High pitched noise from Engine

[jmcgill]

I drove my 1989 Golf to the commuter lot this morning, and when I got there, I noticed that the car was making a high-pitched noise that did vary with RPMs. It sounds like it could be some kind of belt noise. I JUST tightened the A/C and alternator belts like a day ago, as they were squealing. This noise is different, and doesn't go away when I turn off the A/C....it sounds sort of like a turbocharger.

I know that it is most likely a timing belt tensioner....but I just changed the belt/tensioner like 600 miles ago....but I did it myself so it's likely I fouled something up.

That being said, I find it a bit odd that I get this sound right after I tightened up my belts. I'm going to loosen the Alt belt tonight to make sure that I don't have bad bearings in the alternator....I'm really hoping it's the Alternator, as I'm not ready for another timing belt job just yet.

Any other ideas as to what it might be?

[Glegor]

I drove my 1989 Golf to the commuter lot this morning, and when I got there, I noticed that the car was making a high-pitched noise that did vary with RPMs. It sounds like it could be some kind of belt noise. I JUST tightened the A/C and alternator belts like a day ago, as they were squealing. This noise is different, and doesn't go away when I turn off the A/C....it sounds sort of like a turbocharger.

I know that it is most likely a timing belt tensioner....but I just changed the belt/tensioner like 600 miles ago....but I did it myself so it's likely I fouled something up.

That being said, I find it a bit odd that I get this sound right after I tightened up my belts. I'm going to loosen the Alt belt tonight to make sure that I don't have bad bearings in the alternator....I'm really hoping it's the Alternator, as I'm not ready for another timing belt job just yet.

Any other ideas as to what it might be?

tightened the timing belt too tight, took out the tensioner, and most likely the outter intermediate shaft bearing as well..

would almost GUARANTEE thats exactly what your problem is..

be sure to wiggle the IM shaft around when you have the belt back off to replace the tensioner. if there is any play in the IM shaft bearing, it needs replaced. they are a bit of a bitch to replace, without the right tools.

[jmcgill]

Boy that really has ruined my day. The sound stopped when I drove it home today, but I guess that is just the timing belt getting ready to snap.

Looks like I'm done with this car. I don't have the money to have someone who isn't an idiot fix it.

Funny thing is, I thought the timing bel was too loose.

[jmcgill]

I went out and looked at it just now when I got it into my garage. That sound REALLY sounds like it's coming from the alternator. I put my ear right up there and it isn't coming from the timing belt area, but up towards the front.

When I take the alternator belt off and spin the alt, it spins freely but I can hear a consistent knock when it's spinning, and there is axial play in the pulley.

[Glegor]

I went out and looked at it just now when I got it into my garage. That sound REALLY sounds like it's coming from the alternator. I put my ear right up there and it isn't coming from the timing belt area, but up towards the front.

When I take the alternator belt off and spin the alt, it spins freely but I can hear a consistent knock when it's spinning, and there is axial play in the pulley.

take the accessory drive belts off and start the car. if the noise is still there, then its NOT the alternator, or anything driven by the belts. if it still makes noise with the belts OFF, then its a pretty safe assumption that its the t-belt tensioner..

[jmcgill]

I also just took the timing belt cover off (upper one) and checked the tension on the belt. It's easily within the "twist" specs that Bentley gives. If anything I thought it was a bit loose.

I'm going to try to remove the belts and see what happens.

I've got my fingers crossed that I really didn't ruin something.

[AnAgentOrange]

I went out and looked at it just now when I got it into my garage. That sound REALLY sounds like it's coming from the alternator. I put my ear right up there and it isn't coming from the timing belt area, but up towards the front.

When I take the alternator belt off and spin the alt, it spins freely but I can hear a consistent knock when it's spinning, and there is axial play in the pulley.

Alternator bearings are shot. I'm on my second alternator because I have a bad habit of over tightening the v belts. But do as Glegor said and just start it briefly with the vbelts off to see if the noise is gone.

[jmcgill]

So I took off all the accessory belts and started it up. The squeak is gone now and I Put a new alternator in. It is not the power steering pump as I took that belt Off first. It's either the ac compressor or water pump. Has anyone ever heard of a water pump going like that?

[jmcgill]

It's definitely the power steering pump. It's going in tomorrow to have the main seal changed. It's about a 10 mile trip. How much am I risking destroying the engine if I limp it to the garage?

[ziddey]

you should be fine. just remove the belt and strengthen your forearms or leave it on. the belt will slip and burn before anything happens to the engine if the ps pump seizes up