Funny noise coming from my car

ZrByte · 30-10-2004, 20:52

well my new car continues to suprise me. I was driving out of work today when I hear this very loud squealing sound coming from the front of the car, ive heard it before when it was cold but this was louder (I suppose it could be cold related since it is colder today compared to last time).
It seemed to get to its loudest just after pulling away, not really while accelerating or breaking. It has no effect on the car at all except the fact that it annoys the crap outta me.
Im trying to think of a way to describe the sound and the best I can come up with is screaching, or squaling.
Basicly I was just wondering if anybody had any ideas what it might be?
Its a vauxhall corsa (b) merit 93 if thats relivant.

Chris W · 30-10-2004, 20:53

Fan belt?

ZrByte · 30-10-2004, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeybreath

Fan belt?

Ahhh, you might be onto something there, I remember when my aunties needed a new fan belt and it sounded similar to mine (this was a few years ago mind you). guess I should have that looked at then.
Does anybody know if I check that myself?

Xaccers · 30-10-2004, 21:03

Do cars still have fan belts these days? Don't fans all use electric motors or is that just bigger cars?
Most likely your alternator belt if it sounds like a live hampster being squashed

Chris W · 30-10-2004, 21:05

my 90 metro had a fan belt but then i don't know too much about cars... hence why i have just spent ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£260 on trying to get it fixed and failing...

ZrByte · 30-10-2004, 21:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

Do cars still have fan belts these days? Don't fans all use electric motors or is that just bigger cars?
Most likely your alternator belt if it sounds like a live hampster being squashed

I done a quick google and the alternator belt keeps coming up with no mention of fanbelts, so that is looking more likeley. And yes it does sound like a live hampster being squashed actually

that summed it up pretty well. is there anyway I can check to see if it is that or is it time to see a mechanic?

Chris W · 30-10-2004, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZrByte

I done a quick google and the alternator belt keeps coming up with no mention of fanbelts, so that is looking more likeley. And yes it does sound like a live hampster being squashed actually

that summed it up pretty well. is there anyway I can check to see if it is that or is it time to see a mechanic?

have you got a haynes manual? or could you pop into halfords and have a read of one

**Maggy** · 30-10-2004, 21:12

Just turn the radio up louder.

Incog.

ZrByte · 30-10-2004, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

Just turn the radio up louder.

Incog.

Thats not working either

though I am getting a nice CD player cheap off a friend so that'll do. The noise seems much louder outside the car though as I noticed today, methinks turning up the radio might not be enough in this case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeybreath

have you got a haynes manual? or could you pop into halfords and have a read of one

My dad might have one for his, I didnt think of that, I'll ask him when he gets back.

iadom · 30-10-2004, 21:18

Does the car have power steering, it could be the PS belt or the alternator belt.

Sprinkle some talcuum (sp) powder on them overnight and see if that reduces the noise the following day.

swoop101 · 30-10-2004, 21:19

It sounds like your ancillary belt (formerly fan belt) is either on it's way out or needs tightening.
As you don't know much about it yourself, just take it to a service center for them to check for you. If you leave it you will find yourself having further problems in a little while.

edit: in answer to the above post, squirt some WD40 on it to shut it up.

MovedGoalPosts · 30-10-2004, 21:23

Once upon a time we called it a fan belt as the belt connected between a pulley on the engine, providing the source of the belt moving, and then wound round the alternator and the radiator cooling fan at the same time. Most modern cars, both in the name of efficiency, and to make the engineering easier with engines now orientated sideways rather than front to back (more passenger space in same car length), have an electric fan to cool the radiator, which is used only when cooling is needed, so keeping the engine at a more constant temperature. Thus today's cars frequently cannot have a fan belt, as it does not connect a fan, all it connects is the engine and alternator. Note if you had no alternator (which usually mounts alongside the engine) the battery wouldn't get recharged.

If the belt is a little bit slack, or worn, then the squealing sound, will occur. tightening it is relatively simple, The alternator usually has one point secured with a bolt through a slightly curved slot, Loosen the bolt, rotate the alternator slightly so the belt has more tension, and retighten. Replacing the belt can be done the same way.

For a garage mechanic, it's a five minute job, so don't let them claim otherwise.

swoop101 · 30-10-2004, 21:26

I have just replaced the belt on my car today.
It is about 2.5m long and runs the alternator, water pump, power steering and air conditioning.

MovedGoalPosts · 30-10-2004, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by swoop101

I have just replaced the belt on my car today.
It is about 2.5m long and runs the alternator, water pump, power steering and air conditioning.

That's what you get for having a posh car with lots of toys.

swoop101 · 30-10-2004, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by MovedGoalPosts

That's what you get for having a posh car with lots of toys.