optimistique1 Posted August 3, 2008 Posted August 3, 2008 Hi Guys My knowledge of car engines is very very minimal so apologies if this sounds dumb! How do I know if the Alternator belt or Cambelt needs changing? I recently had the alternator changed but kept the same belt. The reason I ask is because since I had my downpipe changed there hs been a weird faint grinding noise. it sounds worswe when the car is cold but is still there even when warm just not as loud The car is a 2002 S2 with 50k on the clock. Many thanks Garry
dobbo Posted August 3, 2008 Posted August 3, 2008 Cambelt needs doing every 4 years / 36k miles on a standard K-series. If it hasn't been done in that time, or you have no record of it, get it done ASAP. Alternator belt is easily examined, if the place that changed the alternator thought it looked OK, that'll be why they re-used it, although for what they cost I'd have replaced it anyway. I can't see why a downpipe change would cause an issue with the alternator belt, and certainly not with the cambelt. I can't think how it would be described as a grinding noise, but the only thing I can think of is that the downpipe wasn't correctly fitted and is blowing slightly - I have heard of people reporting a ticking noise when the exhaust manifold is blowing (but you don't mention the manifold, just the downpipe, so I'm assuming the manifold wasn't touched ?). Impossible to diagnose via a forum, as I can't believe that it's either belt. Best get it back to whoever did the downpipe and talk through your concerns.
optimistique1 Posted August 4, 2008 Author Posted August 4, 2008 Cambelt needs doing every 4 years / 36k miles on a standard K-series. If it hasn't been done in that time, or you have no record of it, get it done ASAP. Alternator belt is easily examined, if the place that changed the alternator thought it looked OK, that'll be why they re-used it, although for what they cost I'd have replaced it anyway. I can't see why a downpipe change would cause an issue with the alternator belt, and certainly not with the cambelt. I can't think how it would be described as a grinding noise, but the only thing I can think of is that the downpipe wasn't correctly fitted and is blowing slightly - I have heard of people reporting a ticking noise when the exhaust manifold is blowing (but you don't mention the manifold, just the downpipe, so I'm assuming the manifold wasn't touched ?). Impossible to diagnose via a forum, as I can't believe that it's either belt. Best get it back to whoever did the downpipe and talk through your concerns. Well I have checked all records and cannot see any notes of the cambelt being changed. The car has done 50K so should I get this done soon. What does the cambelt actually do and what problems will it cause if not changed?
Fiona Posted August 4, 2008 Posted August 4, 2008 If breaks you are in deep sh!t. The cam belt links the valves to the pistons - if it breaks the pistons can hit the valves and do a lot of damage and that means opening up the engine. It's not that expensive to get a cam belt changed - it's very expensive to get the damage repaired.
optimistique1 Posted August 4, 2008 Author Posted August 4, 2008 Ok, I have booked the car in for next Tuesday so will get them to sort this also. Just hope it doesn't dink my pocket 2 much..
optimistique1 Posted August 15, 2008 Author Posted August 15, 2008 Well I found out out what the strange rattling/grinding noise was.... It was the lamda sensor, appartently it has come lose and was dangling by the coil or something and this was causing the annoying rattling... Also had the cambelt changed, cost me £345.00 and most of that was for labour :-( Used a really great local garage called Mellors in Glossop and they were very helpful and friendly.
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