Cordoba broken - loose bit near belt (+pics)

[alistair.swanson]

Since my Leon Cupra was cruelly cremated a few weeks ago i've been driving my girlfriend's Cordoba.

Last night the power steering failed and it started making a lot of noise. I've taken a look this morning and the power steering reservoir is empty. I've also found what appears to be something loose near to a belt. When the engine is running it appears to rattle about and make a lot of noise.

I would guess these two issues could be linked?

My Haynes manual is at home (which is a £8 taxi ride away) so could anyone advise? Does this look easily fixable, or is it a garage job?

 

[m0rk]

looks like the auxillary belt tensioner has stopped tensioning...

but (and I can't be sure as my 'spare' engine - which was identical to that went on Friday) I can't remember if that same belt runs the power steering pump.

I think that's the problem though - the tensioner or pump has failled. not too hard to fix, just awkward

 

[alistair.swanson]

Looking at my first pictures, they're not too clear. The bit highlighted here:

appears to be loose. I think it should probably be tight to the bit it is connected to but instead is hanging loose and is about maybe a quarter turn around. I think it has been rattling and possibly jarring the cog (the tensioner?) next to it from turning correctly.

I would guess I can take off the cog with a spanner no problem, if anyone has any knowledge of how the bit i believe to be loose should actually be connected so i could fix that? (bolt, screw, etc?)

I'd be happy enough to put it to a garage for all that it appears to be but the problem would probably be getting it there. Or if i actually use my RAC membership for once does anyone think they would just fix it on the spot?

 

[m0rk]

I doubt the RAC will fix it, but they'll likely tow you to a garage to get it fixed.

depending on your cover, they might pay the labour to fix it, leaving you just the parts to fund

so I'd do that (if you have a garage you like to use)

 

[alistair.swanson]

cheers

 

[alistair.swanson]

Update: PAS pump is broken and it could do with a new belt.

Thanks to all who read