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Thread ID: 92077 2008-07-28 03:28:00 How much to replace a squealing belt thingie in a Diesel Morgenmuffel (187) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
692969 2008-07-28 03:28:00 OK first off, I know zilch about cars

Everytime we start the car something squeals, this happens when the car is stationary, and when it is moving,
It doesn't seem to happen in reverse
The rev counter stays flat until the squealing stops which can be up to 2 to 3 blocks from where I have started
It never ever ever does it when there is a mechanic around

Would it be negatively impacting fuel consumption or anything like that, as the car seems to work fine, performance seems the same with or without the squeal
Morgenmuffel (187)
692970 2008-07-28 04:25:00 I'm pretty blank on cars as well, but sounds like the fanbelt perhaps?

Don't think they are too expensive to fix on any cars, but i think it might get expensive if it finally breaks on you.

I'm no mechanic, just my 2c.
Jan Birkeland (4741)
692971 2008-07-28 04:36:00 OK first off, I know zilch about cars

Everytime we start the car something squeals, this happens when the car is stationary, and when it is moving,
It doesn't seem to happen in reverse
The rev counter stays flat until the squealing stops which can be up to 2 to 3 blocks from where I have started
It never ever ever does it when there is a mechanic around

Would it be negatively impacting fuel consumption or anything like that, as the car seems to work fine, performance seems the same with or without the squeal

Year? Make? Model? Displacement?

Some older designed diesels had the tach driven from a fan belt or the back side of the alternator/generator and since you're hearing what seems like a belt squeal, I'd bet that the same device that drives the tachometer is also slipping from a worn out or glazed belt.

Some vacuum pumps are also belt driven and it might be that too that drives the tach. Diesels don't have vacuum to run accessories like AC, heaters and defrosters same with SOME diesels that use vacuum to operate the power brake booster.

What those that need vacuum do is run a small vacuum pump for that purpose. Don't confuse this with air brakes...a whole different story!

No vacuum - no brakes...or at least seriously diminished.
SurferJoe46 (51)
692972 2008-07-28 04:36:00 sounds like the alternator/powersteering/ aircon belt. pretty basic to replace yourself. Most likely just needs to be tightened plod (107)
692973 2008-07-28 04:45:00 I'll go along with Plod.

If a fanbelt is loose it will squeal for a while until the slipping of the belt warms it and it no longer squeals. Just tighten the offending belt.

It is not serious, yet, but if let continue you may ruin the belt with excessive and unnecessary wear.

Hopefully you know someone handy with a ring spanner if you are not. It is not a long or difficult job, but a garage will charge you just to diagnose, then charge again to adjust.
Roscoe (6288)
692974 2008-07-28 04:47:00 Holden Astra diesel Hatchback


I am not a mechanical person, my most major achievement related to cars recently was replacing a tail light bulb and i was tremendously proud of myself after that, I still haven't fixed the broken aerial on the car after being quoted $200 from a repairer, the aerial still works provided i drive in the exact correct direction and don't pass any powerpoles, bumps in the road, hedgehogs other cars or trees, otherwise it fades in and out
Morgenmuffel (187)
692975 2008-07-28 04:55:00 A new belt will cost you anything from $15 to $100. Check holdens price you might be surprised although I suggest you don't get them to fit it.
Just go to your local garage, if its one you use a lot they probably just tighten it for free, unless it needs replacing.
plod (107)
692976 2008-07-28 05:38:00 Firstly, as already stated, it is almost certainly a belt slipping.

Secondly, it needs to be adjusted or replaced pronto before it breaks and causes more serious problems.

If you really are as inexperienced as you say with motor vehicles, then you won’t have a suitable Ring Spanner / Socket or Bar to tension the belt so you’re pretty much stuck getting someone else to assist.

Ask around friends and neighbours. I’ll wager one of them will be able to help. ;)
B.M. (505)
692977 2008-07-28 06:12:00 sounds like the alternator/powersteering/ aircon belt . pretty basic to replace yourself . Just had the wifes car spit one of the belts on the 14th - it never use to make a sound when backing out the drive,and the power stearing was fine .

The front belt somehow jumped off the pulley (clunk clunk BANG :eek: ) and got really tangled around the back one - talk about knots .

I looked at it, but it looked like one of them was knackered - it was after the garage got done with it - the front one had to be cut out, and had damaged the rear one in the process - the cost of two new belts was $56 . 60 + gst --- Then the labour & freight to get the new ones :crying that hurt .
wainuitech (129)
692978 2008-07-28 06:24:00 Did someone edit the original post? I couldda sworn that it had the word: "Diesel" in it somewhere...I need sleep.....


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SurferJoe46 (51)
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