1986 245DL - Random Sqeal

diggler30 · Post by **diggler30** » 23 Nov 2014, 10:28

Hello,

I just picked up an 86 245DL for $200 to join my 850R. I was looking for a nice project car and my coworker wanted this gone so I scooped it up. It has a million things that need addressing but it runs and drives pretty good and has a straight body.

Anyways, the one issue that I dont know how to address is the random squeal I get from the front passenger side. It only happens while driving and only over 20mph maybe. It comes and goes and sounds like its coming from the wheel area. Could it be a wheel bearing? Maybe a belt tensioner? I dont know where to start so any advice will help.

Thank you!

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 23 Nov 2014, 16:36

Maybe brake pads?

diggler30 · Post by **diggler30** » 23 Nov 2014, 18:06

When I first heard it when I picked it up I thought that too but applying the breaks has no effect.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 23 Nov 2014, 19:05

diggler30 wrote:I dont know where to start so any advice will help.

My current practices - When buying an used vehicle that I believe to have a decent engine/transmission, it is parked in a garage and not driven. I examine and renew/repair/etc various mechanical aspects...timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, belts, repack wheel bearings, check brakes and front end, drive-shaft, carrier bearing, tires, etc.

Then, after pitching a thousand or so dollars, I drive it, and drive it, and drive it, without issues.

On a previous GM vehicle I bought for $500.00, I had $2,500.00 wrapped up into it. On a recently 944, which had a blown engine, I had about $1,000.00 into it just to get it home, and then I spent another grand rebuilding a B23F engine for it, along with various parts (water pump, belt, etc).

But, for those wanting a local daily beater, don't spend a nickel until it breaks down, over and over. But, I highly suggest repacking wheel bearings, and checking front end parts (tie-rods, ball joints).

diggler30 · Post by **diggler30** » 23 Nov 2014, 20:42

I will repack the bearings and see if that helps. I am not sure what I want from this 245 yet. I have an 850R as my daily so maybe this will be just to mix it up or just for fun and sell it after I have fixed everything. It is fun working on it but I know nothing about quirks of this model other then the bits I have read so far.

What I know needs attention: random exterior rust, some bad rust under rear passenger side wagon window, oil leak from valve cover, trans leak from rear of tranny where drive shaft goes in, repack wheel bearing, fix odometer, bypass engine temp pcb in instrument cluster, replacing missing panels, figure out random what random unplugged wires and a vac line are for, among other random cleaning and maintenance items.

Fixed so far: exhaust leak, dead wipers, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, started cleaning all of the old oil off the engine and engine bay.

Lots to do and I cant wait but those random wires and that vac line scare me as i just don't know these cars well. This will be fun and that isn't sarcasm.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 23 Nov 2014, 21:28

Try this site for greenbooks:

www.kjet.org

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 24 Nov 2014, 11:45

lummert wrote:Try this site for greenbooks:

Well now, try this site for the Mother-Load of Greenbooks:-)

Volvo 240 & 260 service manual

diggler30 · Post by **diggler30** » 02 Dec 2014, 22:48

I drove it to work Monday morning while it was still dark out and when the squeal came on my headlights all of a sudden got brighter. Alternator bad? I had a dead battery recently but found the ground wasn't good. What do you think?

ThommyKent · Post by **ThommyKent** » 03 Dec 2014, 04:06

Sounds like the alternator belt is loose

diggler30 · Post by **diggler30** » 03 Dec 2014, 18:04

I would like to think that but its varies in sound and frequency. It just doesn't sound like a belt. I guess I will have to pop the belt off and spin the alternator to see if seems like its going out and maybe test the thing out with my meter.