406oc.co.uk

I just got hold of a 1998 Peugeot 406 V6, and the only thing that seems wrong with it, is that when starting from cold there is a squeal from from the auxiliary belt, if I turn the steering wheel it squeals louder or if the air con kicks in it squeals more as well. Once it has run for a bit and warmed up the squeal goes away. It is definately something to do with the belt, as I removed it to check if it squealed without it and it didn't.

It is just so annoying to pin point where the noise is coming from!

So do you think it could be bearings gone in something(air con compressor, alternator or power steering) or the pulleys need replacing? and how much do you think it would cost to fix?

Welcome mate!
Usual source of squeal is the alternator, I changed mine back in December. You'll soon know if you spin it by hand with the belt off, or use a long screwdriver as a sounding rod to listen while it's running.

If it is the alternator where is the cheapest place to buy one?

I found this website:-

http://www.thepeugeotshop.co.uk/search? ... alternator

They have them for nearly £300, is that the typical price I will have to pay.

Eurocarparts is where I bought mine, It was £160 off the top of my head but you will need to give them your old one.
Just make sure you get the correct Amperage rating!

Sounds like the belt/tension to me - very often just changing the belt for a new one does the trick if not maybe the tensioner (it's not a bad idea to change this anyway before embarking on more costly jobs).

Aye. Step one is to get a new belt and replace it. While you've got the old one off, check everything for squeaking when turning by hand

volcane wrote:I just got hold of a 1998 Peugeot 406 V6, and the only thing that seems wrong with it, is that when starting from cold there is a squeal from from the auxiliary belt, if I turn the steering wheel it squeals louder or if the air con kicks in it squeals more as well. Once it has run for a bit and warmed up the squeal goes away. It is definately something to do with the belt, as I removed it to check if it squealed without it and it didn't.

It is just so annoying to pin point where the noise is coming from!

So do you think it could be bearings gone in something(air con compressor, alternator or power steering) or the pulleys need replacing? and how much do you think it would cost to fix?

This sounds like a classic slack fan belt.

Check that the tensioner is actually doing its job tensioning the belt correctly.

If the tensioner is working right, change the belt and see if the problem goes away, obviously, whilst the belt is off, check the other pulleys for damage

Hello,

You can get a belt kit from motor factors (or main dealer) which has the tensioner, idler pulley and tensioner as well as a new belt. Its pretty difficult to identify whether the squeel is coming from alternator,power steering pump or A/C compressor. When my alternator bearings were shot it didn't squeel but made a roaring noise instead. A local auto electrician replaced the bearing for about £20 - a lot cheaper than changing the alternator. Start with the belt kit and see how it goes.