Something rubbing in the engine bay

[Targarama]

Coming around a roundabout near Woodstock, Oxfordshire this afternoon, going reasonably quickly to pass a car, but not rudely so. Suddenly there was a major vibration/knocking through the steering column, no loss of power/control etc. It disappeared a second later as I took off the lock. It felt/sounded like something was hitting the steering column. It didn't do it again in gentle driving home (gentle TVR stylee that is). Also didn't do it during my preceding all-around Oxfordshire 'thrash' either.

Got home, lift bonnet, look for contact, loose bits etc. Rack/column look fine. Only thing is the drive belt (fan belt) is seriously frayed - bits hanging off one edge of it. I suspect it has been rubbing on something. However, the steering column is a reasonable distance from the lower pulley's closest point. Hmm. So obviously I need a new 'belt' which I'll get a local dealer to change in a few weeks (next opportunity week of 3rd Nov due to holiday and work travel). Due to its location I don't fancy changing it myself, so I'll drive gingerly for the 20 or so miles to get there and won't use the car in the meantime.

Any ideas what caused the vibration? (steering rack/column/fluids appear tight/fine etc.). My current theory is a failing engine mount - but it seems a long distance to move under load/g/torque etc.

Suggestions?

T/.

P.S. What a lovely day for a stroll in the country :-)

[VARLEYHYD]

Assume you have air-con; if so the clearance is only 12-14mm on its belt.
If the belt breaks no problem as the alternator will still be driven OK

Think you are spot on with engine mount theory


G

[Targarama]

Yes, I have aircon. I must look more closely tomorrow - its the forward-most belt. For some reason I thought the air-con belt was the rear one - I didn't look closely enough.

[VARLEYHYD]

Targarama said:

Yes, I have aircon. I must look more closely tomorrow - its the forward-most belt. For some reason I thought the air-con belt was the rear one - I didn't look closely enough.

Front belt aircon, rear belt alternator

G

[rolex]

If you were on full lock when it happened check the front wheel arches to see if tyres are rubbing against the bodywork. Usually a white mark where the paint has been rubbed off. Car originally designed to take 16" wheels
I think

[icraigmy]

One of the rubber engine mounts perished on my Tamora causing the engine to fall onto the chassis. I did get strange vibrations and noises until it was checked and cause of problem solved.

[Targarama]

icraigmy said:

One of the rubber engine mounts perished on my Tamora causing the engine to fall onto the chassis. I did get strange vibrations and noises until it was checked and cause of problem solved.

Mine seems fine, except for that one bend. I've not pushed it hard since though. Must be the mounts, no big deal to get done.

(and no, I wasn't on full lock - it was a roundabout 'at speed')

[Targarama]

VARLEYHYD said:

Targarama said:

Yes, I have aircon. I must look more closely tomorrow - its the forward-most belt. For some reason I thought the air-con belt was the rear one - I didn't look closely enough.

Front belt aircon, rear belt alternator

G

Thanks. Alternator belt looks fine. Like you say, Aircon belt not critical - will get it changed at the earliest opportunity though - we use the aircon quite a lot.