[Andy_H]

At the weekend I noticed a squeaking noise coming from under the bonnet. I'm guessing it's either coming from the fanbelt or the waterpump. How do I check.... and if it's the waterpump, is it something that needs sorting urgently?

 

[Atlantean]

Have you checked the alternator belt? These can squeak! Is the noise from the top or bottom of the engine?

 

[Andy_H]

Have you checked the alternator belt? These can squeak! Is the noise from the top or bottom of the engine?

Isn't that the same as the fanbelt? I think it's coming from the top.

 

[goonas]

yes fan belt = alternotr belt = auxilary belt.

If its water pump and that siezes think your looking at bent valves.

 

[Envoy CDX]

could be a mass of things.

check the tension on your belts, what kind of engine is it? ribbed or vbelt?
more input please

 

[Atlantean]

Isn't that the same as the fanbelt? I think it's coming from the top.

Well fan belts use to be used to run the fan before the fans became electrically powered. There are also power steering belts on cars and some hav A/C belts as well! So to call every belt a fan belt can lead to problems!

If it's the top then it could the either the alternator belt or worse, the alternator!

Water pump is down lower.

 

[Andy_H]

more input please

When I can get to the car, I'll provide some more input. I didn't realise how serious it could be when I first noticed it, so didn't pay much attention to it.

 

[Envoy CDX]

you'll probably find its a worn belt, might be slipping a little or that its too loose / tight and needs adjusting.

 

[Jaybooze]

If it is a smooth belt rather than toothed a small squirt of WD 40 silences it. Jerry

 

[Andy_H]

Just been out to take a look and the squeak's getting worse :crying_2:

It seems to be coming from the top of the engine, somewhere near the Fan Belt. Any ideas? Where's the waterpump located?

 

[Robmk3]

You need to make sure its not the waterpump or timing belt idlers,the waterpump is driven by the timing belt so sits behind the rear belt cover low down on the block.The best thing to do is take off the alt belt first and start the car and see if the noise is still there.

 

[Andy_H]

Report from the AA - "Suspect Timing Belt Tensioner / Water Pump".

Oh sh*t :crying_2:

How much is that gonna cost me??

 

[Envoy CDX]

shouldn't be too bad. get it changed ASAP.

 

[Andy_H]

shouldn't be too bad. get it changed ASAP.

I'm going to phone the garage first thing tomorrow and book it in ASAP.... then I'll arrange a tow to the garage.

 

[addz1.8i]

To me it sounds like the water pump

 

[Andy_H]

To me it sounds like the water pump

Any idea how much it'll cost to fix?

 

[goonas]

Any idea how much it'll cost to fix?

At Vauxhall I would guess £300+

If you change pump and tensioner need to do the cambelt.

 

[addz1.8i]

I was quoted just under £200 the guy at the garage said its a big job because all the drive is through the timing belt alternator or summat so i left it. Mine always makes a funny sort of noise like its an electric car, I've left it until i put some money together

 

[Andy_H]

At Vauxhall I would guess £300+

If you change pump and tensioner need to do the cambelt.

Not good news then. Looks like they didn't change the pump when they did the headgasket / cambelt last April :shake

 

[goonas]

Not good news then. Looks like they didn't change the pump when they did the headgasket / cambelt last April :shake

It would be in your receipts. Would be out of the guarantee period anyway.