That early morning screach

Hmmmmm.

Had a look in haynes. Although it is a 2 spanner task it still looks pretty difficult.

It says 'an automatic adjuster is fitted, so checking the belt tension is unnecessary'. But I thought it was the tension that was causing the screech?

Also, it calls it an 'auxiliary drivebelt'. Is this the right thing?
 
Dr Who said:
It slips because the alternator is under its heaviest load on a cold morning...

Rear demister, heater fan up to full, lights on... this additional drag causes the belt to slip and squeal, as the drive cannot keep up with the load due to the belt being slack...
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So I'm getting this myself - it only happens when very cold (having been parked up on these cold nights we're now having), and then it's very brief but pretty loud.

I don't remember it happening last winter - so is it something I should sort out ASAP (i.e., replace) or just wait it out (while starting the car before lights/demisters etc) until the weather warms again and it shuts up?
 
I have a Matiz with original belt on 72000 miles that makes horrible squeaky sounds like this regularly, should I get the belt replaced or is it just happening because of the winter moistness?

Serious question :)
 
phil675 said:
I have a Matiz with original belt on 72000 miles that makes horrible squeaky sounds like this regularly, should I get the belt replaced or is it just happening because of the winter moistness?

Serious question :)
Click to expand...

No seriously have you read the thread?

Or was that the sound of a joke going over my head?
 
You can also put Fairy Liquid on the belts to stop them screeching in the cold, one of the few things my dad told me when I was a kid :)

Works too, used to do it on my old Xr3i n RS Turbo.
 
InvaderGIR said:
What's with all the oooold threads being revived lately? :confused:
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Sorry, should I stop searching for things that have asked before and ask them again in a new thread, only to get told to "search, noob"?

Anyway there's still not been a very straight answer!

On the one hand we've got "Use WD40/fairy liquid/mustard on it, that does the trick", and on the other "OMG your car's gonna die get a new one fast!" Then a couple of people who've had a go and just made it worse!

So, what to do?
 
It's adjusted incorrectly if you put a new belt on it and it still does it. If it has been squealing for sometime, then the belt will likely be worn out and is best replacing anyway, as if it drives things such as the water pump (like on mine), your setting yourself up for terminal failure of your engine.

Also, once the belt has bed in, you may need to readjust it, as it will have slackened slightly. (DO NOT do the belt up tight, it needs to have some movement in it, if it doesn't you will wear bearings and other components out too quickly).
 
sara said:
Sorry, should I stop searching for things that have asked before and ask them again in a new thread, only to get told to "search, noob"?
Click to expand...

Seeing as the thread is nearly 2 years old, nobody will notice or care. :)

As has been said, tighten the belt, if that doesn't work and the belt hasn't been changed in ages, try a new belt. Old ones stretch so don't help with this problem.
 
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