Loud squeeling when cold

[jasper5]

Before you start replacing expensive parts, get some WD40 and spray some on the inside and outside of the belt when it squeals, if the problem goes away, the belt is your problem, maybe the tension is less than it should be because the belt is a little too long.

[supafrisk]

I've got a similar problem with the 306
I had the same problem with the 406, I don't think it's related to your squealing as mine is practically a permanent squeal unless you WD40 the alternator pulley. I am praying the pulley does not part company this year like it did the 406 - there was a huge bang one night and it had fell off
I would second Jasper's comment and say keep using the WD40, spray it on all moving parts until it goes then you will most likely find the culprit - it would be a shame to change the P.A.S. pump only to find the noise is still there

[Pugman406]

It was -1 degrees the other morning, and mine was at it again, popped the bonnet, and the belt is flapping about. Of course after a short while of driving the noise went. So i am probably guessing the PAS pump too, as i replaced the tensioner, and it did naff all.

Let me know how u get on if changing the pump makes any diff.

Cheers

[Badgerpoo]

Well, time goes on and the noise gets more prominent. It stays noisy now when revs get low even when warmed up.

I tried changing the PAS pump with one off ebay, and bled the system while changin it but still have the exact same problem.

I'm almost certain the problem comes from the power steering because that is the pulley that stops moving/slips the belt, but how?!

[jasper5]

Clearly, the problem isn't with the power steering, if the power steering pump pulley or any other pulley stops moving, the reason is obviously down to the fact that the belt isn't under enough tension.

Have you replaced the belt yet?

[Badgerpoo]

Yeah that's the first thing I did. Is there any way of measuring the tension of the belt or do I just need to replace the tensioner? Without knowing how tight it needs to be, it seems pretty tight to me.

[swiss]

You can get electronic belt tension gauges from ebay, but they're not cheap. As for exactly what the tension should be, maybe Jasper knows.

Me, I just kept putting another half a turn on until it stopped squealing. I was wearing a stetson as I did this, saying things like 'yee-haw'.

[Badgerpoo]

Progress! While messing around with the tensioner to see if it was ok and finding it is in near perfect condition, I saw that the lower pulley has perished and is not properly driving the belt. Anyone know what the part number is that I need?

[Badgerpoo]

Got it, had to drive to Exeter to pick up the nearest part (it was that or Chissick). Fitted new lower pulley and my car is quiet again!

[Ares]

didnt wanted to open another topic so i post here:

problem,upon starting the car,that awfull loud noise is heared,after few seconds it stops but when i start turning the steering wheel it comes back again so i need to press the throttle pedal to stop it.
Even at low rpm or neutral it appears again.

is it belt or some other thing too?