I have recently had a new timing belt fitted to my townie, but afterwards there was a funny noise that lasted for a few days but now has turned into a whine when driving the car. can anyone help me.

- (#2886) drew, 10 May 02

If this whine only manifested itself after having the timing belt fitted, then you have to suspect that one of the five belts involved have been over tightened, it's possible that the timing belt could be the one, but if it was fitted by a competent garage then they should get it right, as they only have to use the spring loaded tensioner on the car. It could be the power steering belt, this would involve adjusting the pump back again. Or it could be the alternator/vac pump/fan belt that is over tight, this would involve adjusting the alternator. Or it could be the Air Con belt, this would involve adjusting the idler under the car, between the crank pulley & air con compressor. In the worst case scenario they could have left the bottom crankshaft pulley slightly loose, to check this, with engine off, reach down to the pulley & vigourously tug at the pulley, any disceranble movement then get it retightened, these pulleys are renowned for coming loose & destroying crankshafts. Another problem could be that if they have overtightened the timing belt then it could have damaged the tensioner bearing, the idler bearing or even the water pump, which is driven off the back of the timing belt. IN ANY OF THE ABOVE SITUATIONS I WOULD GO BACK TO THE GARAGE THAT DID THE JOB & GET THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN, BEFORE IT CAUSES SOME DAMAGE. HTH Regards Rob.

- (#2915) Rob Drinkwater, 12 May 02