Humming sound from 2008 1.2 Clio TCE

[Tyy]

Hi All,

I've got a 2008 1.2 clio TCE which i've had from virtually new for all of four years now (it was my first car). Lately i've notice a weird humming/ wheezy type sound which is more audible than the actual engine sound and is really annoying (the engine has always been pretty quiet), I don't know how to describe it really I just don't know enough about these things so any advice as to what it could be would be very much appreciated. The sound is kind of like a quieter version of when you are reversing but it's there all the time.

For info;

• I can hear it when stationary and moving.
• Definately sounds like its coming from the engine area
• Gets louder with increased rev's rather than speed
• I can still hear it when the engine is idle and the clutch is engaged
• I've checked all oil levels etc and all is fine
• There doesn't seem to be any change in power or lack of, when driving.
• I can change gears smoothly with no issue
• I can hear the sound all the time although its less audible on the Motorway (possibly due to increased road noise)
• The car passed the MOT a month or so ago with no issues
• Put the bonnet up yesterday to have a listen and it seems to be coming from the left side of the engine bay type area
• The car has done about £33k miles and is not due a service for a while.

I'm really stumped and just don't know enough about engines so if any of you guys have any ideas at all of what it could be before I take it to a garage that would be really helpful. Thanks in advance

 

[Chapster5]

Left side is the Pulley's could be one of them is getting loose or ready for replacing maybe the Dephaser pulley? With the engine off have a wiggle at the pulley's see if any are noticeably loose or check the belts for wear if they are rubbing against anything?

 

[Tyy]

Left side is the Pulley's could be one of them is getting loose or ready for replacing maybe the Dephaser pulley? With the engine off have a wiggle at the pulley's see if any are noticeably loose or check the belts for wear if they are rubbing against anything?

Hi, Thanks very much for the reply I'll have a check tonight after work I did take a picture of the area where the noise was coming from, it sounds like what you described, I'll have to see if I can upload it... I know its a horrible question to answer because of all the variables but if it is that do you have any idea of what its likely to cost at a garage?

 

[Tyy]

Here's a pic of the area it was coming from in the vicinity of the black belt, sorry for the crappy out of focus photo, my iphone focused on everything bar the thing I was trying to get a pic of! .

 

[Chapster5]

No worries,

Not too sure how much Dephasers are to have replaced. I'm sure someone will come along soon and let you know mate

EDIT

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?654802-Dephasher-noise-help&highlight=dephaser+cost

According to that thread £465 from a reputable specialist!

 

[Ian_s]

It's not the dephaser, I don't even know if your engine has one. Even if it did it doesn't make a humming noise when it goes.

That's a pic of the auxiliary belt, it could be one of the tensioners / idlers humming.

 

[Tyy]

It's not the dephaser, I don't even know if your engine has one. Even if it did it doesn't make a humming noise when it goes.

That's a pic of the auxiliary belt, it could be one of the tensioners / idlers humming.

Thanks for the reply.
As a quick update I've just dropped it in the local garage the first thing he said was something to do with 'tensioner' alternator bearings and pulleys? But he said to give him a couple of hours and he'll button down the issue and give me a quote hopefully it won't be too costly

 

[Tyy]

It's not the dephaser, I don't even know if your engine has one. Even if it did it doesn't make a humming noise when it goes.

That's a pic of the auxiliary belt, it could be one of the tensioners / idlers humming.

You sir are in fact a genius!! You were absolutely right
I've just literally got back from garage now, in case anyone's interested it turned out to be an issue with the tensioner pulley bearings which had damaged the auxiliary belt according to the garage, so they replaced both and it now runs like a dream

thanks for the input to the thread guys I do appreciate it

the cost was £130 which seems ok really considering I dumped it on them with only 3 hours left of the working day