Technical Squeaking alternator belt

[philipb82]

Hello

My alternator belt was making a ticking/clicking noise on start up but would diseapper shortly. I brought a new belt which my mechanic fitted and cleaned up the rusty pulley. Anyway now its making a squeaking noise! I'm seeing him at the weekend regarding another issue. In the meantime does anyone have an idea what else it could be? Could it be because its new?

Thanks

Phil

 

[StiloBoy]

I'll go by the old adage. If it ain't broke.........

My car is the same (light ticking on initial start up), been that way for as long as I can remember.

 

[philipb82]

My wife was using the car earlier and she said it was squeaking/squealing whilst driving. I'm using the car soon so i'll keep an ear out! Something isn't right surely.

 

[mhowse]

have the little squeaking at start up from belt area on my JTD also, put new belt on in summer and gave pullies little lube at same time along with new cambelt kit/waterpump,,what I have noticed though is that this little light squeak has only started since the cold outside temperature and each time disappears after few minutes of warm up so not be worrying on it unless is same come warmer weather.

 

[StiloBoy]

Could also be really unlucky and turn out that your battery is goosed and the alternator is killing itself trying to charge (had that on my old mini once, didn't take long to wreck a worn alternator meaning double expense Battery/Alternator replacement).

 

[philipb82]

Thanks for the replies.

I have spoke to my mechanic and he says it might need a bit more adjustment. I hope thats all it is.

Phil

 

[mhowse]

well i know from when I replaced my auxillary alternator belt in the JTD it has an automatic springed pulley so any adjustment is done automatically by that pulley, not sure which model stilo you have and if certain models have manual adjusted belt tensions but the JTD does not.

 

[cris1117]

Hi. The bottom pulley could be shot (JTD), they make a ticking noise on start up when they start to go, usually gets worse when the air con is switched on, but you won’t be able to try the air con this weather.

 

[philipb82]

Mine is also a JTD (Active).

Interesting that the pulley could be at fault. I've had a new engine fitted and i've only had these noises with the pulleys that came with this engine. The pulleys on my previous engine didn't make these noises. My mechanic has thoroughly cleaned the big pulley (crank?) because it was a bit rusty. Maybe it could be the pulley.

Phil

 

[cris1117]

They seem to go between 70/90,000 the JTD pulley has a rubber centre that wears the last time I bought one they where about £90 from Fiat, cheaper than the spares shop believe it or not.

If you take the front offside wheel off and the plastic cover you can inspect it for cracks and wear.

Easy job to change, but don’t tighten the bolts to much as they will snap.

 

[Davren]

The new pulley (part number 55208280) is a modified design, you will also need 4 shorter bolts for it.

Genuine Fiat one for £54 delivered here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261130755518?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
.

 

[jonathanbees]

the bottom pulley (crankshaft damper) is a good place to start but another often missed item is the freewheeling clutch pulley on the alternator to test take belt off hold fan in the alternator with a screwdriver pulley should free spin one way without turning the alternator and lock the other turning the alternator if yours is locked both ways that will cause the belt to squeak (especially on start up)

2 choices get a new unit
or you can buy the pulley for about 35.00 but need a special tool to replace it

 

[philipb82]

Another thing i have noticed lately is that my power steering seems to slightly heavier, even with CITY activated....or it could be my imagination! Also when turning the steering wheel to reverse on my drive the belt squeals a bit. Its now more of a squeal than a squeak!

Phil

 

[philipb82]

All that was needed was adjustment. No more squeal! A nice simple solution

Phil

 

[Davren]

As posted above by mhowse, the JTD has an automatic adjuster. There's nothing to adjust.
.

 

[philipb82]

As posted above by mhowse, the JTD has an automatic adjuster. There's nothing to adjust.
.

Oh right Well whatever he did its cured it!

Phil

 

[philipb82]

Its come back, ticking noise again with a hint of squeaking So i've had the belt changed and the crank pulley cleaned up but still not cured it properly. 'Cris1117' you said the pulley could be shot so i'll get that looked at again, also i don't have air con. 'jonathanbees' - i'll also have the clutch pulley checked. Is the clutch pulley the same as the alternator pulley? Could it be a faulty tensioner at all?

I've had a new battery fitted too.

Thanks

Phil

 

[philipb82]

Sorry to bring this back up again. Aswell as the suggestions made in this post, could the tensioner be at fault? If the squeal goes but eventually comes back could the tensioner be loosening the belt?

Just to add: i've been looking on ECP and theres a drive belt tensioner and a guide tensioner pulley. Whats does each one do?

Phil