Squeaky chattering noise front of engine

[AnD3rew]

Hi all

Today out of nowhere I was getting a rotational chattering squeaky noise coming from the front of my motor, it doesn’t seem to be or sounding like a slipping belt. I suspect pulley or pump bearings what are your thoughts?

It mostly went away after about 20 minutes although there is still an ocassional chirp. I would like to think it’s just gone away for good, but pretty sure that’s wishful thinking?

4.2.

[abowie]

Belt tensioner would be my first port of call.

[AnD3rew]

Belt tensioner would be my first port of call.

Thanks, in the sense that you think it needs retensioning or that might be what is causing the noise?

[ALAN COCHRANE]

Andrew

No the tensioner, if it's the culprit will need to be replaced. Many owner's including me have removed the tensioner because it's noisy at the best of times and if you re-tension the fan belt using the alternator, is not actually needed.

Cheers

Alan

[AnD3rew]

Nice, will look at that thank you.

[andyf]

I have a similar noise! I thought it might be water pump, but this post got me thinking that it could be the tensioner! There is slight movement in the water pump pulley but I am not losing water and no other signs of wear. Is there a simple check to ascertain which, before I spend over £400 having a new pump fitted. Is it relatively simple to remove or bypass the tensioner? I assume a different length belt would be required?

[christopher storey]

If you push the tensioner in and lever the belt off it , it is then easy to spin the tensioner pulley by hand. If it is stiff, notchy, or noisy in rotation then it is highly likely that it is the culprit. At the same time, whilst you have the belt off, you can do a similar test on the water pump . I have to say, however, that if there is any play in the pump pulley , it does not bode well for its future

[mgcjag]

Hi Andy....you have a 2+2 same as me......i had this type of noise turned out to be the alternator....looking side on the pully was not in line with the waterpump or crank pully......there was a small spacer missing from the adjustable bracket and the alternator not spaces up properly.....worth checking....Steve

[AshM]

As suggested - mine was a completely shot tensioner pulley.

Replaced with the SNGB Stainless Steel equivalent and it’s like a Rolls Royce purr. I wish...

Cheers
Ash

[AnD3rew]

Turns out it was a completely shot alternator, eventually bearings seized and belt was squealing over the pulley. Now replaced with a brand new Lucas alternator and all good.