Strange Noise - Auxiliary Belt Tensioner/Alternator

[MrWill]

Hi all,

Yesterday I noticed a strange noise under the bonnet when the engine was ticking over (like a ticking/grating). It stops when I rev/accelerate and is also worse when I steer (when stationary ticking over). As I don't know much about cars, I thought this might be something to do with the power steering.

Anyways, took it to a garage today and they said it's either the auxiliary belt tensioner or the alternator pulley. They said if it's the alternator pulley, I'll need a whole new alternator, which will be about £200. If it's the belt tensioner, it'll be about £100 (fully fitted inc. VAT)

Does this sound about right to you? I don't understand how the steering affects either of those? Also are they reasonable prices? It's Easyfit in Weston-super-Mare if you were wondering, so not a VAG specialist or a main dealer.

 

[MrWill]

Have I posted in the wrong section?

 

[Blakrover]

I wouldn't know if those prices are about right.

But the steering will draw more power from the alternator when you turn and if the car is stationary then the alternator will need to work more to get the power to the steering.

I think I made sense...

 

[DEAN0]

I have heard this on some VAG cars before and it was only the belt.

VERY CAREFULLY - take a piece of chalk and with the engine ticking over touch the chalk on the ribbed side of the belt.

If the noise goes away its a worn belt - DIY job - cost around £10 for the belt.

Even the tensioner is DIY and can be bought for around £40.

 

[Guinness]

It could be the pulley I was adviced on this before changing my alternator. Worth a go if everything else doesnt work as a new non OEM alternator wont come with a pulley.

 

[MrWill]

I have heard this on some VAG cars before and it was only the belt.

VERY CAREFULLY - take a piece of chalk and with the engine ticking over touch the chalk on the ribbed side of the belt.

If the noise goes away its a worn belt - DIY job - cost around £10 for the belt.

Even the tensioner is DIY and can be bought for around £40.

OK I will give this a go. I am not knowledged at all on under the bonnet really, where abouts is the aux belt?

Thanks

update - just noticed the noise has stopped now - does this mean there could still be a problem with the belt even if the noise is not present?

 

[Blanco92]

My dad has a 1.9 TDI PD130 in his Audi A6 and it had the same issues you describe.

If you turn the steering whilst stationary (bonnet up), does the aux belt at the front of the engine vibrate? If so a tenner says its the alternator pulley.

You don't need a whole new alternator, you can just change the pulley (estimated cost of £40-£60 for part only). You'll need an M10 spline tool if you're going to do it yourself.

 

[MrWill]

Hi mate, I will check this morning and let you know. Is it the belt on the left hand side of the engine at the front, the most visible of all of them?

Ok how easy is it to fit myself?

 

[RUM4MO]

Hi mate, I will check this morning and let you know. Is it the belt on the left hand side of the engine at the front, the most visible of all of them?

Ok how easy is it to fit myself?

Yes its the only exposed flat rubber belt that you will see - it is textured on the outside and has micro-ribs on the inside.

The belt is reasonably easy to change, best to do it with the O/S/F wheel and wheel arch liner off - the belt tensioner has quite a long travel so things can get out of hand if you try this from under the bonnet only - well on the petrol engine anyway.

The alternator pulley, if you don't have anything to hold the pulley and the tool to remove the fixings then maybe its best to get an VAG indie to do it for you.