Something not right - belt squeak, "loose' feeling to clutch etc

[perksy]

Please help!

I've owned stacks of cars in the past and done suspension/intercoolers/interior swaps etc but this has me stumped...  I wonder if you lot could tell me what you think before I go swapping bits needlessly.

Symptoms are that the engine has a kind of "loose/clonky feeling" to it in the way that it takes up drive when the clutch is released and also that I hear/feel the serpentine belt (or something in that general area) squeak or "giggle" momentarily when moving off.

I get a fair bit of this "giggly" belt noise when the car is started (hot or cold) and its a little embarrassing.  Also, if the revs drop a bit too low when I'm moving off (not enough throttle when I'm releasing clutch) then the belt giggly noise is very pronounced.

Really irritated by this as the car is amazing otherwise, but at the moment not providing the enjoyment of other cars I've had in the last few years (Focus ST, Civic Type R EP3, BMW 330d E90)

Any ideas please anyone?

James

[dazza]

I have no idea about the loose feeling in the clutch.

But the squeak could be down to the alternator clutch pulley. It should free wheel one way.

Remove the auxiliary belt. Place a screwdriver in the blades of the alternator to stop it moving then try and move the pulley.

If this and the belt are ok maybe its the tensioner?

[perksy]

Many thanks thats very helpful.  I'll give it a go.

Are the cambelt idlers/tensioners (in)famous for making noise?

James

[dazza]

Many thanks thats very helpful.  I'll give it a go.

Are the cambelt idlers/tensioners (in)famous for making noise?

James

I really hope its the aux belt. Very easy to check. I had a squeak when going up my drive it really annoyed me, changed the belt but made no difference. The pulley was fooked it did not free wheel one way.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_Mk_V/11-ENGINE-Replacing_Your_Ribbed_Drive_Belt/11-ENGINE-Replacing_Your_Ribbed_Drive_Belt.htm

[perksy]

Cheers - just been looking at that link.  Looks easy enough.  I'll get a belt ordered.

James

[dazza]

I would check the pulley first before changing the belt. If its fooked change them both together.

[john87]

If you're getting a 'loose' feeling from the engine, could it possibly be one of the engine mounts is failing/failed?

[lukemk5gti]

Sounds similar to mine! Interested to see if you get it sorted...

[olethalb]

as above i'd be looking at engine / box and dogbone mounts first of all, also check db bolts are tight in box

[perksy]

Thanks for all your help gents.  I now have a little list of things to have a go at.  I'll let you know how I get on.

James

[Ricky123]

Definitely worth checking the dog bone mount as mentioned also cv joints if you get a feeling like the car is taking up slack in something before moving