high pitch noise on cold start up

[SergSC]

Thought it might be the alternator belt, but that has just been replaced during the 12k as the old one was frayed. Unfortunately I couldnt leave the car with them one more day so that it could be cold started again.
The noise lasts only until the car has warmed up a few degrees to about 10c. And the other day I happened to notice it varying with steering lock, most intense when at full lock, even if not moving forward, but also loud if I prod the accel pedal when at a stop... so I'm confused by the likely cause... anyone come across this before?

Cheers
S

[ShiDevil]

Might still be alternator belt. Mine was replaced and needed to bed in a it and I got it adjusted tightened after and now all ok.

[shep1001]

It's an electric ps pump so nout to do with that. Those whirring noises you hear especially on full lock or if you dead steer are normal. The alternator belt needs a lite more tension I suspect now it's bedded in. Easy job just pop the air box off and you can see what needs loosening to adjust the tension.

Edited by shep1001 on Sunday 4th May 18:24

[SergSC]

Thanks guys.
Shep, the sound isnt the typical whirring sound, its exactly the same high pitch (belt like noise) noise as when I prod the accel pedal... this is what got me wondering if it was maybe something other than the alternator belt.
Thinking more abou it, I think it probably is the alternator and steering affects the noise because when you are just moving off under mostly idle power adding more lock adds a bit more load to the engine and the belt overruns/slips under the alternators inertia.... or something like that... or a ps fault sounds exactly the same...

[shep1001]

SergSC said:

Thanks guys.
Shep, the sound isnt the typical whirring sound, its exactly the same high pitch (belt like noise) noise as when I prod the accel pedal... this is what got me wondering if it was maybe something other than the alternator belt.
Thinking more abou it, I think it probably is the alternator and steering affects the noise because when you are just moving off under mostly idle power adding more lock adds a bit more load to the engine and the belt overruns/slips under the alternators inertia.... or something like that... or a ps fault sounds exactly the same...

Take the ps relay out - they grey thing by the oil tank and see if the noise goes away with no assistance on the steering.

[EvoOlli]

If you turn the steering to the lock, the electric pump has to work a lot harder...so the current drain of the pump goes up and the alternator has to work harder to recharge the battery. Because of this the alternator is harder to drive by the belt and you have more 'squeaking' than without the load on the alternator. It's that simple :-)
I have the belt problem since a long time, tried several belts, used belt 'anti-squeak' spray, even changed the bracket which is used for adjusting the tension of the belt to a better adjustable one..nothing helped..if it's cold or the car was standing outside, the belt squeaks for the first seconds.

[konrad.holl]

EvoOlli said:

I have the belt problem since a long time, tried several belts, used belt 'anti-squeak' spray, even changed the bracket which is used for adjusting the tension of the belt to a better adjustable one..nothing helped..if it's cold or the car was standing outside, the belt squeaks for the first seconds.

Phew, same here - after changing the belt squeaking when cold...

[fredd1e]

Mine does this with a new alternator belt and its tight. Its happens when ever theres a load on the alternator not long after starting, If youcheck dash voltage display when it happens it will probably be below 13V . As this happens after startup I think my battery is getting tired, the alternator is trying to fill the current gap until the battery catches its breath (charge).

[SergSC]

Thanks guys,
Evolli That makes perfect sense, I'd forgot the alternator resists rotation when under load.
Looks like it will be my first time getting the airbox completely out. yay
Surely it must be possible to return it to silence as it once was...

cheers
S