Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Terbs on 20 February 2015, 10:25:14

Title: Screeching
Post by: Terbs on 20 February 2015, 10:25:14

Hi all...

The 2.5 Estate (W reg) Elite has started to 'screech' initially on starting. Not every time, and not for long. I am assuming this is the belt or the water pump playing up ? Noticed when it did it last time, I turned the heater off and it instantly stopped the noise.
If I remember correctly, in the old days this was cured by adjusting the alternator, is it the same nowadays with these tensioner things. Or is the pump knackered. Car runs perfect. Only makes the noise on initial start up. after hot, no problems.
Advice please.  :y

Title: Re: Screeching
Post by: Kevin Wood on 20 February 2015, 11:37:18

Sounds like the aux belt slipping due to the load from the alternator.

I'd check the condition of the belt if it's not been changed recently. If there's any sign of cracking or a glazed appearance on the surface, just pop a new belt on.

The belt is tensioned by a spring in the idler pulley housing, so you can't tighten it up like in days of old.

Worth making sure the belt hasn't been contaminated by a coolant / oil leak too.

Title: Re: Screeching
Post by: TheBoy on 20 February 2015, 14:49:50

I agree with Mr Wood's appraisal, but worth also asking if the AC is on (ECO OFF) or off (ECO ON), in case the compressor is adding too much additional load.

Title: Re: Screeching
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 20 February 2015, 17:09:11

Does the spring in the tensioner weaken over time?  :-\

Title: Re: Screeching
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 February 2015, 17:35:22

Quote from: Sir Tigger on 20 February 2015, 17:09:11

Does the spring in the tensioner weaken over time?  :-\

Potentially...

Title: Re: Screeching
Post by: BazaJT on 20 February 2015, 19:56:33

Certainly sounds like aux belt related,although when mine went there was no noise tensioner pulley just disintegrated,so I'd also have a good look at that to make sure it's not seized/seizing up or something.

Title: Re: Screeching
Post by: Terbs on 20 February 2015, 20:30:51

Thanks for the replies.
The aux belt was renewed two years ago when the tensioner pulley melted and collapsed. The RAC man just put the pulley on and gave me the spring which I have in the garage. Not had any leaks of oil or water.
The heating was on (ECO off).
But now I am thinking about it, I am not 100% sure the RAC man changed the belt or not. I will have to follow your checklist when I get back from Dorset. :y