98 S70 Squeaking Noise from Timing Belt when hot

Post by **mecheng** » 07 Aug 2014, 04:36

For the last couple of months, when cold there is a "chirp, chirp" noise from my timing belt only when the engine is cold and only at idle. When the car heats up it, or when I rev the engine the noise dissapears.

I removed the serpentine belt to ensure it was the timing belt. I removed the cover, and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Any thoughts? Its not due for a timing belt yet.

Post by **precopster** » 07 Aug 2014, 06:11

The chirp can be the pulley or the tensioner bearing. I'd just get a timing set without the belt and change it over.

Without the water pump and hydraulic tensioner the cost will be negligible and you can sleep at night

Post by **mecheng** » 07 Aug 2014, 06:39

Its funny that it doesn't do it when its warm. To add, I have the mechanic tensioner. Maybe the tension is not set correctly?

Post by **precopster** » 07 Aug 2014, 06:51

At 20degC or around 70degF the pointer should be close to the middle when running. Pretty easy to check with only a 10mm bolt to undo.

Post by **mecheng** » 07 Aug 2014, 07:14

Ok I just read the instructions, it says to adjust the eccentric counterclockwise or from the right, but then it says to turn it clockwise. It is somewhat confusing.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 Aug 2014, 07:56

My mechanical tensioner isn't on an eccentric bolt. It has the center bolt to latch it down and then an Allen head hole to actually adjust the tensioner.

...Lee

Post by **cn90** » 07 Aug 2014, 08:06

Check your service records. The TB may last 130K+ but the mechanical tensioner is notorious for failing as early as 90K on it.

The TB kit sold by the dealer (TB and both pulleys) is about $120, better be safe than sorry.

http://thevpstore.com/parts/index.cfm?s ... eid=216778

Post by **rspi** » 07 Aug 2014, 09:12

Noisy TB rollers is your FINAL WARNING. Replace the bad roller TODAY. If the roller seizes up, it will toss the belt and the head.

I had that warning on one of my 960's. When I pulled the belt the idler roller was so tight I could NOT spin it with one hand, took two hands and a lot of effort.

If the belt has NOT been changed in the last 50k, just install a new belt. $18 Is all a new belt cost, unless you don't mind going back in there in 20,000 miles or so.

Post by **cn90** » 07 Aug 2014, 09:31

The whole TB kit is only $120 at dealer (TB, idler and mechanical pulley).

Post by **mecheng** » 07 Aug 2014, 10:10

Ozark Lee wrote:My mechanical tensioner isn't on an eccentric bolt. It has the center bolt to latch it down and then an Allen head hole to actually adjust the tensioner.

GEDC1001.JPG
...Lee

Ok, to adjust do you only move it counter clock wise ?

Yes, if I do change it, I will change everything, price is not the issue I don't skimp on parts. I just don't want to do anything but I will investigate tonight