Whirring noise belt end motor

Brendan W · Mar 2nd, 2014, 16:56

Spent two hours today trying to locate a medium pitch whirring noise at the belt end. Alternator had slight catch so replaced bearings , no real difference. Everything on the aux side feels good, p/s fluid ok. Slight difference when the belt is off but it doesn't go away. Clicking noise from the block behind the timing belt idler using the screwdriver. No smoking gun - stumped. Nothing at idle but blip it to 1500 and it's definitely there - almost inaudible when driving.Belt done at 94k in 2010 now at 142k. Idler and tensioner at same temperature consistent with coolant temp and no sign of grease loss from either and waterpump is dry. What do you think - is a pre-emptive belt job on the cards?. Have had the aux on and off so many times I don't know if I can trust my ears anymore.

Clan · Mar 2nd, 2014, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brendan W

Spent two hours today trying to locate a medium pitch whirring noise at the belt end. Alternator had slight catch so replaced bearings , no real difference. Everything on the aux side feels good, p/s fluid ok. Slight difference when the belt is off but it doesn't go away. Clicking noise from the block behind the timing belt idler using the screwdriver. No smoking gun - stumped. Nothing at idle but blip it to 1500 and it's definitely there - almost inaudible when driving.Belt done at 94k in 2010 now at 142k. Idler and tensioner at same temperature consistent with coolant temp and no sign of grease loss from either and waterpump is dry. What do you think - is a pre-emptive belt job on the cards?. Have had the aux on and off so many times I don't know if I can trust my ears anymore.

if removing the aux belt makes no difference it will mean removing the cam belt to spin the idler and tensioner wheels you should be able to tell then .. It is MOST Unlikely to be the water pump but always a first time i guess.

Brendan W · Mar 3rd, 2014, 18:34

The timing belt idler, tensioner and waterpump are ok. It is definitely worse with the aux belt on but only above 1000rpm. Tensioner pulleys are silky smooth, a/c load makes no difference and new bearings in the alternator. There is a slight clicking noise like a collapsed bearing in the p/s pump when rocked back and forth.Turning the wheel has no effect. Should there be a noise in the pump when rocked?

oragex · Mar 3rd, 2014, 18:40

Can you use a long tube to hear were from the noise is coming ?

Clan · Mar 3rd, 2014, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brendan W

The timing belt idler, tensioner and waterpump are ok. It is definitely worse with the aux belt on but only above 1000rpm. Tensioner pulleys are silky smooth, a/c load makes no difference and new bearings in the alternator. There is a slight clicking noise like a collapsed bearing in the p/s pump when rocked back and forth.Turning the wheel has no effect. Should there be a noise in the pump when rocked?

it is quite common to have some end play in the power steering pump shaft . Is it a whining noise which might change in tone when you turn the steering?? This may indicate the power steering pump vanes .

Brendan W · Mar 3rd, 2014, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clan

it is quite common to have some end play in the power steering pump shaft . Is it a whining noise which might change in tone when you turn the steering?? This may indicate the power steering pump vanes .

No sound at all at idle and no change in tone when the steering wheel is turned. About 020" endfloat in the pump. The clicking noise is at the back end of it and there is a second clunkier sound in the background which I figure might be the vanes.

Brendan W · Mar 3rd, 2014, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by oragex

Can you use a long tube to hear were from the noise is coming ?

Worth a shot. The screwdriver is not pinpointing it.

Simon Jones · Mar 3rd, 2014, 20:22

I've got one of these and it's scary what you can hear with it:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...RC-stethoscope

Brendan W · May 25th, 2014, 12:38

That did it - although my version features garden hose. The noise has increased, is present always and looks like it's the idler pulley - replaced with a new tensioner from Volvo 50k miles ago, The local Volvo counter have delvered the wrong part twice so the car is u/s for the next few days - hate to kill a motor at the last fence. Two wheels then for a bit

cheshired5 · May 25th, 2014, 14:41

Good news that you think you've sussed it.
So was it the timing idler or aux belt idler?

Mar 2nd, 2014, 16:56	#1
Brendan W Premier Member Last Online: Apr 2nd, 2024 19:50 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Wexford	Whirring noise belt end motor Spent two hours today trying to locate a medium pitch whirring noise at the belt end. Alternator had slight catch so replaced bearings , no real difference. Everything on the aux side feels good, p/s fluid ok. Slight difference when the belt is off but it doesn't go away. Clicking noise from the block behind the timing belt idler using the screwdriver. No smoking gun - stumped. Nothing at idle but blip it to 1500 and it's definitely there - almost inaudible when driving.Belt done at 94k in 2010 now at 142k. Idler and tensioner at same temperature consistent with coolant temp and no sign of grease loss from either and waterpump is dry. What do you think - is a pre-emptive belt job on the cards?. Have had the aux on and off so many times I don't know if I can trust my ears anymore.

May 25th, 2014, 14:41	#10
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	Good news that you think you've sussed it. So was it the timing idler or aux belt idler? __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Mar 3rd, 2014, 18:34	#3
Brendan W Premier Member Last Online: Apr 2nd, 2024 19:50 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Wexford	The timing belt idler, tensioner and waterpump are ok. It is definitely worse with the aux belt on but only above 1000rpm. Tensioner pulleys are silky smooth, a/c load makes no difference and new bearings in the alternator. There is a slight clicking noise like a collapsed bearing in the p/s pump when rocked back and forth.Turning the wheel has no effect. Should there be a noise in the pump when rocked?

Mar 3rd, 2014, 18:40	#4
oragex Premier Member Last Online: Jul 26th, 2021 21:24 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Coldnada	Can you use a long tube to hear were from the noise is coming ?

Mar 3rd, 2014, 20:22	#8
Simon Jones Premier Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2022 11:23 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Salisbury (ish)	I've got one of these and it's scary what you can hear with it: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...RC-stethoscope

May 25th, 2014, 12:38	#9
Brendan W Premier Member Last Online: Apr 2nd, 2024 19:50 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Wexford	That did it - although my version features garden hose. The noise has increased, is present always and looks like it's the idler pulley - replaced with a new tensioner from Volvo 50k miles ago, The local Volvo counter have delvered the wrong part twice so the car is u/s for the next few days - hate to kill a motor at the last fence. Two wheels then for a bit

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