Knocking Noise 172

[cwmitch]

Hi all me again! My 172 has started making
a horrible noise from the engine bay area.
The only way I can describe it is it's the same
sort of noise a knackered clutch release bearing
would make but it's not that. Seems to be coming
from the top front area of the engine looking
from under the bonnet O/S could it be the bearings
in the alternator? Any thoughts please good or bad.
Forgot to say 01 52K no smoke still drive fine
fuel consumption ect.


Cheers Colin..

 

[cwmitch]

Forgot to say the noise is on start up not
just while I'm driving if that helps?



Colin..

 

[Stig182]

does it sound like this?

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?t=343565

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?t=342413

 

[cwmitch]

Nothing like those two sound clips as I
said more of a knocking rumble like a
release bearing. Not sure if that's good
or bad?



Colin..

 

[Cupster]

Sounds bad tbh! Loose engine mount maybe?

 

[cwmitch]

If only I where that lucky as the revs rise so
does the noise!



Colin..

 

[cwmitch]

Still looking for any input about the
noise if anyone can help????





Colin..


P.S. Does anyone no of a clio specialist in the
Newcastle area??

 

[cwmitch]

Still think it's the Alternator bearings gone I've tried
the screwdriver against my ear and that seems to be
where the noise is loudest? Anyone have any thoughts.






Cheers


Colin...

 

[Christophe]

mine has a knocking sound when i'm driving in high gear whilst going 30mph or so. It does my head in and no one knows what it is.

 

[SkidMarx]

Best thing to do is take the aux belt off and then run the engine as normal. If the noise goes that confirms that its something on the aux belt i.e tensioner, alternator, PAS. While the belts off check for play in all the pulleys and give them a spin. If it feels rough then the bearings gone and that will need replacing.

 

[cwmitch]

Silly question I know but where about is the tensioner
for the Aux belt so I can get the belt off? to test which
it is.


Cheers



Colin..

 

[SkidMarx]

Its behind the drivers side headlight.. looks like a big spring with a roller on the end.. requires a 3/8 th square drive to take the tension off the belt.

 

[cwmitch]

Thanks I'll give it a go and let ya no.






Colin.

 

[cwmitch]

No good mine seems to have a spline bolt
holding the tensioner in stead of the 3/8th
square drive unless I'm a plank?




Colin....

 

[SkidMarx]

Your a plank!! haha ony messing. Its deffo a 3/8th square hole, quite tricky to get on tho.. Id advise you to remove the front bumper, slam panel and headlight. Then put a jack under the sump (with a piece of wood obv) remove top engine mount and jack up the engine. Gives u better access and you'll see the tensioner drive.

 

[cwmitch]

I am a plank and you where right. One problem I've broken
the tensioner now what I mean is I've broke the 3/8" square
hole too much pressure I guess. Used a pry bar after that to
move it one plus though I'm pretty sure it is the alternator.
Anyone got any idea how much an alt and Aux belt is for a
01 X 172? And if I have to a belt tensioner.


thanks in advance


Colin..

 

[greg182]

you would be best to replace the aux belt as a kit,the tensioners wine after a while better to be on the safe side as if it fails it can cause alot of engine damage

 

[mr angry]

The alternators are soft on these and prone to failure.

 

[cwmitch]

Hi Greg when you say change it as a kit. What does that in tail?
I mean in the kit. I've made my mind up too change the belt,
alternator and tensioner any thing else I've missed? O I forgot
to say any idea of the cost main dealer that is..





Colin..

 

[cwmitch]

Just an update on price's all are including VAT
Alternator £200.30 exchange
Aux belt kit including the tensioner £128
Aux belt £20.65
Tensioner on it's own £179.45 work that one out?
Parts arrive tomorrow so I should be back on the
road tomorrow night if all goes well?
As a side note now I've made my mistakes
and done one their not that hard if you want
to save yourself a large labour bill.


Colin..

 

[cwmitch]

A painful update my £200 ex alternator is no good the
terminals are the wrong way round in that the live to the
battery touch's the air con pipe not good! I called my dealer
who checked with Reno and they say any problems with
fitting ex units you must buy new? They list two part
numbers for alternators one with and without A/C but
exchange units have only one part number so it's luck
of the draw which you get so mines costing a extra
£160 cheers Reno I feel like I'm being f***ed up the
a**e and paying Reno to do it nice one I thing I'll buy
German or Japanese next not happy!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cwmitch]

All done and I guess I'm happy that the alternator was the
cause of the noise. Not so happy with Reno regarding there
ex alternator issues but ya live and learn I believe is the
saying!!! Anyway back to enjoying the car at last, One more
thing thanks to everyone that gave advice as ever it really
helped cheers.




Colin...

 

[Andyman]

Why are you blaiming Renault?? :S

If they give you a wrong part they replace the part back for free :S :S (mine always has) Standard shop practice. Even my local breakers does it lol

My alternator went, i handed them the car to Renault, they fitted a brand new one (about 250 ish from memory fitted) they got the old one as exchange job done

Few weeks later alternator developed a fault, took it back, they fitted a new one free, job done again.

 

[cwmitch]

I'm blaming reno because as I said in an earlier post.
If you go in and order a re-con ex alternator from them
they list two part numbers that's two!! But they only list
one number on the exchange item now call me picky
but who else should I be pi**ed off with?????????????

 

[cwmitch]

Thinking about your reply why am I blaming
reno I don't think I've made myself clear I
went to my dealer ordered alternator for my
car with A/C the dealer list's two type's with
or with out A/C the reno parts computer allows
him to order the right part. Reno receive order
and send out exchange alternator except they
don't have two part numbers for the exchange
item only one so as I said it's luck of the draw
if you get one for car's with or without A/C. So
yes I do blame reno how stupid can there parts
department be? on second thoughts pretty bloody
stupid!!!!

 

[Daz Clio Cup]

Hi all me again! My 172 has started making
a horrible noise from the engine bay area.
The only way I can describe it is it's the same
sort of noise a knackered clutch release bearing
would make but it's not that. Seems to be coming
from the top front area of the engine looking
from under the bonnet O/S could it be the bearings
in the alternator? Any thoughts please good or bad.
Forgot to say 01 52K no smoke still drive fine
fuel consumption ect.


Cheers Colin..

my water pump went at 50k, same sort of noise, in same area

 

[cwmitch]

Luckily it wasn't the water pump as mine had been
changed about 8 months before I bought the car.
Although looking at it if it does go you may as well
change the timing belt at the same time "painful"
cost and time wise!!