Cam Belt Noise - With Video

[stowie44]

Hoping someone can give me some advice on what I think is noise related to a recent cambelt change.

My car is a 2003 Saxo VTR.

The noise is only noticeable once the car is fully warmed up and is most prominent around 3k revs. I would describe it as more of a whirr than a whine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0ms1wdTWOw

When I changed the cambelt I set the tensioner using a homemade tool from a door handle, weight and lever matching the specifications covered in the Haynes manual.

In terms of rotation I can easily twist the belt through 90 degrees when the car is cold and can get it to 90 degrees with a bit more effort once its warmed up (obviously on the longest stretch).

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Mickswan]

Did you replace the water pump?

[stowie44]

Yep, the waterpump was replaced too. When I first changed the belt I didn't change the pump and suspected that was the issue. It's now been changed and the noise is still there.

[bytor]

Check the tension on the belts when the car is warm, could be over tight.

[qrty]

Being able to twist it that much sounds like it may be slightly too loose. The video almost sounds like a knackered idler though. :/

[bytor]

Being able to twist it that much sounds like it may be slightly too loose. The video almost sounds like a knackered idler though. :/

I missed what he'd say in original post!

Run the engine with the cover off you'll be able to hear / see what is wrong.

[stowie44]

Thanks for the pointers.

The tensioner was replaced too. I'm wondering if I have got it set up fractionally too tight.

Was speaking to a friend who has done cam belts in the past. He explained that the feel of the belt through 90 degrees should be like taking an elastic band towards its elastic limit. i.e. the belt should be happy to twist 90 degrees but to move it further it feels like you are applying force to the belt sufficient to stretch it a little. I think to get my belt to 90 degrees I may be applying a bit of force. Its one of those moments where you subconsciously think "better nip that up a bit tighter".

Does that make sense?

Checking my "notes" from taking the cam belt off I noted down that I could easily move through 90 and force another 45 (almost) without being brutal.

[Prickle]

Sounds tight. check the pump doesnt have play also

[stevo67]

What make of belt did you fit?

[stowie44]

Its a contitech.

I've got another unused one which is a dayco - better?

[stevo67]

Can`t comment on contitech as i`ve never used them,most people use Gates cambelts.

[Gandi699]

Belt brand should not matter too much as long as it's not some wank Chinese brand you've not heard of. alter the tensioner then see how you go remember it's 23nm for the securing nut


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[stowie44]

I think (fingers crossed tightly) the issue has been resolved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snu92j1h4ok

I backed the tensioner off a little and reset with my homemade tool and best judgement.

You can still hear a faint whurr but I'm not going to expect perfection on a 100k mile engine.

The video above was taken when the engine was up to temperature. Listening to the first video again the difference in unbelievable!

[bytor]

Well done!!