My townie has started to make a strange noise when first pulling away after starting up. Its kind of like high pitched squeal, like if a fan belt or clutch was slipping. We have a 1991 2WD 2.0 TD SuperX Auto, is this something to do with the Auto Gear Box, with this being our first automatic, I am not sure how you recognise if the clutch was failing. Doesn't seem to have any probs changing up and down, no power loss or any other discernable symptoms except the squeal on pulling away!

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated but remember that what I know about engines, gearboxs and mechanics could be written on the back of postage stamp with a three inch paintbrush so keep it simple.

Thanks
Tony

- (#10802) Tony, 26 Sep 03 2:53

Tony. I would strongly suspect a belt slipping. There are a number of belts but, as you are likely to have air conditioning, I would suspect this belt. Are you in the habit of leaving the air conditiong pump running all the time (easily done after long summer months)? Test this by having the air con switched off (on the dashboard switch)and check for the noise when accelerating. If the noise disappears, switch the air conditioning on again and test, while accelerating, to see if the noise returns.
If you still have the noise, with the air con switched on and off, check the alternator and fan belts for tension.

- (#10875) John Davis, 26 Sep 03 3:08

Hi Tony
Like John says, its most likely a slipping belt, not the transmission.
If the clutches are failing, it will usually manifest itself as a hesitation to engage gears, or slipping, when engaging gears may be a better description. This will get progressively worse as time goes by, until there is no more drive left.

Inside the sump of the transmission is a couple of magnets. Dirt collected around them is a sure sign that the clutches and slip plates are wearing. Automatic Transmission Fluid, ATF should be regularly changed around the two year mark. If you have this done by a specialist, they will advise if there is any dirt on the magnets. Unfortunately there's not a lot that can be done, as changing the clutches involves a complete strip down and rebuild, so most people wait until it starts slipping, before making a decision on whether to renovate or replace the transmission.

Hope that helps
dave Bright

- (#10876) dave Bright, 26 Sep 03 4:16