Belt Squeal

[blatentlemon]

Hello,

My 2002 Verso is making a constant squealing noise and it sounds to my non-expert ears as though it's belt-related. It isn't there when the car is started from cold but kicks in after the engine has been running for about a minute and then doesn't subside at all after that. It gets slightly quieter when I've driven a reasonable distance but it pretty much stays the same all the time.

It stops altogether when I spray a bit of silicone on it but only for about 15 seconds, and then it comes back the same.

I'm expecting to have to retension or change the belt but that's the first problem - I can't work out how to get at it! The only adjustment I can see is a 14mm hex bolt but I don't know what it does. This is not helped by the fact that I can't find anything online about what to do, and there is no Haynes guide for this car apparently.

Any idea what it might be from what I've described? Also, any tips adjusting/removing belt would be much appreciated!

Cheers all

[Haylands]

Hi

I don't know exactly about your particular model but most cars these days are similar, you gain access to the belt from under the drivers front wing, there will be a removable plastic shield or the entire wheel arch liner needs removing, what you mention sounds like the belt or a bearing in one of the pulleys, if the belt is shiny on the inside that is a good indication it will be squealing...

Good Luck and welcome to the club.... Let us know how you get on.

Pete

[blatentlemon]

Hi

I don't know exactly about your particular model but most cars these days are similar, you gain access to the belt from under the drivers front wing, there will be a removable plastic shield or the entire wheel arch liner needs removing, what you mention sounds like the belt or a bearing in one of the pulleys, if the belt is shiny on the inside that is a good indication it will be squealing...

Good Luck and welcome to the club.... Let us know how you get on.

Pete

Thanks Pete, I'll have a look this evening. The belt isn't shiny and feels quite new to me, but best to get it off and examine it properly I guess.

I did find a useful bit of info on the Gates (belt mfr) website describing this squealing noise almost exactly, i.e. continuous, comes in after things have started heating up etc. I'll dig it back up and post a link to it in case it's helpful to anyone else.

[Rogermalone]

Hi

I don't know exactly about your particular model but most cars these days are similar, you gain access to the belt from under the drivers front wing, there will be a removable plastic shield or the entire wheel arch liner needs removing, what you mention sounds like the belt or a bearing in one of the pulleys, if the belt is shiny on the inside that is a good indication it will be squealing...

Good Luck and welcome to the club.... Let us know how you get on.

Pete

Hi Pete,

I have a 2003 verso, and 18 months ago the fan belt started squealing. Had it replaced by my local garage, but noise returned after a couple of days. They replaced the tensioner pulley (£151.50) The noise returned soon after. They say the tensioner is genuine and new, and correctly fitted. They say the problem is common to this model, and is caused by one of the belt wheels being slightly out of alignment, due to a design or manufacturing fault. I can't find anything on the internet about this supposed problem, has anybody out there had this problem?

If it is a problem, then instead of the belt lasting 20k miles or so, I am going to have to have it replaced once or even twice a year!

any info appreciated, Roger