funny sound from timing belt
 

finally got the car to work!!, its been down for like a month or more, anyways, ummm, when we started the engine, there is this sound coming from the area where the timing belt is. it's like, ummm.... whining sound or somethin', I can't really describe it, could the belt be too tight/loose? any help would be appreciated, or has anyone replaced their timing belt and had some sort of noise?

Re: funny sound from timing belt
 

If you haven't changed the timing belt tensioner -- change it.
Mine was making the same noise until I bought a new tensioner. Autozone has one for under $30. The general rule for tension on the belt is bewteen the two cam pulleys you should be able to turn the belt half way between your thumb and index finger -- but follow the man. specs. first! Tensioner bolt should be torques to 30 lbs. Good luck!

Re: funny sound from timing belt
 

thanks, it was the tensioner, finally i can drive my z again!!,

Thats the same problem Ive been having and I just had my timing belt replaced. they didnt replace the tensioner, I found out. that must be it. now my question is should I demand that I not have to pay for this. I mean, isnt that a standard part to replace when doing the timing belt?

maybe, i dunno. we did all the work ourselves, found out what was needed to be replaced along with a timing belt and replaced it all .. anywho, yeah, i guess it is standard, so you might want to check that out

Not "standard"
 

Unless you request it be changed it is up to the mechnics' discression whether it needs one or not. They don't always need one, HOWEVER, always insist on a new one. Especially if you do not know when it was changed last.

well update. I had to tell them "maybe its the tensioner..." and he said "maybe" so I dropped the car off and they called me at the end of the day and said come pick it up, no labor charge, just pay for the part. very cool huh? we will see if it squeaks. I have to wait for it to be cold outside before it will make the noise, if at all.

sounds like you've got an ok shop
 

Bet they hated tearing down to the tensioner again. Hopefully they'll learn.

had the same problem. Found out i had the belt TOO TIGHT causing the whining. If you can spin the tensioner freely with out it grabbing, the the belt is too tight.

yeah I have that problem with the wining sound. It happens when I first start the car, but heres the thing. I just replaced the water pump cause the last one locked up on me. So when I went to put everything back on I decided to only put on the belt that runs the alternator and the water pump/fan. One because my a/c doesnt work, and two because my power steering doesnt work. So I figured that I might gain a horse and left two belts off....................so question is, since the tensioner isnt even on my car, whats causing the wining......it made the same sound before the water pump when last time.

oh the tensioner on the timing belt, ok, kick me.

ok Update AGAIN! so I started her up tongiht and started driving to the gym, it didnt make the noise....at first. so whatever they did (replace the timing belt tensioner apparently) improved the problem a little, but its still there. so Ill call them tommorow and see what they have to say
is there a chance they didnt tighten it enough or what? they said they checked all the pullys and they all seemed fine, btw. and ALL the belts are new...this problem has got me stumped

If one of you guys had the belt changed by a shop, what's the going rate for the job? Mine was supposedly changed before I bought it, but I have my doubts.