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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: al_bey on 14 April 2008, 17:46

Title: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: al_bey on 14 April 2008, 17:46
Got a minor problem......(hopefully)

When the car is just left idling, there is an annoying noise coming from the waterpump belt area. It sounds like a bearing or something :huh: needs a bit of lubrication, it happens at the same intervals about every half second when idling and increases when reved.

Has anyone got any ideas, can provide a video if needed. Cheers in advance
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: Leon R on 14 April 2008, 18:51
Get a long screwdriver and with the metal tip, place it on the water pump. Put your ear right against the handle, in effect listening to the screwdriver and you will hear the sound. By placing it on different parts ie PAS pump, Sump etc where the noise is the loudest, you will find the problem.

Pump bearings normally let go if belts are too tight or its had enough and you may find a small leak from the pulley area. If you can, you can try starting the engine without the PAS belt fitted to eliminate it as to where the noise is coming from?

Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: al_bey on 14 April 2008, 20:34
Ok cheers, i will give it a go tommorow. Do i simply disconnect the power steering pump?
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: dready chris on 14 April 2008, 20:36
Could just be the belt requires replacing or tightening up, mine was making some similar noise's untill I changed the belts.
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: al_bey on 14 April 2008, 20:44
I have noticed on the water pump belt that their is signs of cracking in between the teeth, however my friend at work said thats quite common and not to worry.

I dont think the belt is that old, i know it gets bloody wet tho everytime we have heavy rain, their is a line down the underside of my bonnet where the water is sprayed up off the belts. My engine seems to literally have no splash proof at all! Are mk3 renouned for this?
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: mundo on 15 April 2008, 13:32
I think I've got the same thing, like a ticking rattle coming from that area? Tried changing the belts but it didn't solve it.

Bloody annoying as it makes the car sound knackered.
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: golfmk31993 on 15 April 2008, 15:16
my 1.4 does this aswell, its like one of the pulleys that spins the belt is loose and rattling or sumthing
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: al_bey on 15 April 2008, 17:40
Yeah, its coming from one of those belts/pulleys. I dont think it has anything to do with the actual belts. I reckon water has got inside the bearing on one of the pulleys because its literally open to the road. The bearing must be a bit buggered, but im thinking this could be expensive and really dont know what to do.

I know what you mean about making it sound knackered, its really annoying because my car is running better than ever at the moment (touch keyboard). We need to solve this one  :laugh:
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: mundo on 15 April 2008, 18:14
Mine has the plastic cover around the belts so I would have thought that would keep out the worst of the spray?

Does sounds like something needs lube though....If I solve it I'll post back.
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: harlemex on 15 April 2008, 18:48
Mine does it. Its your waterpump bearings making the noise. If theres no coolant loss, then there is no hurry in changing it.(waterpump)  If you decide to have a go at this one yourself, dont forget to buy a new thermostat and seal  You,ll need new coolant also as it will drain out when pump is removed.. Waterpump and thermo about £25 from europarts.  :wink:
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: golfmk31993 on 15 April 2008, 19:31
my 1.4 is loosing the slightest bit of coolant, i have to top it up like evry month or so,
does this mean my waterpump bearings need replacing then?
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: harlemex on 15 April 2008, 20:21
After reading ur previous thread, i would say so, yes. Im not sure if your waterpump is the same as my gti one(i will find out if u like). However the sound you described sounds exactly like mine. Some coolant loss is also coherant with knackered waterpump bearings. You cannot change the bearings though, a complete pump is required.(they are reasonably cheap tho, if u fit one urself). Change the pump and ur coolant will no longer disappear(unless there is further probs. but i doubt it) :smiley: :smiley: :smiley: :smiley: :laugh:
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: golfmk31993 on 15 April 2008, 20:46
is changing the waterpump somthing i could do myself, im not a mechanic and i have no experience as a mechanic,

how much is a new waterpump?
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: al_bey on 15 April 2008, 23:23
Cheers for your help harlemex, i might have to do it. I dont loose any coolant, but the bearing might still be buggered. So i'll weigh up the options and see if it's worth it. Nice one  :smiley:
Title: Re: Annoying noise coming from engine
Post by: harlemex on 19 April 2008, 16:45
You're welcome Al_bey.

Golfmk31993:-  Changing the waterpump is something you can do yourself, I am about to do mine. I have a fair bit of experience and would say this job is relatively straight forward, although may be a tad tricky for a beginner. Best to get a haynes manual(or a bentley manual which is better) and have a good read through, then see if you feel confident enough.  :drool: