I think my timing/cambelt/tensioner is going..

[phem0r]

Hi all

55 plate mkv golf gti

Sometimes in the morning after starting my car i can hear a similar noise to this video (the kind of chirping noise after it's started on the left side)

Cambelt, tensioners & water pump was done at 37k and the car is now on 58k

1. Do you think that kinda of noise is the cambelt on its way out
2. If so, isn't that a little early for the cambelt to start going?

thanks

[xjay1337]

I have a similar noise which is intermittent.
Normally comes after a heavy rain.

I'm not too worried about it.

You can try verifying whether it's the cambelt or the accessory belt by using a 16mm spanner (I think from memory) and undoing the pulley and removing the belt (this goes around the aircon pump and the alternator).
You could also try using belt spray as many times this noise can be caused by a dry belt (humidity changes).

[phem0r]

Mine is intermittent too, it seems to stop once the car has warmed up too, i assume something is expanding

Think i'll skip taking the belt off, never done that before and don't fancy messing that one up

[xjay1337]

You can't mess up taking the accessory belt off. If not get a mechanical mate to do it for you :)

If the noise continues I will get a new cambelt and WP fitted but I'm not in a rush.

[phem0r]

Yea i'm in no hurry to get new cambelt & WP, the noise is intermittent at the moment and it's only been noticeable a few times

Can you start the car with the accessory belt off? Or just take it off to visibly inspect it?

[Scottymon]

As Jay says the AUX belt is easy to take off, using a spanner pull back the tensioner towards the front of the car and put an allen key in the locking hole, you'll see it line up.  The Charcoal canister thing can be moved easily without tools for extra access.  

At this point it would be a good idea to test the Alternator pulley for movement.  Discconnect the battery, then stick a long thin screwdriver into the alty to stop the blades turning and turn the alty pulley backwards and forwards, it should lock one way and freewheel the other... mine was locked both ways... a new pulley is about £30 and the belt £10 so nothing major.

[xjay1337]

Yea i'm in no hurry to get new cambelt & WP, the noise is intermittent at the moment and it's only been noticeable a few times

Can you start the car with the accessory belt off? Or just take it off to visibly inspect it?

Yes you can take it off it only powers the air con and alternator.

You'll have warning lights on your dash but for a few minutes it'll be OK.
My noise was till persistent with the accessory belt off, it's definately timing belt related.

[phem0r]

Ok, thanks dude

I just got off the phone with vagtech who remapped the car and they've offered to do a free diagnostics scan and inspection of the cambelt area before to be sure it is or isn't the cambelt etc

[xjay1337]

It'll probably be the cambelt but as I said put some belt maintenaince spray on it
Nice of them to offer an inspection for free. 

[Itsagthing]

It's not the cambelt nor tensioner it's the idler that makes the noise we have done hundreds here at vw ;)

[phem0r]

Thanks for the replies

I'll let vagtech know that the idler has been suggested and accessory belt which they did suggest it may be too. May check the accessory belt myself over the weekend whilst my springs are being fitted

[phem0r]

Well the car went in today and there is water leak which has covered the cambelt and in turn weakening it

So i'm having done - cambelt kit, water leak fix and my passenger side cv boot is split so thats getting replaced, and they are fitting my Eibachs as i haven't had time

All in £700