Aux belt area noise...

[pphilpot]

Hi all – because of another thread here, I just started the car with the bonnet open and noticed this chirping/cicada/frog noise possibly coming from the alternator. I hate noises coming from around this area, as I cannot tell precisely which component it's coming from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSVUM8kEO-s

Is this noise familiar to anybody?

Many thanks in advance.

[cheshired5]

Sounds bearing like but the clip isn't long.
You did your timing belt recently didn't you? and I'm sure I remember you doing the aux setup too.....
Did you change the alternator pulley aswell?

[pphilpot]

Yup, cheshired5, I did the cambelt and aux belt plus both tensioners and the aux idler pulley – but didn't touch the alternator. My S40 had the alternator clutch pulley go at about 160,000 and my previous V40 had it go at about 160,000 also, so I assumed that there'd still be plenty of life in it at 79,000 on this S60...

[cheshired5]

Service life of the alternator pulley is 80k

Whip the belt off and turn the pulley clockwise.
Then, insert a screwdriver in the fins of the alternator and turn the pulley clockwise again. If you feel roughness, resistance or it doesn't turn at all, it needs changing.

[Brendan W]

Pound to a penny that's the alternator freewheel. Start from cold, your assistant that is, and watch the tensioner pulley. If it jumps about a bit and then settles down and starts cricketing it's a racing certainty the freewheel isn't.
When the motor shuts down the alternator rotor should keep spinning for about a second after the belt stops and as Cheshired5 said the pulley should be free in one direction and locked in the other. A quick wrist flick will do it with the belt off without having to lock anything.
Unfortunately both these tests can be inconclusive as the pulley can enter a Schrodingeresque superposition of states where it is neither free nor not free. Hence the tendancy to flap the belt at cold start and then shake itself free. Comparison with a new unit shows it up pretty quick.
As for life , like you I skipped the alt pulley at timing belt time, 92k but had to replace it at 96k.

[chiptivo]

I had everything done in that area apart from the alternator pully.

Mine is the same chirping as that, like a cricket.

It has been that way for two years and does not appear to be getting any worse. I hear it more in the winter.


To change it, I have to get some sort of pully tool?? and then the pully itself (Genuine £75, non volvo £30)

Does anyone in the north wet have the tool and fancy doing this? I don't really want to pay an hours labour for something that takes 5 minutes? + the purchase of the tool I will use once.

[DieselDoNicely]

Funny you guys should mention this, mine started making a noise on Sunday in the cold.

DDN

[Simon Jones]

Mines been doing this for a few months too. Sound like similar symptoms: slight chirping for first minute or so and some vibration of the belt over the tensioner and then it runs smoothly. I've seen a few references to changing the alternator freewheel on the forum. Can anyone point me to a recommended supplier and a numpty-proof guide to replacing it? Unfortunately my favourite indy garage has just closed down so I'm gonna have to get the spanners out a bit more often from now on. Many thanks.

BTW: the mileage is 215,000 and freewheel has not been changed in the last 100,000 miles of my ownership so it sounds like it's ready for replacement.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Simon Jones

Mines been doing this for a few months too. Sound like similar symptoms: slight chirping for first minute or so and some vibration of the belt over the tensioner and then it runs smoothly. I've seen a few references to changing the alternator freewheel on the forum. Can anyone point me to a recommended supplier and a numpty-proof guide to replacing it? Unfortunately my favourite indy garage has just closed down so I'm gonna have to get the spanners out a bit more often from now on. Many thanks.

BTW: the mileage is 215,000 and freewheel has not been changed in the last 100,000 miles of my ownership so it sounds like it's ready for replacement.

If doing it yourself, you'll need a tool like this
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/160768754378...ATCHING_ACTIVE
and you're best to remove the alternator unless you find you can fit the tool in situ (which is nigh on impossible).
My Volvo dealer is very local so I was able to remove my alternator and get a lift and the service department fitted the new pulley to the loose alternator as part of the £75 price. I had to ask very nicely for this.
If doing it yourself, take your pick on the several clutch pulley removal vids on YouTube which show the tool in action.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by chiptivo

I had everything done in that area apart from the alternator pully.

Mine is the same chirping as that, like a cricket.

It has been that way for two years

Don't leave it.
Seized clutch pulley leading to snapped aux belt wrapping around timing belt is more common than timing belt failure on it's own. Don't risk your engine for £75.