Serpentine belt noise

Tiny
ADZI
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 FORD FOCUS
  • 150,000 MILES
Hi All,

About 6 months ago I had my serpentine belt and pulleys replaced at an authorised Ford garage.

The other day I notice a faint noise coming from the area where the belt is located. I can only hear this when the bonnet is up, not while sat in the car.

Am I just being paranoid? Is this normal?

People have had bad experiences with the garage which I went to, so just want to make sure there isn't an issue which would need to be addressed.

Thanks.
Sunday, April 11th, 2021 AT 8:15 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

I listened to the video and don't hear any belt noise. Is this a diesel engine? As far as the serpentine belt, with the engine off, check to see if it seems tight. Also, check for any oil or coolant getting on to it.

As far as the belt, here are two links. The first simply describes the belt's purpose. The second is related to the belt tensioner. I thought these may be of interest.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-serpentine-belt-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-serpentine-belt-tensioner-works

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, April 11th, 2021 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
ADZI
  • MEMBER
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Hi Joe,

Yes, the engine is diesel. I've checked the belt for tightness and contamination and all seems fine. I just perhaps never noticed it before.

Thanks for your help!
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
In the video you provided, I'm not hearing a belt noise. Does it squeal or squeak at times? If so, is there anything that seems to cause it such as high RPM's, a heavy electrical load, or even the AC?

Joe
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
ADZI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Nothing like that to be honest.

The only thing I have been noticing, and which I would appreciate your opinion on, is a short burst of air when I turn the motor off (recording in link) . Initially it was a growl sound which has turned into what I can only describe as air being released after being pressurised.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QS5iiK3dhydm1tsnd6DvQwSer7V-7YY/view?usp=drivesdk

It seems to be coming from the motor area. This only happens after even a short drive, never from cold. Any ideas?
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
ADZI
  • MEMBER
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Any ideas?
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 12:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

I feel terrible. I don't hear anything out of the ordinary. I hear the engine turn off and then what sounds like doors unlocking. I am going to ask another tech if he has any ideas.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM

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