Squeking noise coming from the engine bay (rev dependant)
Discussion
Hello...
Once again, another problem with the car has emerged - this time, right after a service and after washing the car.
Car in question is a Exige S2.
There's a squeking noise coming from the engine and is rev dependant. It's not around at idle, but once you build up some revs (in-gear or in neutral, doesn't matter), the squeking noise starts at about 3000 rpm. It becomes a bit louder (but not much) when you build up more revs but is at some point overshadowed by the loud exhaust. Once the revs drop below around 2000 rpm, the squeking noise disappears as quickly as it started. Sometimes, the squeking noise continues when dropped to idle rev, but not for long. There's definately some irregularity there.
To me, it sounds like it could be related to the belt (v-belt?), but am confused about the sudden on-off behaviour of the squiking noise.
Interestingly enough, this started right after washing the car and I remember pointing the [high pressure] hose into the engine bay from the outside at a distance. Since the engine bay of the Exige is open and only shield off with chicken-wire, I didn't think this could cause any trouble (did this before a few times with never having any trouble). Could this be in any way related? Had the car dry up for a few hours and although the noise got better, it was still around in the following drive.
Since I'm planning a trip to the alps tomorrow and my dealer is quite far away, booked out and not very helpful over the phone, I'd be greatful for any advice or thoughts on what it could be or the seriousness of it. For what it's worth, I haven't noticed much difference while driving except for the noise it makes (clearly audible at low speeds driving through towns).
Many thanks.
Phil
Once again, another problem with the car has emerged - this time, right after a service and after washing the car.

Car in question is a Exige S2.
There's a squeking noise coming from the engine and is rev dependant. It's not around at idle, but once you build up some revs (in-gear or in neutral, doesn't matter), the squeking noise starts at about 3000 rpm. It becomes a bit louder (but not much) when you build up more revs but is at some point overshadowed by the loud exhaust. Once the revs drop below around 2000 rpm, the squeking noise disappears as quickly as it started. Sometimes, the squeking noise continues when dropped to idle rev, but not for long. There's definately some irregularity there.
To me, it sounds like it could be related to the belt (v-belt?), but am confused about the sudden on-off behaviour of the squiking noise.
Interestingly enough, this started right after washing the car and I remember pointing the [high pressure] hose into the engine bay from the outside at a distance. Since the engine bay of the Exige is open and only shield off with chicken-wire, I didn't think this could cause any trouble (did this before a few times with never having any trouble). Could this be in any way related? Had the car dry up for a few hours and although the noise got better, it was still around in the following drive.
Since I'm planning a trip to the alps tomorrow and my dealer is quite far away, booked out and not very helpful over the phone, I'd be greatful for any advice or thoughts on what it could be or the seriousness of it. For what it's worth, I haven't noticed much difference while driving except for the noise it makes (clearly audible at low speeds driving through towns).
Many thanks.
Phil
Edited by Phil-CH on Wednesday 20th May 12:32
Sounds like the alternator belt to me.... sometimes if they're a bit loose they can squeak for a while, especially if lubricated with water.... probably just needs a bit of a tighten.
One way to check... hold it at the point where it just about starts squealing, turn on the headlights, the fan and any other electrical accessory you can find... does the squeaking start/get worse? If so, it's probably just this and you should be fine to drive it, although it won't be doing the belt many favours.
One way to check... hold it at the point where it just about starts squealing, turn on the headlights, the fan and any other electrical accessory you can find... does the squeaking start/get worse? If so, it's probably just this and you should be fine to drive it, although it won't be doing the belt many favours.
Many thanks Esprit, this helps a lot.
I in fact just received a call from the dealer just minutes ago and they seem to think it's probably the alternator belt as well, just as you pointed out. Nothing too serious - advice is to get the car dried up in the sun (not in the shade as I did) and the squeking should disappear. If not, bring in the car to have the belt re-adjusted.
After having the car parked since the problem occured on Sunday, I'm hoping the problem may have already disappeared on its own. If not, I'll be sure to test what you have proposed and see what results I get. If I do, I'll post it in here for reference sake for anyone who might have a similar problem in the future.
Perfect news. Looking forward to the alps and will be sure to take some pictures!
Many thanks again!
I in fact just received a call from the dealer just minutes ago and they seem to think it's probably the alternator belt as well, just as you pointed out. Nothing too serious - advice is to get the car dried up in the sun (not in the shade as I did) and the squeking should disappear. If not, bring in the car to have the belt re-adjusted.
After having the car parked since the problem occured on Sunday, I'm hoping the problem may have already disappeared on its own. If not, I'll be sure to test what you have proposed and see what results I get. If I do, I'll post it in here for reference sake for anyone who might have a similar problem in the future.
Perfect news. Looking forward to the alps and will be sure to take some pictures!
Many thanks again!
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff


