Could it be a major problem - Engine Whine / Squeel (Clio 182)

[AliasOmega]

My 04 Clio 182 with 27k on the clock has started to whine when you rev it. Its not a fan belt squeel, but a sort of whine when you rev it from idle to 2,000rpm. After 2k the engine noise takes over and you can hear it in the background.

It sort of sounds like how your car sounds when its reversing, tho its slightly lighter pitch, and not as loud. Guy in work suspected it was a cam belt as it not made any more noise when you turned the steering wheel, put the air con on etc.

Are these problems covered under warranty, anyone have a list of what is covered and what is not.? Dont think a cam belt would be covered when its at 27k.?

What you think.? Should i drive it, i planned to ring the AA Renault Assist in the morning as the local dealer is 33mile away, and doubt they can fix it before 3 weeks sat as usual. Also no car would be available....great...!!!

 

[Gary G]

Mine made a whirring noise and a dodgy smell- alternator was on its way out.

Also, check the fan belt pre-tensioning pulley as they can fail- the spring dismounts and fouls the belt causing a nice groove in the rubber.

 

[AliasOmega]

So, should i drive the 200 mile home, or just leave it and stay here.

 

[Gary G]

Run the engine with the bonnet closed then open it up and see if you can smell anything odd. I'm no expert and could be wrong but i would guess its the alternator making the whine.

I'd drove home mate, its under warranty lol

 

[AliasOmega]

No smell, tho i dont want to breakdown halfway home when i cant get back. If i broke down i would have to be towed back here, as cant get home from Chester - Skeggy for work. Ringing up on Monday morning dont quite work you know saying i cant make it.

Need to know a yes or no, and the AA man is coming. Highly suspect it shall be a ok, fit to travel tho id be sure listening out for any more noises on the way home. Guy in work thought it was the cam belt, tho i was unsure. Ages ago you could smell belt burning, but i think it stopped.

No idea why it whines, or makes a noise. Ill just leave it to the AA man.

 

[Gary G]

Apparently the belt can foul the cover....might be that. Prob be ok mate. Keep us updated on what the aa man says

 

[AliasOmega]

Car is not going anywhere.

Renault cant see me till next week.

How renault make me a proud customer....!

 

[Gary G]

lol....whats wrong with it then, did the AA diagnose it?

 

[AliasOmega]

Said there was too much sh1t in the way to get to the pulley to take the belt off to diagnose what it was. Said it was not cam belt, maybe alternator on way out, was smelly too, so think it was cover, belt or cush drive tits.

 

[Gary G]

:S Bloody renaults eh lol

 

[AliasOmega]

we love em..im gonna drive it 40 mile anyway.

 

[Gary G]

I drove cornwall to bristol (2hours or so) with my alternator on its way out

 

[y0z2a]

:-(

doesn't sound good.

/y0z

 

[AliasOmega]

I love it, still undecided if i shoudl drive to the local train station.

Dont mind getting the train, in total with the secure parking its gonna cost about £60, a little more than it would cost in fuel, tho im unsure on leaving the car in grantham train station, and then if its worth it for 2 days.

Car booked in next thursday with courtsey car.

Just shows the great quality, the smell did me tho, did not smell right..

 

[benji&eka]

probably the aux belt rubbing on a s**t sheild or belt cover or one of the other peices of crap reno have shoved down that side

 

[AliasOmega]

Thats the idea about it, tho cant be sure about driving it incase something does brake / come off then we have some trouble as the AA man suggested the cam belt may come off too, which is what we really really dont want.

Renault wont collect it, the AA wont deliver it. Will have to drive it there on Wednesday night, tho ill be driving it locally for the next few days.

Just unsure on what to do with my time now, got a few things i can do to the bike, tho this weekend was about getting home and collecting the tools to enable me to do the job.

May have to buy some tools from halfords again.

 

[AliasOmega]

Update..

Been out in the car tonight, and today. The alternator is getting really hot, and the damn thing can be smelt through the heater system when driving the car. When i stopped the smoke was coming out the bumper, nice blue smoke. The car stinks of it. Suspect its this as the surrounding area is very hot. Touched the belt and that seems a little warm, tho not as hot as the alternator. Could be that i had main beam on for 10mins or so, air con on, and the music on. Tho i suspect it should not smoke.

I know the air con pipes go directly past the alternator, maybe thinking the fluid should be changed as it sure would of cooked the contents. Also going to push for the aux drive belt to be changed due to heat damage from the alternator. Maybe if im lucky, maybe get a free valet on this one too from the smell.

What you think of my chances of getting the air con gas / fluid changed as it runs past the alternator. What you think my chances of getting the belt replaced.? What you think the chances of me getting a free valet due to the minging burning smell.

Or is it a phone call to Renault Uk on Monday morning.

Regards,

Alias

 

[Dan@SJM]

Mine made a whirring noise and a dodgy smell- alternator was on its way out.

Also, check the fan belt pre-tensioning pulley as they can fail- the spring dismounts and fouls the belt causing a nice groove in the rubber.

My 172 mk1 is exactly the same, replaced the belt its exactly the same, the air con pulley is what is causing the whine, so it may just be a case for me to get rid of the sc and just get a shorter belt.

 

[AliasOmega]

I put me hand on the alternator and it was extremely hot. The belt was warm to touch. Had done about 70mph or so fot 7mile previously.

Just unsure on what angle to approach customer services about getting the car repaired. I know they will only replace the damaged item, and nothing else like the belt, the air con fluid, and valet the car to remove the smell.