Technical Squeaking "Diesel-ish" Noise On Cold Start

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Technical Squeaking "Diesel-ish" Noise On Cold Start

samjaynz

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Hi all, I'm having an issue with my vehicle that has started with the onset of cold weather in my country.

Vehicle is a 2006 Fiat Stilo Abarth, 2.4l engine, with approximately 35k miles on the clock. Good service history and driven gently.

It's making a rattly/squeaking noise on cold start, which gradually fades as the engine warms. It appears to be coming from the drive belt setup of the engine.

Here's a video of the noise (excuse the vertical filming, I wasn't thinking when I was holding the phone!)

youtu . be/29DwYccUi7I (remove the spaces as I can't post URLs yet!)

Anyone got any idea what could be causing it? I'm wondering if maybe a belt is loose or a bit stiff due to the cold weather. I'm keen to get an idea for what could be wrong before I head into the mechanic.
 
It could be the alternator bearings, steering pump or one of the pulleys.

I'd take the cam-belt cover off and see if you can pin-point where the noise is coming from but be careful with hair, fingers, tools etc while you're prodding about.

Next step would be to remove the aux' belt and see if that stops the noise. The cam-belt only drives the water pump, cams and the belt tensioner (I'm guessing).. so if the noise persists it's most likely going to be the water pump.

If the noise goes when you remove the aux belt, then alternator is more likely to die than the air-con pump or the steering (in that order) but you'll have a better idea when you're in there.

Ralf S.
 
Thanks guys. I've got it booked in with a specialist FIAT mechanic in the next couple of days.

The weather has been warmer the past 2 days, and the noise has not been as bad as the car seems to be warming up faster (so I'm really hoping it's just a stiff belt).

Will keep you guys posted on what it turns out to be, so others with a similar issue can have more of an idea of what might be wrong.
 
quite cheap



Camshaft Advance Variator
Vehicle: Fiat Stilo 2.4 20v

Availability: In Stock
Part Number: S4P1157
OEM Number: 7777221
Manufacturer: Genuine
Retail Price: £252.00
Our Price: £235.87 (6% Saving!)

thanks for that. If it is the variator I might buy one in myself and give to the mechanic to fit. Parts cost a FORTUNE here in NZ.
 
Just a quick update on this (got back from the mechanic about 30 minutes ago). It is the main drive belt - the longer one - that needs replacing along with the tensioner which is showing its age.

Just getting the parts sourced now.

Now all I need to find is a replacement center cap for one of the wheels!
 
The cam-belt? :eek:

Best not to use it/much/gently if the squeak is the tensioner. It could all go horribly wrong just meters from the garage.

Ralf S.

Maybe we have different terminology in my part of the world.

Drive belt in NZ means (I think) auxiliary belt in the UK. Definitely NOT the cambelt, which was replaced only 10k kms ago anyway. He was talking about the tensioner for that drive belt, not the cambelt one.

The mechanic was positive that there was little risk to driving it around as it is at the moment.

Just weighing up whether I buy the parts in from the UK myself now,as parts are VERY expensive in NZ.
 
Maybe we have different terminology in my part of the world.

Drive belt in NZ means (I think) auxiliary belt in the UK. Definitely NOT the cambelt, which was replaced only 10k kms ago anyway. He was talking about the tensioner for that drive belt, not the cambelt one.

The mechanic was positive that there was little risk to driving it around as it is at the moment.

Just weighing up whether I buy the parts in from the UK myself now,as parts are VERY expensive in NZ.

Ah yes.. I forgot you had a 2.4. My JTD only has two.. cam-belt and aux. The "main" drive belt to me is the cambelt.. :D

Yes.. take advantage of the weedy GB Pound and get the parts here. www.Shop4parts.co.uk isn't too bad a place to start.


Ralf S.
 
Quick update here. Took the car in to the mechanic on Friday, and he replaced both drive belts (the normal one and stretch one) plus tensioner.

Noise has completely vanished!
 
Yes I'm very pleased.

Now I need to try and source myself a new downshift paddle (the old one broke off under vigorous driving from my "speed demon" younger brother). I was quoted $1000 for the part alone here in NZ (about 500 pounds).

Any clues as to where I can get one cheaper?
 
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