Loud squeeling when cold

[Badgerpoo]

Hi all

I have just bought a D8 V6 Estate which has one annoying foible. On cold startup there is a loud squeeling noise from under the bonnet that gradually goes away as the engine warms up. It only happens while the engine is idling or at ~1k revs. I assume this is the aux belt but haven't had a chance to check yet. What are my options here?

I found this brilliant guide to replacing the belt, but I'm hoping I wont have to!
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=8145

[mjb]

I found this brilliant guide

Thank you

Chances are it's either the belt, tensioner, or idler pulley... It's not that bad a job to shove a new belt on (and they're only a few quid from eurocarparts!), and while you've got it off you can see if the idler and/or tensioner need replacing. Better safe than sorry when you're talking about that bit of the car - if the belt snaps or comes off for whatever reason there's a risk it could take the cambelt with it, and that's effectively bye bye car

[HimBigChief]

if the belt snaps or comes off for whatever reason there's a risk it could take the cambelt with it, and that's effectively bye bye car

That's exactly what happened on the missus old 306 DTurbo. Took a chunk out of the cam pulley and in doing so managed to snap the cam retainers on the head. Bye bye engine so the car got sold as spares or repairs.

[swiss]

My 106 was doing this when I bought it. Actually, so was the 406. In both cases t'was the auxy belt and on the 106 the pump was changed too.

[teamster1975]

Don't forget to check the alternator, if the bearings are going south they will squeal when the car is idling!

[Leopold]

I confirm that it would be a belt. As you say that the noise goes, once it warms to normal temp. You're notice it more now with the damp/cold weather we are having..

[Badgerpoo]

Managed to have a look on the weekend. The belt actually looks relatively new! I have noticed that the noise comes and goes based on whether you turn the steering wheel, could this point to the PAS pump being at fault?

[mjb]

Checked your PAS fluid level?

[Pugman406]

im having exact same problem, squeals when wheel is moved and only in the cold winter months, been doing it over a yr now. Gonna change the PAS fluid, if that dont work then i think it may be the belt tensioner. Was just the other morning when driving along when it squealed, which makes me me think its more likely to be tensioner.

Will let you know how i get on, if i ever get round to it.

[Badgerpoo]

PAS fluid level is level with the Max indicator, although there was some on top of the filler cap. Not sure where to go from here, is there a good way to tell which part is at fault when you take the belt off? As this is my only car, getting replacement parts requires putting the car back together, geting part, then taking it apart again!

[mrmetalman123]

Does your car have A/C?Do you use it regulary?Compressors can sieze up if not used once a month.Just a thought.
Regards.

[Pugman406]

I have changed the tensioner, and still no joy, still squealing like a pig!

As for having A/C yes it does but this has never worked since i bought the car over a year ago. There is no change in revs or no electrical noise when i press the A/C button.

[teamster1975]

Does the noise disappear when you take off the aux belt?
Have you tried turning each component in the Auxilliary drive train with the belt removed to listen for squeaks?
Another idea would be to get a bar and use it as a sounding rod with the engine running.

[Pugman406]

No i havent tried any of that, but to be honest i dont care anymore, cos im selling it come spring!

[Badgerpoo]

Finally got around to taking the belt off and taking a look. As far as I can tell all the rollers are fine and spin freely. The tensioner itself seems very smooth and in good condition. The belt shows absolutely no signs of wear either. When I put it back together it's still squeeling, especially when turning the wheel or on full lock. Might try changing the PAS pump next, any one know the part number and how difficult a job this is?