Noisy Drive Belt On Ford Galaxy

[nattyjordan1]

Over last year I have had 3 drive belts. It was first changed as it was starting to crack. Then after perhaps 6 months we had a noise that got worse and worse - told it was the tensioner - had this changed along with a new belt. Noise disappeared then it came back - tensioner changed again and noise mainly went but still on full lock. Then after a while the noise got worse again. Was recently told noise could be due to steering pump or steering rack. They were not sure. They then changed the drive belt again and noise disappeared for a few weeks. Now the noise is back again, not as bad - at the moment it is just on full lock. (before it was worse with a/c on and on turning steering wheel generally). We have not had problems with steering - just an annoying noise..

 

Am fed up with keep replacing drive belts and garage does not seem to know what is causing the problem. Does anyone have any ideas? Thx 05 Ford Galaxy 120k.

[gregers]

im wondering if its the alternator pully??

[alan_131]

If you can give the forum the model/engine type/trim level? - eg Mk2 1.9tdi 130bhp Auto Ghia - members might find it easier to judge if their knowledge/experience might be helpful for you.

 

 

If it's a mk2 tdi (or Mk1 for later visitors) there was some discussion here that might help. http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?/topic/24442-drivers-window-switch-2003-galaxy/ post 5 on. (not the original topic...).

 

Good luck

[seatkid]

If this is a diesel engine (PD) then its almost certainly due (and probably has always been due) to a seized up alternator pulley.

 

Explanation: PD engines are fitted with a Dual Mass Flywheel, the primary flywheel of which is very light. At low speeds (especially under load), the crankshaft does not run at a constant rotational speed, but speeds up and down significantly twice during each turn of the crankshaft. This in turn is passed to the auxilliary drive, including the alternator. As the alternator rotor has a high inertial mass, it is not possible for the belt drive to accomodate this high speed modulation of speed. The solution was to fit a one-way pulley on the alternator.

 

Remove the drive belt and check the alternator pulley, hold the alternator rotor still with a screwdriver and the pulley should freewheel in the non driven direction. They often seize up and the aux belt bounces like mad, for a while your tensioner (which will bounce like mad) will try and damp this out, but eventually that will wear out. Its likely that this has been the problem all along.

 

Your garage should know better and thanls to them you have wasted money.

 

Its possible to change the pulley (it costs around £50 plus labour), it may be easier/cheaper to change the entire alternator if you intend to DIY.

[nattyjordan1]

Thank you SeatKid for your response! The car is a diesel.

After searching the web I have the same conclusion. That is a great help. Thanks

[victor meldrew]

Anybody know if my mk1 diesel would have a clutch type alternator pulley it's a 2000 130 or so I'm told

Garage wants to change tensioner along with alt bracket casting as its worn but it just doesn't seem right to me

[alan_131]

I thought the mk1 was only available with 90 and 110 engines. But if it is mk2 130 pd engine, then I think it will have (or originally had, because some sellers of replacement alternators eliminate them) a clutch. (Seatkid, do I remember reading a post from you that some 110s had dmf?)

[seatkid]

AFAIK

 

Mk1 1995 -2000 Diesels - 110bhp (AFN) engine had a DMF, all other engines no DMF

Mk2 2000 - All diesels were PD engines and had a DMF.

 

AFAIK if the car has a DMF, then it also has a one way clutch pulley on the alternator.

 

130bhp (PD) engine is only fitted in MK2 - I don't think that engine was available until 2003...

[Geege]

I've just discovered this problem, well squealing noise coming from the engine. It is quite loud and appears to be a drive belt type noise or bearings or similar. I'm not a mechanic but quite keen DIY'er so would be keen to fix it myself if it isn't too much of a task for me. Any ideas? It appears to be coming from the left hand side of the engine around the alternator, water pump/timing belt area if that helps.

 

The squealing is evident when the vehicle is stationary so I'm satisfied it isn't suspension related and there is no knocking noise, it is just a loud squealing noise.

 

So could it be the Alternator? The Power Steering Pump Drive belt? or similar and how could I diagnose it?

 

My vehicle is a 1998 Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi 90bhp / 66kW engine AHU.

[gregers]

read up on the problem,look in the faqs.

yes you can do this repair yourself if you have the correct tools for the job,I MANAGED IT lol.

[Geege]

According to the Haynes manual it doesn't seem to difficult to replace the Auxiliary drive belts, so I might have a look under the bonnet today to try and identify the cause and have a look at the pulleys as well.

 

If I have to swap a drive belt is it a job that need to be done from under the car? with the under engine splash cover removed? or can I get enough access from working from top down?

[gregers]

it can be done from the top.

[seatkid]

it can be done from the top.

 

Not on the AHU engine!

 

First you must remove the PAS/Water Pump V belt. This can only be done from underneath. Slacken the 2 PAS pump mounting bolts and then wind back the PAS tensioning bolt. Remove the V belt. You'll need to remove the air box to slacken the the aux drive belt tensioner - you'll probably need an appropriate tool to do the slackening e.g. This laser tool plus socket ratchet or extension bar - you need a lot of leverage! Using a screwdriver or other improvised tool will likely damage the tensioner/roller. Then, you can remove the belt, but make a note of the routing!

Edited August 8, 2012 by seatkid

[gregers]

opppssss missed that seatkid,my knowledge was on the auy engine.