Bottom pulley, belts or whatever it might be?

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 3:17 pm

Recently I had the bottom pulley changed, because the one I had was knackered. After changing the pulley, belts (?) statred to make squeeking noise when I start up the engine (2-3 seconds). I thought that my knackered pulley has damaged the belts, so I have replaced them but it still makes the bloody noise. I'm sure that new pulley is way better than the one I had + 2 brand new belts.
New pulley came off A8 engine, but I've got A5. Could it possibly be a problem?
The part number of the power steering belt that I took off is 4PK1025. The new one is 4PK1028. Any difference?

Angus · Post by **Angus** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:29 pm

Your belts are tight enough aren't they? Or even not way too tight! That's the obvious cause of squeal on startup. Don't be tempted to spray with that belt "stop squeak" stuff - it makes a right mess!

The number on the belt is its length in mm, so the 1028 will be 3mm longer. Shouldn't make too much difference, will just require a wee bit more tightening.

Dbo · Post by **Dbo** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:44 pm

the belts on the prelude like to be balanced

they have to be the right tension on both belts or they squeak like a mo fo

Supermarine Blues · Post by **Supermarine Blues** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 6:20 pm

Screeching because they're slipping when wet, or squeaking because you've overtightened the alternator one & are knackering its bearing?

I've known both!

mills · Post by **mills** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 7:34 pm

I get a squeal every now and then, its worse when its wet. I thought it was the fan belt or something, but upon closer inspection it turns out to be coming from the air con unit under the bonnet

mills · Post by **mills** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 9:32 pm

newkid wrote:
mills wrote:I get a squeal every now and then, its worse when its wet. I thought it was the fan belt or something, but upon closer inspection it turns out to be coming from the air con unit under the bonnet
Belts either needing tightened or replaced bud.

I'll be replacing all my belts anyway as soon as I start work on the head

but you can actually hear the squealing coming from inside the unit. Its also happens when I turn the air con on, then stops when I turn it off

mercutio · Post by **mercutio** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:30 pm

did you have the vented bonnet on before mills?

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:35 pm

My belts are squaeking for 2-3 seconds only when I start the engine. It is really annoying.

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:37 pm

Just tried to turn the air con on and it didn't squaek. Only on start up.

Angus · Post by **Angus** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:45 pm

Ailfenergy - check your belt tensions against the specs in the manual, even just roughly. As a very rough estimate, if you can twist the belt 90 degrees halfway between the crank and alternator/PAS pump, it's not tight enough. You get to know how tight belts should be eventually.

And while you're at it, have a look to see that nothing's dripping on them. Power steering fluid, for example - you may have a slow leak at the pump that's dampening the belt and causing it to slip and then dispersing when the belt spins for a few seconds. Stranger things have happened (... usually to me).