cmax noise from the engine bay

[angellonewolf]

as above i got a noise from the engine bay near the alternator(left hand side of the engine bay from as you stand in front of the car) it was there a very little noise when i bought the car and got a good bit off beause of it but when i started the car this morning its the first time i heard it a lot of noise for 5 secs and then as i moved the wheel as well for about 1 min i assume this is the belt

i assume there is a alt and poss stering pump ? poss idler bearings as its very tight in there with out removing poss the inner wheel arch plastic it will not be easy to see

any one got any pointers on what i will find where the noise is lightly to be coming from and how to find what is wrong is it an easy fix ?

 

[Ruffian]

Which engine does it have in it, age and mileage?

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Is power steering reservoir at correct level as the pump can make a noise if it's too low. It's not a rumble though.

 

[colnerov]

Hi, Check the condition and tightness of the belt. The load of the alternator charging the battery after the start up and the load of the power pump turning the steering is too much for the belt if it's loose.

Colin

 

[mike 109444]

AC pump (if present) also has a belt running from same crank pulley.
Think you will find the belts are the "stretch fit type" Bit of tin comes with belt kit to allow running new belts on (good luck with that! ).
Bit of French chalk on the belts should temp stop, just to prove/disprove if it's the belts.

 

[angellonewolf]

sorry for delay in replying at work today not had chance to get back on the laptop

engine 1.8 petrol 05 90000 miles

Hi, Check the condition and tightness of the belt. The load of the alternator charging the battery after the start up and the load of the power pump turning the steering is too much for the belt if it's loose.

would not even know what the tightness should be but im not thinking its belts as the noise is always it worst when first turn of the key after a 30 secs the noise was not there but the noise now is worse when starting but is generaly a noise there near all the time now

 

[angellonewolf]

and yes there is ac on the car not that it works but its there when i bought the car i had it cheaked the condenser is leaking and the qoute was about £200 to fix i like the wind in my face when driving so never use it on hot days as i miss the air flow the only times it would be good is in damp weather but have been told once the air get down to +4 and the low the temp the worse it is it does not work that great any way so i never bothered

 

[mike 109444]

You have not actually said what the noise sound like ...

 

[merryman]

If it is a loud squeal that reduces after 30 sec it is probably belt slip, as the alternator works flat out to build up the power drained from the battery during starting, then the load reduces once the battery is topped up. Try putting lights and heater on, flat out, just after it stops squealing, this increases load again and will probably bring the squeal back on, if it is from the alt belt.

 

[Ruffian]

The 05 focus is on a change from mk1 to mk2, the mk2 have a electric pas pump,

The screamin belt can be a slipping aux belt but if there is an over run pulley on the alternator I will check that first, xxxxx

 

[frank horton]

be aware that some of the idler pulley's these day's are plastic covered NOT metal........had 1 go on me Sprinter.......!!!!!!
not sure about this model but check to c if it has self adjusting belt tensioners.......
it's ok if the Alt belt goes but a disaster if te timing belt goes, WHICH, also has idler pulley's........
safe bet to take the covers of and check properly........

 

[angellonewolf]

sorry the noise is not like what i would say is not a squeal more a rumble that makes me think its bearings

If it is a loud squeal that reduces after 30 sec it is probably belt slip, as the alternator works flat out to build up the power drained from the battery during starting, then the load reduces once the battery is topped up. Try putting lights and heater on, flat out, just after it stops squealing, this increases load again and will probably bring the squeal back on, if it is from the alt belt.

we try this in the morning

be aware that some of the idler pulley's these day's are plastic covered NOT metal........had 1 go on me Sprinter.......!!!!!!
not sure about this model but check to c if it has self adjusting belt tensioners.......
it's ok if the Alt belt goes but a disaster if te timing belt goes, WHICH, also has idler pulley's........
safe bet to take the covers of and check properly........

does the cmax have chain insted of belt ?

 

[Ruffian]

The 1.8 petrol is probably a zetec engine which is cam belt also so could be that also.

 

[angellonewolf]

If it is a loud squeal that reduces after 30 sec it is probably belt slip, as the alternator works flat out to build up the power drained from the battery during starting, then the load reduces once the battery is topped up. Try putting lights and heater on, flat out, just after it stops squealing, this increases load again and will probably bring the squeal back on, if it is from the alt belt.

will try this as well

 

[angellonewolf]

The 1.8 petrol is probably a zetec engine which is cam belt also so could be that also.

oh carp is this on the same side if the engine ? under covers

 

[Beanwood]

The 1.8 petrol is probably a zetec engine which is cam belt also so could be that also.

OK - I'll show my ignorance, because I thought I knew stuff about engines - and understand/have had the aux belt issues - but how/why would a cam belt (Which is obviously toothed for the timing) cause a noise?

 

[angellonewolf]

they look a bit worn to me ?

 

[angellonewolf]

I'm assuming this it the timing belt as there is another belt at the bottem

 

[Ruffian]

Ignore the face it's probably a cam belt, it was just answervng the question chain above, it's more likely to be aux belt.

 

[angellonewolf]

^^^^^^