Fan Belt

Ghuraba

Ghuraba

Ghuraba

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Joined
17 Oct 2002
Posts
1,347
Location
Leeds
The last few days I have noticed a squeak noise, maybe more a tick, from the under the bonnet of my Focus 1.6 petrol MK1. It is quite loud when I start the car then it goes very, very quiet after 10-15 minutes or so.

I took it to a garage today and he looked at the fan belt, gave it some tuggs then poured some water on the belt and the noise stopped. He said don't worry about it, possibly the cold weather resulting in the noise.

The noise was not there last week before the cold and snow. Now the noise is very, very quiet to be honest but like a fly buzzing around your face that is harmless it can cause you zone in on it and get annoyed.

So based on what the mechanic did and the results was his advice correct? Or do I need a new fan belt or tightening fan belt? Even though mechanically it might be sound I find the noise irritating which a new belt might fix.

Thanks

Michael
 
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Depends on the condition of the belt, but really I don't see how tugging at it and throwing some water over it is going to help, particularly for the long term.

Readjusting it, maybe, but water? :confused:
 
Well it's definitely the auxiliary belt that's causing the issues.
Most newer cars have automatic tensioners on them now so there is likely not to be any adjustment you could do.

I'd suggest leaving it until the weather warms up, if it doesn't stop squeaking then, change the belt.
If you change it now you may waste a £5 or so.
Your call. :D
If you don't mind blowing a fiver then it's worth a punt

Or you could try a small application of WD40 but it wont last long
 
Joshy said:
Depends on the condition of the belt, but really I don't see how tugging at it and throwing some water over it is going to help, particularly for the long term.

Readjusting it, maybe, but water? :confused:
Click to expand...
Throwing water over the belt was just to help identify the issue, not provide a remedy.
 
He poured water on it to identify the problem, it has not fixed it. He is the expert not me and that is what he did :)

I will change it if it keeps doing it as it just annoys me.

Thanks

Michael
 
The way to cure a squeaky auxiliary drivebelt esp in this colder weather is to put a dab of LM grease on both sides of the belt.

Only do this with the engine stopped and only if the belt is in good condition.

The small amount of grease will provide the small amount of lube required to stop the noise.

And no, the belt won't slip.
 
No, proper grease, you know the stuff that comes out of grease guns.

Sprays will work for a short time, but grease will provide a long term fix.

Rather than spend out on a tub (it's cheap) perhaps ask at a garage for a little bit?

Most blokes with sheds will have a pot of 20 yr old grease, ask about.

Yep, a blob on both the ribbed and smooth side of the belt.
 
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