Screeching

[garrythefox]

Hi, some advice please

Ive been out in the stag today and there was a lot of screeching whuch stops at about 20mph (and no it wasnt the wife)

Do you think it was

a) the fan belt

b) the power steering belt or

c) the water pump

Thanks for any help

Garry

[V Mad]

Hi, some advice please

Ive been out in the stag today and there was a lot of screeching whuch stops at about 20mph (and no it wasnt the wife)

Do you think it was a) the fan belt

Garry

Only if you have an RV8!!

[StagnJag]

Hiya,

It could be the belts as you say. It could also be the Viscous coupling on its way out, or the power steering pump running dry, or bearings packing up in the alternator. And I dare say, a few other things I can't think of at the moment!!!

Rgds

Dave

[SGN]

Hi Garry
Your symptoms sound like the viscous fan, I had the similar screeching on mine.
Flick the blades of the viscous fan (engine off) if it turns more than about 1/2- 3/4 revolution it's knackered, also rock the fan from side to side and try to feel if there's any movement.
If you find it spins freely, get it changed asap before it eats your radiator.

Steve

[Princejohny]

Do Stag waterpumps actually sieze if the car is regularly used? I thought that they just gave up quietly and leaked into the V?
Cheers Johny

[garrythefox]

Hi Steve, when you say viscous fan do you mean the torquatrol unit?

Garry

[jleyton]

He does

I've had three fail and although none of them have made a screeching sound, I can imagine this as a possible sign of failure.

As for alternator or PAS failure (I've had both - beginning to sound like I'm a bit unlucky !) if you just slacken them off and then run the engine that should tell you if the noise is emanating from them. Do them one at a time - PAS first as it's easier to slacken.

Cheers

Julian

[V Mad]

Screeching I would say most likely is alternator belt; easy to check if its loose. This time of the year batteries are often low charge; this means the alternator is charging heavily after start up, and that can cause a screeching belt if its not tight enough. Alternator bearing is a possibility.

PAS belt only screeches when turning steering so that easy to spot.

Viscous failure can make a horrendous noise; friend of mine told me his engine had given up the ghost, but when I looked it was the viscous. But I wouldnt describe it as screeching like you get on slipping belts.

[wilf]

I know everyone is just trying to be helpful, but diagnosing noises over t'interweb is pretty pointless....................all you can do is suggest broad areas to check.

[garrythefox]

HI everone, Ive now had a good look around the engine bay, and I can see the fan belt is very slack.
I have ordered a new one to be on the safe side, but how difficult is it to fit?

Cheers

Garry

[wilf]

Why not adjust the one you have?

And which belt are you talking about?

[Red Devil]

I wouldn't describe a failed Torquatrol unit as screeching - more of a howl. I've just replaced mine. If the fan blades move front to back it's likely the bearings have gone. I was amazed how much movement there was in mine when I got to it but it was certainly discernible.
If you need to replace it let me know, I've taken photos of the process.

[thebadleys]

I wouldn't describe a failed Torquatrol unit as screeching - more of a howl. I've just replaced mine. If the fan blades move front to back it's likely the bearings have gone. I was amazed how much movement there was in mine when I got to it but it was certainly discernible.
If you need to replace it let me know, I've taken photos of the process.

Do you realise this thread dates from 3rd FEBRUARY 2013 !!!


Nigel

[Red Devil]

And??

[thebadleys]

Just pointing it out.