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Tracing noises and checking engine belts

Strange noises are always a concern for a car owner. Even if the car has been checked and the mechanics say that it's all right, there is always the doubt that something may go wrong later, leading to costly repairs, poorer performance or compromised safety.

This week, khun springer_cr asks about noises he hears in his car.

I drive a 2004 Honda Accord (I asked for your suggestions in buying the car a few years ago) and it has been running perfectly.

However, earlier this year I started hearing screeching noises when starting the engine from cold and after having the car checked by several mechanics, some said the noise came from the engine mounts while others said it came from the belts.

The mechanic advised me to spray a multi-purpose lubricant on to the belts and the noise would go away, but I remember you advising against applying any chemicals to the belts. So how should I fix this problem, or how can I be sure the noise is coming from the belts after all?

First, you need to trace where the noise is coming from, whether it comes from the engine compartment or from under the body. Also notice when it happens, such as when you start the engine, when the engine is already warm, or when the vehicle is in motion. Then notice what kind of sound it is - a metallic clanking or rubber parts screeching. The more accurate you can be, the better chance you will have of locating the problem and fixing it.

If the noise occurs when the engine is started and then disappears after it runs for a while, then there is a good chance that it comes from the belts.

Belts are made from rubber and after a while it starts to harden. Sometimes wear on the belts may also cause them to lose their balance. In these cases the belts may create a noise when they rub against the pulleys. But after a while, when they start to get hot, the rubber will soften and the noise will disappear. The noise will occur again once the belts cool down and harden.

An easy test you can do by yourself is to rub a bar of body soap on the underside of the belts. Apply as much of it as you can to the dry belts, without using any water. Alternatively, you can lightly sprinkle some talcum powder on to the belts. Then start the engine. If the noise has disappeared or becomes less noticeable, then it surely comes from the belts. All you have to do is replace the belts.

Most of the time, this problem occurs during the cool season, since the lower temperatures can cause the belts to harden. Sometimes it happens after you drive the car through lots of water. The water splashes into the engine compartment and some may end up on the belts, which are hot, and this can cause them to transform and shorten their life.

Even if you are certain that the noise is coming from the belts, I suggest that you look for any damage on the belts before replacing them. If they are still in good condition, with no cuts or cracks on the rubber surface, then there is no need to replace them. You can still use them for a long time.

But do not apply any chemicals or lubricants to the belts. Although these may help to stop the noise at first, they can cause the rubber to swell or stretch, or cause different layers of the belts to separate. The only exceptions to this rule are chemicals made especially for belts, or you can stick to using a light application of talcum powder to lower the noise.

By Pattanadesh

Asasappakij