31
Quick question, could I simply take the belt off and run the car and see if it stills makes the noise? How do I take it off?
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: hill1975 on 23 May 2013, 19:55
My car makes the exact same noise, and i think its the actual power steering pump. I sprayed mine with multi spray when it was running, and the noise went straight away.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 20:08
My car makes the exact same noise, and i think its the actual power steering pump. I sprayed mine with multi spray when it was running, and the noise went straight away.

Multi spray? Is that like WD40? Where did you spray it?
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: itavaltalainen on 23 May 2013, 20:22
just get a new belt already scrooge  :rolleyes:
(without AC - i.e. water pump running on the ribbed belt you can take it off to test if its the p/s belt but the sound it almost with no doubt just that)


5£ and you can change it in 5 minutes... not worth squirting wd40 on.

put steering wheel to full right lock... then you dont have to jack it up unless it's lowered
lock at the p/s belt, you'll see a nut on the p/s pump with a bolt in there (no 3). loosen that bolt a bit.... don't turn the nut yet.

loosen nuts/bolts 1, 2, 4
 
(http://imageshack.us/a/img849/4734/ribbedbeltv481044.png)

turn the big nut at no 3.... take belt off, put new one on... put it tight (should be able to still push through for a few cm)... run engine for a short while, recheck tension, do bolts up - done
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: VW BUSH on 23 May 2013, 20:31
just get a new belt already scrooge  :rolleyes:
(without AC - i.e. water pump running on the ribbed belt you can take it off to test if its the p/s belt but the sound it almost with no doubt just that)


5£ and you can change it in 5 minutes... not worth squirting wd40 on.

put steering wheel to full right lock... then you dont have to jack it up unless it's lowered
lock at the p/s belt, you'll see a nut on the p/s pump with a bolt in there (no 3). loosen that bolt a bit.... don't turn the nut yet.

loosen nuts/bolts 1, 2, 4
 
(http://imageshack.us/a/img849/4734/ribbedbeltv481044.png)

turn the big nut at no 3.... take belt off, put new one on... put it tight (should be able to still push through for a few cm)... run engine for a short while, recheck tension, do bolts up - done

Sense.

Should have done the cam belt and tensioner if you changed the water pump already, 50k is about max for belt and bearing life :wink:
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 23 May 2013, 20:52
I thought the interval was 60k? And I only changed the pump because one of the bolts sheared off when I was changing the thermostat.

And tbh I'll be throwing the car away in less than 4 months or trading it in for something newer depending on a job I'm waiting to hear about.

I'll have a go at taking the belt off in the morning and then order a new one if the noise disappears. And it's £3 actually :P
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: VW BUSH on 23 May 2013, 20:57
I thought the interval was 60k? And I only changed the pump because one of the bolts sheared off when I was changing the thermostat.

And tbh I'll be throwing the car away in less than 4 months or trading it in for something newer depending on a job I'm waiting to hear about.

I'll have a go at taking the belt off in the morning and then order a new one if the noise disappears. And it's £3 actually :P
If you're binning it then put up with the squeal :grin:
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 24 May 2013, 10:30
Few blasts of WD40 between all the pulleys and the noise has gone. Yay to no longer getting pitying looks whilst waiting at traffic lights...  :drool:
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: Len on 24 May 2013, 13:36
You will need to change the PAS belt soon. Squealing is a sign of a worn or slack belt.

Had my car 10 years now and have changed that belt 3 times so far so it does need doing regularly!
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 24 May 2013, 17:51
You will need to change the PAS belt soon. Squealing is a sign of a worn or slack belt.

Had my car 10 years now and have changed that belt 3 times so far so it does need doing regularly!

It's not squealing.
Title: Re: Belt noise when cold
Post by: mikeorchard on 01 June 2013, 15:47
So I got a belt for £3 and went to try and change it today, but could only find bolts 1, 3 and 4 from the picture above. Turns out somebody must have had a go at it before me... and snapped bolt 2 off.

I was dubious about it being the belt anyway, as it looks in okay condition and doesn't appear to be slipping. Oh well.