Fan Belt, Or Aux Belt? Possibly?

[Jimbo73]

Hello Guys and Gals,

 

I started up my Galaxy today, and the dam thing gave a squeak, I thought nothing of it because it had stopped almost as soon as it started. When I got to the shops, about 7 miles away, and tried to restart my car It wouldn't start.

 

I thought it was the battery, with it being cold and all. Got a jump start and the squeak was well loud. Fella immediately said with confidence. Fan belt that mate, go home and get it sorted.

 

Now I thought the fan belt did the power steering and air con, but the power steering was okay but the air con wasn't working properly.

 

Are there 2 belts, the fan belt and the aux belt? Where are they located? Can it be tightened up or is it just as easy to put a new one on? Can a novice pull this off, or would it be easier to drop it into a garage?

 

All help appreciated. Many thanks.

 

Jim

[Guest Cepheus]

Did the squeek carry on for a long time after starting or was it a shortish (1-2 seconds) squeek?

 

If a short squeek then it could possibly be a problem with the bendix not releasing in the starter motor. This might also explain why you couldn't start the car?

 

Mine gives this squeek every now and then for a second or so after I let go of the key when turning her over and according to other posts on here it's a sticky bendix.

[seatkid]

<< Topic continues after these short adverts >>

 

Feeling depressed?

 

Getting that screeching belt feeling?

 

Worried that your lack of knowledge will prevent you stripping down the engine in confidence?

 

Not yet realised that Galaxys (and most other cars) don't have fan belts nowadays? :lol:

 

Then hopalong to the SEARCH BUTTON and search for "seized a/c compressor" and your knowledge may be expanded....

 

 

<< end of short advert >>

 

 

I have nothing constructive to add apart from "it's probably too late now to save it..." :(

[Jimbo73]

Right,,,,, Been out in it just now.. Started fine, Air con working fine. All seemed fine.

 

If it was the sticky bendix, why would it start with a jump start? There was almost nothing in the battery after my 7 mile journey, becasue the radio lost its settings.

 

There was a difinitite squeak after the jump start, at idle it was worse, then when we would get going, it would settle down.

 

Hmmm........ What to do... Any ideas?

 

And I didn't know cars didnt have fan belts no more. LOL

[NikpV]

umm I know you have petrol but I wonder if this could be your problem

 

on the alternator

[tim-spam]

Could be something as simple as a knackered battery. Your alternator is clearly charging - if it wasn't, the car would stop after disconnecting the jump leads after jump starting. The squeak may not be connected with the flat battery.

 

As regards, the free-wheel alternator pulley, I doubt whether a pre-2000 car has one, although it may be worth checking. These are becoming much more popular on most makes of car in recent years - both diesel and petrol. There are 2 main modes of failure - siezing, which causes the accessory drive to vibrate and become noisy, and slipping, which can cause a screeching or squealing noise.