Annoying noise coming from engine

[al_bey]

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 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

[Leon R]

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?

[al_bey]

Ok cheers, i will give it a go tommorow. Do i simply disconnect the power steering pump?

[dready chris]

Could just be the belt requires replacing or tightening up, mine was making some similar noise's untill I changed the belts.

[al_bey]

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?

[mundo]

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.

[golfmk31993]

my 1.4 does this aswell, its like one of the pulleys that spins the belt is loose and rattling or sumthing

[al_bey]

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 

[mundo]

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.

[harlemex]

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.