madmob107

Hi Guys, im new to the site, two weeks ago i brought an R reg ST24, just had a full service (full ford service history) and MOT till May 2011, the car is in great condition, but the fast few days its just started a whirring noise coming from the drivers side. and is constant - ive checked the head / oil and the water and all ok, ive also checked the power steering fliud and thats just under the full mark. is there anything i should worry about?????? i thought it may be the alternator but everything is fine power wise???????? please help

Csm

Whirring ? at what speeds or on tickover ?

Could just be a wheel bearing if its in movement

bookwyse

Does it alter with the engine speed at all? If so then these are prone to spinning the bottom end due to the design of the sump and then its a new crank etc job.

It could be any number of things though so a bit more info would be nice.

madmob107

thanks so far guys, on tick over the noise is present louder inside the car thank out but is noticable - i thought that it may be the powerstering pump last night as at stand still i turned the steering wheel and the noice got louder and the revs increased - but this morning it didnt do that.... the car drives great no issues but i can hear the whirring in the background of the engine noise. the sound is definately coming from the drives side towards the back of the engine?????? im losing no power accelation is ok and have took it to 100mph fine - not been able at pres to go over that speed - i previously had a vectra gsi v6 im lossed with this one.

Neil S

iTrader: (1)

I'd check everything that runs from the aux belt.

From memory, there's a tensioner, PAS pump, AC Compressor and the alternator.

I had a similar issue on my old one, it was really difficult to spot which one of the above was causing the noise. In the end mine turned out to be the alternator.

madmob107

thanks guys looks like its a trip to the garage....

madmob107

hi guys, i have just had another look on my lunch break and i have noticed that the little cog at the back top isnt spinning - (im assuming this should be) ??????? could this be making the noise from the belt and any ideas of cost etc......thanks

Fiddy

as neil says the auxillary drive belt runs on the drivers side of the engine, check the pulleys, and the belt.

madmob107

hi guys, sorry to be a pain, but not very mechanically minded........as prev stated one of the small pulleys on the drivers side looks like its not spinning - am i able to spray wd40 etc to see if i can free it????? others any idea on cost and time to replace - and should i really be driving the car.(its the pulley at the top left) - all the others are free spining...... thanks for inadvance for your help.......

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

i would take the alternator belt off and start the car up. If the noise has gone away it could be a belt a tensioner. Also spin the alternator with your hand to make sure the bearing havent knacked up/worn.

madmob107

thanks guys for all your help................................

Neil S

iTrader: (1)

He's saying that one of the pulleys isn't turning. Surely this is the cause of the problem!?

I can't remember which one this is - PAS pump is in the V if memory serves, can't remember if there is one further towards the back than this.