[Mk2] [NA] Whining Noise

[mr2mike]

Evening all,

Apologies if this has been covered before but I just thought I'd ask quickly as it's bothering me.

I've noticed recently (over the last couple of months) that occasionally when I start my car from cold there is a loud whining noise coming from the engine bay, but it fades and stops completely within a few seconds.

I'm concerned because while it's doing it it doesn't sound too good, but if it's nothing serious then I'd like to know so I can relax.

One thing I can rule out is anything to do with the clutch because I had a new one fitted not long ago.

Other than that I'd love to hear from you as I'm hoping someone out there has experienced the same thing and could enlighten me as to what's causing it.

Thanks.

[Mr Two]

Power steering pump?

[mr2mike]

That did cross my mind but the power steering pump runs nice and quietly when turning and it's only ever on start-up so I'm thinking it's something to do with the starter motor.

It's only very occasional and even then only for a matter of seconds so I'm hoping it's nothing serious and I can have it looked at next time the car's in for a service.

[Timsmr2]

If the belts get damp then they can make a high pitched whining / squeeling noise so it could be that. hard to tell without listening to it but it has been wet lately do you leave it parked outside?

You could try spraying a bit of WD40 around the alternater / air con belt area see if that sorts it out.

[mr2mike]

Funnily enough I do park it outside and it did occur to me about the belts whining, but the timing belt used to do this when it got wet until I had it changed 6 months ago and it hasn't done it again since.

It's more of a whining than a slipping noise to be honest. It makes pretty much the same noise as a supercharger, and at about the same volume, but only for at most 10 seconds now and again when the car is started from cold.

I'm not too fussed what it is as long as it isn't buggering my car up in the meantime.

[going4the1]

The if the noise you describe changes pitch with revs then it is undoubtably the alternator. Had this shortly after getting my car. Don't leave it too long and the noise is caused by ther pulley wheel bearing. Water dripping from the engine cover finds its way into the bearing which fails(eventually). the next symptom will be that pulley wheel will lock-up and the belt will continue to be driven by the crank pulley. the belt will then melt/burn. Not good!
A re-con alternator is the required sooner rather than later.

[mr2mike]

The if the noise you describe changes pitch with revs then it is undoubtably the alternator. Had this shortly after getting my car. Don't leave it too long and the noise is caused by ther pulley wheel bearing. Water dripping from the engine cover finds its way into the bearing which fails(eventually). the next symptom will be that pulley wheel will lock-up and the belt will continue to be driven by the crank pulley. the belt will then melt/burn. Not good!
A re-con alternator is the required sooner rather than later.

Thanks for that mate. That sounds like the most likely thing.

I'll get it looked at as soon as I get chance.

In your experience am I looking at mega money then if I need new parts?

[going4the1]

The best place to buy a recon alternator is TCB parts:

http://www.tcbparts.co.uk/

They come supplied with a round/oval fly-lead so will fit all revisions.

Fitting it yourself is a bit of a job - there are guides on this and the sister forums. No specialist tools are required. Determination and an socket sets with various extensions and a braker bar will do. If you are taking it to a mechanic it would be wise to make sure he's done one before and/or print the guide for him to make sure costs are kept down.

[mks2005]

easiest way to get the alt out is once unbolted drag over to the gearbox side remove airbox and some pipes and drag up through the engine bay that way.

Other people unmount the engine and other things but its a lot of work.


Not sure with the N/A but there are a lot of different ones for the turbo model.. So make sure you got the right one first, take off the old one and match up model numbers and stuff

[mr2mike]

Hi guys,

On this matter do any of you have a diagram (or photos) of exactly where the alternator is in the engine bay as I've had a look but it's so cramped in there that it's difficult to see (plus the manual is as much use as a chocolate fireguard).

Thanks in advance.