Weird Noise From Aux Belt Area

[credowan]

Hi,

 

My C3 has developed a wierd wooshing noise (Sorry not very technical.)I have tried a search and read the Haynes manual but neither seemed to help but sorry if ive missed something.

When idling or rpm is raised the noise gets worse it was coming from the cambelt end of the engine so to rule this out I removed the aux belt and the noise stops when engine is running, spinning the tensioners didnt seem very noisy but the AC compressor seemed to have a rummble,I refitted the belt and tried running it again re tensioned still making noise when but when the ac was activated the electric clutch plate on the end ?didint clamp and spin with the unit could this be the problem or just a relay im not sure if it should. Ill have to have another look through the Haynes manual see if it offers any jems of wisdom,

 

Thanks in advance for any help

 

Gary

[iannez]

you need to remove the auxilary belt and start the car to see if the noise goes off. if it does i think you will find the alternator bearings are on there way out. if the noise is still there you will need the timing covers removing and check rollers, tensioners etc. done quite a few alternators for this fault so i think you will find that is the problem.

[credowan]

Thanks for the reply ive just been down to the unit and removed the aux belt and the noise stops i had it up on the ramp and removed inner arch cover etc for better view listening point the AC compressor clutch does not press in when the ac is on so not sure if this is the fault would this make any noise if needed gasing?or if broke or poss the alternator as you advised ive taken a couple of small video`s to try and help diagnos the fault ill try and upload them

 

Has anyone used a none AC belt to rule this out or is there a test to confirm its the alternator

 

Thanks again for the reply appreciated

Gary

[paul.h]

You probably know this but anyway - the cabin fan needs to be running (engine fan will also run) before the air con will work. If it still does not work and give colder air, then it is possible the air con needs regassing.

[iannez]

ive tried using a belt of a c3 without aircon to try and rule it out but it was the wrong size. pullys, tensioner or rollers must be different. look through the lower bumper grill bottom left hand side of the condenser where the pipe bolts on and you will probably see where your aircon is leaking from. if the pressure sensor does not see above a set pressure it wont work.

[credowan]

 

Small clip of the noise, couldn't upload the video of the belts and tensioners with the inner arch off but hope that this may shed some light on the fault. Any help would be really appreciated.

 

Thanks for all your comments so far.

 

Gary.

[credowan]

Iknow the video`s rubbish but any ideas on the fault

 

Thanks again

Gary

[iannez]

yes mate 99% sure its alternator.

[credowan]

Thanks for the replies iannez havin beenon holiday imlooking too sort this out asap is with the alternators you have changed in similar condition just swapped for new or refurbished items still trying to get me head round the aircon system also as i said the clutch is not engaging so ive got to look inot this would this be the case if it just needing re gassing ill post my finding once i get to the bottom of it all

 

thanks again Gary

[iannez]

the aircon always leaks from the bottom pipe on the condensor on c3's. i always squirt a bit waxoil around the connector on a first service to prevent it corroding.