Technical Drive Belt/Alternator/Power Steering?

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Technical Drive Belt/Alternator/Power Steering?

philgsmith

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Hi,
I have a 2001 Multipla Diesel JTD.
It started making a noise on tickover which sounded very like a tappet noise, but it disappeared when the revs increased above tickover. This also got louder when the steering wheel was moved, but again stopped if the revs increased. It seemed to indicate that the power steering pump was on he way out.

Yesterday I got an alternator warning up on the dashboard and it sounded worse. Also noticed a smell of rubber when I stopped (only drive is a short way). Looking in the daylight the drive belt is clearly not turning freely, so maybe something has seized. I am guessing it may be the power steering or another device driven by the same belt.

Can anyone help with suggestions as to how to identify what it is so I can get the right device bought in.

I haven't as yet got a manual for the Multipla, and need to find some good diagrams so I can see which wheel turns what. Are there some labelled diagrams on line I can use?
 
Hi


From what you've described, it sounds like the alternator clutch pulley could be at fault, e.g. it's seized and causing the belt to be pulled over a non moving pulley, or that the alternator's seized/ rough, so it's adding extra friction to the pulley system.


The ticking on idle, though could also be the crank pulley that's delaminated itself. On mine, the tick stopped on higher revs, but would get worse when you turn the power steering. I don't think that it will be the power steering, as these are generally very reliable, and I don't recall reading many posts about issues with them.


If you take your belt off, you might be able to feel the movement in the crank pulley when you either pull/ push on it, or hit it with a piece of wood. You'll hear a metallic sound, if this is at fault and you're guaranteed that it won't be from the hammer!


Once you've got the belt off, you'll be able to spin all of the pulleys and idlers in the system, and hopefully diagnose the fault. If the alternator pulley bearing is goosed, when you grab the pulley and quickly flick it both ways, you shouldn't feel the alternator shaft give slightly. If the alternator bearings are shot, the pulley would feel very rough, and or stiff to turn.


Best of luck, reply with your findings, as I've been through all of the above.
 
Hi,
I haven't as yet got a manual for the Multipla, and need to find some good diagrams so I can see which wheel turns what. Are there some labelled diagrams on line I can use?

You won't find a printed manual for a Multipla, as there isn't one. The best reference you'll get is by trawling the forum using the search facility, or here:

https://sites.google.com/site/fiatmultipla/Home/repairs

As for your current problem, JA's suggestion of removing the aux belt is a very good one as you'll not only be able to waggle the crank pulley around but also have a good feel of the alternator, diesel pump and air con compressor pulleys while you're there. Check the condition of the idler/tensioner pulleys as well.

Access is easy; OSF wheel off, then remove the inner wheelarch liner, which is held in place by a couple of 10mm AF bolts. Then use a 15mm(?) socket and a reasonably long ratchet or breaker bar - something that will give you decent leverage - on the centre bolt of the tensioner puller, turning anticlockwise (I think - hazy grey matter cells here) to release the belt tension; pull the belt out from around the crank pulley and the rest will follow.

You may need a second pair of hands to refit it, as it's difficult to juggle the breaker bar and the belt at the same time.
 
Thank you. I have tried to download the manual advertised on the forum but have hit an issue with Java Script not downloading as they want. Life is full of technical problems to solve other technical problems!
 
You won't find a printed manual for a Multipla, as there isn't one. The best reference you'll get is by trawling the forum using the search facility, or here:

https://sites.google.com/site/fiatmultipla/Home/repairs

As for your current problem, JA's suggestion of removing the aux belt is a very good one as you'll not only be able to waggle the crank pulley around but also have a good feel of the alternator, diesel pump and air con compressor pulleys while you're there. Check the condition of the idler/tensioner pulleys as well.

Access is easy; OSF wheel off, then remove the inner wheelarch liner, which is held in place by a couple of 10mm AF bolts. Then use a 15mm(?) socket and a reasonably long ratchet or breaker bar - something that will give you decent leverage - on the centre bolt of the tensioner puller, turning anticlockwise (I think - hazy grey matter cells here) to release the belt tension; pull the belt out from around the crank pulley and the rest will follow.

You may need a second pair of hands to refit it, as it's difficult to juggle the breaker bar and the belt at the same time.


I find that it saves a lot of hassle to just do this from the top end or underneath and not remove the wheel etc, just in case you're lazy like me ??


Selling my beautiful black 17" alloys, any interest?

Sent from my iPhone using FIAT Forum
 
The problem turned out to be the crank pulley which has a built in damper. This finally sheered completely and the power steering failed as well as all the other functions managed by this drive belt.

Replacing the Crankshaft pulley has resolved this totally, no strange noises and no issues with faulty alternators etc being reported on the dash.

I do not totally understand how this was failing partially as the pulley damper seems an all or nothing sort of thing. There are though two lugs that look like they can lock the pulley inner together to the pulley outer but these were worn out so I don't know. if that was the case.

Thanks you all for your help in resolving this.

Phil
 
Hi Glad that you've got this sorted. The pulley is two pieces of steel, an inner and outer pulley, if you will, that have some key ways to stop them rotating at different rates. In the middle is an injection moulded rubber wedge which damps the vibration from the engine, limiting the stresses to the components on the auxillary pulley line.


What happens is that the rubber deteriorates allowing the metal pulleys to touch, and chatter on idle when the belt is under the least tension, as the revs increase, it wants to flutter more, but the pulley tensioner keeps it in check and it doesn't make the noise.








I've had 3 go on different cars, the multi and a pug 406, just the rattle before the inevitable collapse and noise. The third was a Berlingo where it gave no warning noises etc, and just imploded, destroying the belt and anything that was in it's way!


Cheers


James
 
Had the same problem on mine, new pulley off amazon for 46 quid sorted it!
 
I think I might have the same issue I have a metallic chatter on idle and when revved it goes away i have noticed my alternator spring loader tensioner is wobbling up and down so I replaced it only to find the new one does it as well I have had the belt off and can't feel any play in the pulleys anywhere and the rubber is still intact unlike what happened to my stilo any help would be grateful if it's the crack pulley has anyone got a picture as I'm almost sure the garage who did the cambelt has put the pulley back on backwards
 
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