Technical Brief screech on cold start. any ideas?

[jim cooper]

I get an occasional brief (about 2 seconds) screech from the clutch side of the engine on some, but not all, cold starts. It happens whether the clutch pedal is depressed or not.
First thoughts are the clutch release bearing but could it be something in the starter motor? Car is a 1.4 16 valve 5 door, 2006.

 

[Davren]

Are you sure the screech is coming from the clutch side? The source of noises can be deceiving when sitting in the car.

Is it still the clutch side if you listen from in front of the car and someone else starting it?

Screeching from the auxiliary drive belt for a few seconds when starting an engine is very common if the battery is starting to fail. Especially as the weather gets colder.
.

 

[jim cooper]

Definitely the clutch end. Mrs C had her head under the bonnet and her hearing is good. changed the alternator belt a couple of weeks ago and battery is in good condition (nearly new).

 

[Maigretnz]

To get a better idea of where a sound is coming from use a piece of hose to the ear and the other end in the area you want to check.

 

[Ralf S.]

Does the sound coincide with the starter being released (i.e. as soon as the engine catches)?

If so, then the starter could have a failing bearing. The only cure would be a new starter (although you *could*, if you were obsessed enough, rebuild your old motor). The choice is leave it until it breaks... or change it before then/when you get the chance (once you're sure that's the real problem).

I doubt it's the clutch or release bearing etc. since clutch in or out doesn't change things.


Ralf S.

 

[Maigretnz]

I recently had a problem with our Toyota 4runner starter.
It was the small sprag clutch in the drive pinion so it could be that. I was able to get auto electrician to repair starter.

 

[jim cooper]

Does the sound coincide with the starter being released (i.e. as soon as the engine catches)?

If so, then the starter could have a failing bearing. The only cure would be a new starter (although you *could*, if you were obsessed enough, rebuild your old motor). The choice is leave it until it breaks... or change it before then/when you get the chance (once you're sure that's the real problem).

I doubt it's the clutch or release bearing etc. since clutch in or out doesn't change things.


Ralf S.

Yes, it does coincide with the starter being released. Looks like a new motor would be the best option. Is it difficult to replace on a 1.4?

 

[Ralf S.]

The beast is on the back of the gearbox .. and is quite easily accesible without dismantling half the car first. If you get the both sides of the front end onto axle stands and remove the nearside wheel and the lower wheel arch liner then you'll have room to move and some light to see what you're doing.

Disconnect the battery first, since the connections on the starter are "hot" and you could accidentally earth the battery while you're spannering.

The starter is held in with a couple of electrical leads and 2 or 3 bolts.. then it just pulls out towards the centre of the car.

Ralf S.