Unusual noise coming from serp. belt area

[jrv1025]

Hello all,
Yesterday, I went to pick my car up from getting an oil change (full synthetic, Mobil 1 5w-30) and an estimate on brakes. turned out to not be quite as much as i had anticipated, only about $300. while i was in making an appointment for the brake job, my mechanic and i were joking about how if its not one thing, its another on VW's. And how the car will be in great shape after i get the brakes fixed/replaced.

So i go outside to drive home. When i start the car, there is this odd squeaking/vibration sound coming from the front of the engine. I immediately shut it down and go get the mechanic. after 30 minutes of muddling over it, we determine that it cannot be determined from just looking at it. so they're going to check it out on wednesday when it goes in for brakes.

Anyone have any ideas? We're leaning towards one of the pulleys in the path of the serpentine belt or the tensioner.

A little more info, it is definately something to do with the serpentine belt, because the sound is definately coming from the drivers side front of the engine. If you listen near the timing belt cover there is no sound so im pretty sure its not that. and the car drives fine, besides the weird noises that make it sound like a diesel at idle.

its a 2002 1.8t 5 speed wagon, 143,000 miles

Oh, and i know 5w-30 mobil 1 is not 502 certified. Already been pointed out by someone.

[Humble Mechanic]

I have seen/heard these noises a few times. I have found the generator to be the issue most of the time.

These type of noises can be TOUGH to find.

[jrv1025]

almost 100% sure its the serpentine belt tensioner. sounds seems to originate from there. plus, when the aircon is turned on, the sound changes, which points completley to the tensioner or some other part in that system.

[Humble Mechanic]

almost 100% sure its the serpentine belt tensioner. sounds seems to originate from there. plus, when the aircon is turned on, the sound changes, which points completley to the tensioner or some other part in that system.

If the noise changes when you turn on the a/c, I would be more inclined to think that it was the a/c belt circuit not the serpentine circuit. I would make sure the a/c belt is tight.

[jrv1025]

Well, got the car back. Apperantly the stupid plastic skid plate had warped just enough that when they put it back on, it was rubbing against the serpentine belt . No belt damage. Noise is gone.